So as with Skuggsja, this is technically not a "metal" release, but more an acoustic album by a metal musician. In any case, love or hate her, black metal mistress Myrkur is back. Last year's M seemed to largely divide fans of the genre; which to me was silly. People liked to argue due to some old videos that she is too into fashion and other such things to be worthy. Right. Because that is what music is about...and no black metal musician ever has placed a strong emphasis on image. Whether you are applying blush or Corpse paint, putting on spikes or a dress, you are still buying into a certain fashion sense.
Alright, with that rant out of the way, let's talk Mausoleum. This is a live performance from the Emanuel Vigeland Mausoleum in Oslo, Norway. The album features acoustic versions of seven songs from M along with one new song and a Bathory cover; all accompanied by the Norwegian Girls Choir and Håvard (ex-Ulver) on guitar. Even if you continue to rage on your keyboard against this supposed interloper there is one fact that cannot be denied: Myrkur is an amazing singer. And with these stripped down compositions, her ethereal voice is given even more room to shine.
Danny Elfman, eat your heart out. I'm waiting for the inevitable day that these two collaborate. Much like a Tim Burton soundtrack, these reverb-tinged choral arrangements define the exact halfway point between beautifully haunting and chillingly creepy. It's like admiring freshly fallen snow in the woods, but also wondering when some mythical beast is going to stride out into your path. Gone are any of the harsh screeches and distortion that appeared on previous releases. What is left is simplying soothing, folky melodies that remind me of Enya if her music had a bit more edge.
Simply put, I really love this release. It stands as a reminder that not in just Mykur's case, but black metal in general, there is a deceptive beauty beneath some of the more sinister overtones. I continue to agree with the critics out there calling black metal one of the most interesting and dynamic of the metal genre's. There is still so much experimentation and territory left to explore. And when you have a vocalist with such talent, what's not to like about simply highlighting a project's most salient and impressive qualities. Listen and buy below today.
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