Múr who comprise of Kári Haraldsson (vocals, keyter, synths), guitarists Hilmir Árnason and Jón Ísak Ragnarsson, bassist Ívar Klausen and drummer Árni Jökull Guðbjartsson derive their name from the Icelandic term for “brick wall,” and forge apocalyptic soundscapes that transcend conventional boundaries. Their self-titled debut album arrives this month.
`Eldhaf` appears to translate to blaze or sea of flames and begins gently before a more aggressive heavy guitar riff joins. The number then becomes more contemplative with vocals that betray a kind of acceptance or resignation of the situation faced. As the number progresses the guitars sync with the drums and becomes fairly mesmerising. The group`s name and album title track `Múr` has howled or unclean vocals screamed over a powerful backing and is a hostile and forceful listen which feels pretty provocative at times.
`Frelsari` which seems to translate to liberator or the saviour, I read explores themes of blind faith, giving up control, and the illusions of liberation. The number retains the intensity of the previous track but has a more controlled antagonism with vocals that are again screamed. There was a kind of awakening of sorts with `Vitrun` which means wintering or vision, apparition, or revelation, make of that what you will. The track has a kind of industrial synth like underbelly with powerful riffs and howled vocals that become more temperate at times along this journey. As we progress it becomes quite introspective and spellbinding.
`Messa` according to the search engine I used equates to mass or to chant or say the mass, a nod towards organised religion possibly or a demonic ceremony or ritual. I felt there was a sense of anxiety about this submission. The band have shared that ‘Heimsslit’ is an Icelandic word for the apocalypse, but the literal translation is ‘world’s tearing,’ inspiring a vision of the world coming apart at the seams. It begins tenderly as if blossoming or unfolding for the first third before a noise akin to an army marching joins and the vibe changes as screamed vocals connect at the midpoint. The final segment seems more desolate or apocalyptic with harmonies that seem almost spiritual or divine leading and guiding us out.
This release closes with `Holskefla` whose title according to the band means ‘deluge’ or ‘barrage’ and they share that the song embodies the album’s overall theme of breaking the shackles of inner turmoil and finding strength in letting go. It takes all kinds of paths beginning softly prior to a more repetitive segment with belligerent sounding roars and wailing which felt like a precursor to something more hostile or confrontational. The finale is more truculent but almost accepting of the situation.
Múr describe their music as “a wall of sound and emotion but are quick to point out that their sound is up for interpretation and that is probably a fair summation. If the album had been sung in English or had English lyrics it might have sounded or felt different but there was a kind of beauty in lyrics that were beyond your understanding and the moving nature and diversity of the aural soundscape shared.
Rating 8.5/10
