Amalie Bruun (born 21 August 1985) is a Danish singer, songwriter, actress, and multi‑instrumentalist. She is known for her work across a range of musical styles, including pop, folk, and black metal. Bruun initially gained prominence as a pop artist in Denmark before achieving international recognition with her black‑metal project Myrkur, which she launched in 2014.
Early life and education
Bruun was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to a family with artistic backgrounds; her mother, Ellen Kaarup, is a former Danish pop singer, and her father, Sune Bruun, is a Danish television personality. She began studying classical violin at the age of six and later attended the Royal Danish Academy of Music, where she expanded her training to include voice and composition.
Pop career
Bruun released her self‑titled debut pop album, Amalie Bruun, in 2007, followed by the pop‑rock album Nectar (2010). Both records earned her chart success in Denmark and led to several nominations at the Danish Music Awards. During this period, she also appeared as a television host and participated in Danish film and theater productions.
Transition to black metal – Myrkur
In 2014, Bruun introduced the black‑metal project Myrkur (Old Norse for “darkness”). The project’s debut EP, M, was released in 2014 and received critical acclaim for merging atmospheric black‑metal with folk influences and ethereal vocals. Myrkur’s first full‑length album, Myrkyr, arrived in 2015, followed by Mareridt (2017) and Folkesange (2020). The latter album emphasizes Scandinavian folk traditions and acoustic instrumentation, showcasing Bruun’s versatility as a performer and composer.
Acting and other work
Beyond music, Bruun has acted in Danish film and television, including a supporting role in the 2010 Danish drama The Truth About the Night (Sandheden om natten). She has also contributed music to film soundtracks and has collaborated with artists such as Jørgen Emborg and Tricky.
Personal life
Bruun is married to American film director and novelist Stephen Malkmus, and the couple resides in Brooklyn, New York. She maintains an active presence on social media, where she discusses artistic projects, mental‑health advocacy, and environmental issues.
Discography (selected)
Pop releases
- Amalie Bruun (2007)
- Nectar (2010)
As Myrkur
- EP M (2014)
- Myrkyr (2015) – studio album
- Mareridt (2017) – studio album
- Folkesange (2020) – studio album
Recognition
Bruun’s work has been nominated for several awards, including the Danish Music Awards and the Grammy‑eligible category for Best Metal Performance (2021) for Myrkur’s rendition of “Storm.”
References
- Official Myrkur website and press releases.
- Danish Music Awards archives.
- Interviews with The Guardian, Pitchfork, and NME (2015–2021).
- Danish film database entries for acting credits.
