Myrkur Announces Juniper EP and Posts Title Track

Myrkur has been exploring the folk side of her sound more and more on recent releases. While it gives black metal purists reasons to say horrible things directed her way, I’m all for it any time an artist branches out and introduces disparate sonic palettes to any form of heavy music.

Myrkur’s new EP Juniper will continue pushing the boundaries of what can acceptably be included in the black metal sphere (not that Myrkur gives a shit) if its title track, released yesterday, is any indication. The track opens with just Myrkur’s voice before a string orchestra accompanies her through its first minute and a half. The band finally kicks in with what we might call metal, but Myrkur’s voice and the string accompaniment are the true all stars here with everything else serving to contrast their beauty. Who needs guitars and drums when you’ve got the human voice and the sound of a bow floating over strings?

Juniper will come out December 7th on Relapse; pre-order here.