[Interview] MYRKUR is upon us: "I like to do things that make me fear I will die"

"It is not a band, it is just me, I am Myrkur"

Myrkur is a one-woman black metal band/project from Denmark. Not much is known about her and she seems to have suddenly popped up out of nowhere. Her debut album is out on Relapse Records on September 15th (16th in NA). Pre orders are up here. I, Ívar R, decided to send her a few questions about the upcoming album and her influences.

Congratulations on your debut record and signing on with Relapse Records.
Thank you.

I’m curious to know how a one man band with no other releases managed to sign with such a big label as Relapse Records?
They heard me sing in the forest and offered to sign me.

The word myrkur means darkness / dark in Icelandic, do you have any ties with Iceland?
Iceland is a great love of mine. It is where our Norse Mythology sagas stem from, and the nature is frozen yet alive. I like to go there in a snow storm and swim in a hot spring. Lava inspires me, and the weather is very unruly and brutal.

Where do you seek inspiration?
In nature first. I am inspired by harshness and beauty of nature. I look to the duality of man, and the gods. I mostly listen to Scandinavian black metal bands, such as Ulver, Kvist, Mayhem, Dissection, Enslaved.

What or who would you list as your biggest influences?
I am inspired by the godfather of black metal, Edvard Grieg. His compositions are romantic yet violent. And Old Norse folk music.

Is Myrkur your first band?
It is not a band, it is just me, I am Myrkur.

How would you describe your first record?
As a combination of ethereal choir vocals and evil guitars and aggressive blast beats. I relate to the Norse Mythology figures Elver piger, Huldra, Valkyrier, who are creatures of beauty but also deadly. I like my music to sound this way.

What do you do in your spare time?
I like to climb mountains and swim in ice water. I like to do things that make me fear I will die, then afterwards I feel alive.

What can fans expect from you in the future? Will there be live performances?
They can expect a full length record which I am writing in Norway at the moment. And yes, I will also like to play live concerts.

Anything you would like to add?
Stay Trve and keep spreading the message of black metal.
- Ívar R

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