Though subtly treated with reverb and displaying greater clarity than is possible with the simple home recording employed on Shallow Grave, the sincerity and comfort of Matson’s gravely vocals do not lose an ounce of authority. With pervasively optimistic themes, The Wild Hunt conveys its creator’s acknowledgement of the beauty found in the brevity of life. With the lyrics “I left my heart to the wild hunt a coming/I live until the call/And I plan to be forgotten when I’m gone/I’ll be leaving in the fall”, the title track proclaims The Tallest Man on Earth’s verdict to live each day to the fullest and without fear for the unknown, all over lively guitar strums and dancing banjo plucks. “Troubles Will be Gone”, “Thousand Ways”, and “A Lion’s Heart” showcase delicate, complex acoustic guitar finger picking reminiscent of Leo Kotke alongside metaphoric lyrics that more listeners than would like to admit have compared to early Dylan.

With an incredibly busy tour schedule and a new contract with Indiana-based Dead Oceans records, The Tallest Man on Earth has an opportunity to relate his experience to an audience far removed from his Scandinavian homeland. Inspirational motifs know no regional boundaries, however, and as Kristian Matson continues writing his own legend, his travels will undoubtedly weave their way into his tales.