Musk Ox

Musk Ox is a Canadian neofolk project founded in 2007 by Nathanaël Larochette, later expanding into a trio with cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne and violinist Evan Runge. The project occupies a unique space at the intersection of European neofolk (Tenhi, Empyrium) and the North American 'Cascadian' metal aesthetic.

While entirely acoustic and instrumental, Musk Ox is deeply embedded in the metal community, evidenced by their collaborations with Agalloch and tours with Wardruna. Their sound identity is defined by the 'nylon-string guitar as lead' approach, utilizing complex arpeggios and fingerstyle techniques that mirror the structures of progressive rock. The addition of classical strings elevates the project from simple folk to sophisticated chamber music. Critically, they are praised for bridging the gap between the technicality of classical music and the atmospheric gloom of dark metal. Their evolution from Larochette's solo demos to the lush, expansive arrangements of 'Inheritance' shows a commitment to high-fidelity production that preserves the tactile, woody resonance of their instruments.