The Wild Hunt

Released in 2010, The Wild Hunt cemented Kristian Matsson’s reputation as one of the premier folk artists of the indie era. Following his debut, Shallow Grave, this sophomore effort expanded his sonic palette slightly - most notably with the inclusion of piano on the final track - while maintaining the strict minimalist discipline that defined his early work. The album was recorded primarily by Matsson himself, often using a single microphone to capture both his voice and guitar simultaneously, resulting in a mono-like focus and a dry, 'in the room' sound. Critics frequently compared his vocal style to a young Bob Dylan, but noted that his intricate, percussive fingerpicking was entirely his own. The album was a critical darling, appearing on numerous year-end lists and establishing the 'Tallest Man' persona as a symbol of the 2010s folk revival. It remains his most definitive work, balancing raw intensity with melodic accessibility.