From their EPK, “Trøst” doesn’t convey a general thematic thread but contains various stories about being human, specifically from Anne’s personal perspective. The subjects are serious, and thus, the album title isn’t without a certain irony, but it also points to art's potential for insight, understanding, and, yes, comfort. Some songs deal with things we all experience: loss, persecution, fate. Others address more personal and concrete topics such as the sleeplessness of anxiety and grief. The lyrics play with and reference Danish literature and ancient myths, often focusing on nature and its many processes, often deterministic, which also intersect with our lives.”

The album has eight songs, and “Fuglekongen” is first. What strikes me first is the delicate nature of Anne’s vocals. The music is jovial at times, and somber at others, and the song is rich with atmosphere. For me, it’s akin to the mystery of a hidden secret that you just want to keep. “Vætter” has a jovial groove and just enough veiled darkness to keep you engaged. Bass and drums work very well together, and the vocals provide the seasoning. “Natsværmer” has a haunting opening piano sequence and here we get more of the somber side of the album. The vocals detail a struggle, perhaps a common one that we all face. They also make good use of texture in the music with swells, heavy riffs and retreats.

“Vandskabt” has a firm and sturdy bottom end from a weighted distorted riff at first, and they make good use of melody and vocal harmonies as well. So far, the balance they display on the album is one of its best features. “P.S. Far er død” is a beastly 12-minute opus, and the band is free to explore a lot of emotions, textures, and dynamics. They show restraint at times when handling the heavier moments, and let melody light the way through the darkness. The title track, by contrast, is a short two-minute diversion, allowing the listener to regain some strength for the final two songs. “Blind” has a fascinating combination of thick, meaty bass notes and some wide-open melodies that breathe. At times, the tension that they create with the music has you on the edge of your seat.

“Sang om Håb” closes the album. It plays with you at times but is much more dangerous at others. The riffs are downright chonky when needed but the vocals never lose sight of the catchy nature of the music. This was an excellent album, shrouded in mystery at times, and wide open for the taking at others. It’s the way that these two feelings are blended that make the album so well balanced, and the key to their sound is the songwriting and musicianship. Both are outstanding.