Myrkgrav is a folk / viking metal one-man project by Lars Jensen, heavily inspired by the Ringerike regional folk stories where he was raised. The high quality debut album “Trollskau, skrømt og kølabrenning” was released in 2006, and a decade later Myrkgrav returns with “Skrømt og kølabrenning”. Unfortunately this can turn out to be the last album of this astonishing Norwegian project. This album is currently only available in digital format, with the physical album release date still to be announced.
This is another high quality release, featuring more blackened, folk and brilliant melodies. Overall, the songs are well balanced regarding their composition. We can also find here “Om å danse bekhette” and “Finnkjerringa” from the debut album. These tracks differ from the original in some aesthetic adjustments that highlight their already superior quality.
The album features as special guests: Olav Luksengård Mjelva (Hardanger fiddle), Erlend Antonsen (bass guitar) and Bernt Fjellestad (clean vocals on “Sjuguttmyra” track).
“Bakom Gyrihaugen”, one of the album’s introductory tracks, starts with a Hardanger melody, a traditional Norwegian instrument which resembles a traditional violin. The track crosses folk instrumentation with the crescent rhythm, creating a connection between the melody and a fun trip to the lakes located between the mountains. The following track “Soterudsvarten” combines the same traditional instrumentation with heavier sounds and harsher vocals that sweeten the composition. “Spålsnatt” is another enthralling, heavier instrumental track that set the perfect ambient to explore the forest beyond the snow-capped mountains.
In “Uttjent” track, Lars casts the remaining trumps of blackened riffs before returning to more orientated folklore tracks. The English version of the album’s intro and Hardanger’s solo “Takk og farvel” embellish the end of the journey that this beautiful album makes you embark on.
The album is instrumentally well achieved and articulated with the drums based rhythmic section. The execution is flawless and the suitable choice of the Hardanger elevates the compositions to another creativity level.
The album is balanced and diversified, combining heavy, progressive and atmospheric sonorities. It doesn’t spare any folk motifs, slightly resembling the unique style of the Norwegian band Windir.
