When we last spoke to black metal solo artist, Myrkur, it was towards the end of last year and she’d just released her self-titled debut. In that time the secret identity behind the music has created a whirlwind of controversy, while the songs themselves have divided opinion across the metal community, citing likenesses in everything from Xasthur to Dissection. Less than a year later the Danish musician is set to bestow sophomore effort ‘M’ upon the world, with Kristoffer Rygg (Ulver) at the helm of production. “We have a lot in common and he mentored me a lot,” reflects Myrkur. “It was very much a collaboration. It’s exciting for me to work with that level of talent and we share the same vision.”
Myrkur’s collaboration with Rygg isn’t the only thing stirring up excitement about this record; the artist is lifting the shroud of mystery surrounding her identity and finally letting the world glimpse her face. “Sometimes I feel like I’m being forced to show more than I really want to,” she sighs, “but it’s also nice to have the freedom to be open about who I am and speak freely about what I want, and to connect with people.” And connecting with people is very much the intention behind ‘M’ – for Myrkur it’s about finding who she really is and merging the identity of the person behind the project with the music itself. “I very much want the music to speak for itself. My vision is that this album tells a story or saga that’s a more abstract version of myself and the world around me,” she explains.
Despite Myrkur’s eagerness to reach out to her fans, it comes at a cost, but one she is more than prepared to rise above. In her short musical career, she has quickly discovered that the world of music in the online realm is a fickle, bitter place. “Some of the hate I receive online – never in person; these pussies know that if they ever came to a show they’d get beaten up – it’s low to see the human race behave in that waya, but I find beauty in the people that want to change that. I’m just tired of the endless negative way in which people talk about women, not just as artists, but in general. It’s such a sheep mentality, stop being cattle.” Never one to let haters get her down, Myrkur’s vision for her music outshines all of those who doubt her. “What’s important to me is that I got to work with one of my heroes and to communicate my vision to the world. If I’m being more practical about it then I just want to play concerts and keep feeling excited, challenged and engaged with that I’m doing.”