This evening, we are visited by two of Scandinavia’s finest acts in the form of Myrkur, a black metal and folk infused project led by Danish musician Amalie Bruun and Jonathan Hulten solo singer and composer from Sweden. This is the second of only two UK shows on this tour and it definitely feels special.
The stage and all of its’ components are adorned with flowers and vines, a beautiful floral archway nestling within them, like a scene from the secret garden. Tonight’s first act Jonathan Hulten, draped in dark robes and floating fabric with a magnificent, veiled headdress, takes his place in front of the arch and after a still moment begins his enchanting set.
As the first few chords of ‘Wasteland’ are played the room is still and silent soaking in every note intertwined with the sounds of birdsong and whistling winds transporting you into his world. He has a serene and magnetic presence, and his vocal range is simply breath-taking, simultaneously gentle, and strong it floats softly through the air and hypnotises all in its path. Jonathan’s songs are introspective and full of spiritual exploration, their composition intricate and soulful which makes for a magical combination. He weaves his spell with a stunning set of tracks including ‘A Call To Adventure’, ‘Where Devils Weep’ and ‘Leaving’. He took a moment to express his gratitude to Myrkur for bringing him on tour and to the audience for their shown appreciation before leaving the stage to loud applause. Definitely a must-see artist in the truest sense of the word.
You can feel the anticipation swell as the room awaits their headliner Myrkur. Smoke swirls across the stage and the plants sway a little as it passes through them. Amelie appears through the haze and stands in a formidable powerful stance silhouetted in front of the mic stand and her voice fills the room causing hairs to stand on end . This show is for the most part is a celebration of latest album ‘Spine’ a hugely critically acclaimed body of work and deservedly so. They open with ‘Balfaerd’ and immediately connected to her fans she reaches out towards them as she sings. Next are ‘Like Humans’ and ‘Mothlike’ also from ‘Spine’, this new direction away from the earlier heavier black metal is profoundly beautiful and emotional and the performance reflects this.
The crowd sway and dance and in between songs there is riotous applause, she bares her soul when she sings, and her band complement her with equally stellar talent. Maja Shining produces a stunning vocal accompaniment as well as providing powerful bass and also playing the keys. They are all connected and play perfectly together. Towards the end of the set Amelie introduces back to the stage Jonathan Hulten to play on an older track ‘House Carpenter’ which brings the folk element out in force. It is a beautiful moment, and we are lucky to experience this as they only incorporated it into the set the day before in Manchester!
The encore brings the darker side with ‘Ulvinde’ from 2017 release ‘Mareridt’ and ‘Death of Days’ and as we come to a close the impact of the show is clear to see. A wonderful and deeply spiritual event from beginning to end. Incredibly special indeed.
Review & All Photos By Rebecca Bush
https://www.instagram.com/beckybphoto/
Jonathan Hulten
Myrkur
