Anna von Hausswolff – Facing Atlas

Anna von Hausswolff delivers “Facing Atlas,” another preview of her October 31st album “Iconoclasts” on YEAR0001. The Swedish composer and organist builds something massive here — church organ, reverberating guitars, echoing drums, and swirling saxophone all supporting her commanding vocals.

Produced by von Hausswolff and longtime collaborator Filip Leyman, the track showcases the poppier direction she’s taking on “Iconoclasts.” Her voice starts controlled but grows into that Kate Bush zone of pure instinct by the song’s end. The arrangement gives her room to breathe before the full orchestral swell kicks in.

Lyrically, von Hausswolff tackles commitment anxiety — being bound to something until you lose control over your life’s direction. She calls it a destiny that can feel like prison if it’s not chosen by heart’s desire. Heavy themes delivered through soaring melodies.

“Iconoclasts” marks her debut for YEAR0001 and features collaborations with Ethel Cain, Iggy Pop, Abul Mogard, and Maria von Hausswolff. Previous singles “Stardust” and “The Whole Woman” (the Iggy Pop duet) showed different sides of the album’s maximalist approach.

Von Hausswolff continues pushing boundaries between tradition and experimentation. “Facing Atlas” proves she can make anthemic music without losing the dark, mesmerizing qualities that define her work.