Kristian Matsson, the man behind The Tallest Man on Earth, has spent nearly two decades touring the globe and helping to renew and redefine the boundaries of modern folk music. Long associated with American folk conventions, Matsson is now taking a new leap on his forthcoming album "Just Beyond Endless Mountain," to be released October 9, 2026 on Anti- Records. The album cover features an expressive portrait by legendary photographer Anton Corbijn — a symbol of Matsson’s creative homecoming.
After returning to his home in Dalarna, Matsson found inspiration in the traditional Swedish music he had previously held at a distance — recordings of fiddlers, polskas, and the rich tapestry of sounds that characterize Scandinavia’s folk heritage. This intense encounter with his roots has influenced everything from melodies and singing style to the album’s storytelling itself. The result is a musical journey that combines introspection with the timeless pulse of the folk genre.
"Deliver Me From Trying": About Letting Go and Finding Home
About halfway through the album, listeners encounter "Deliver Me From Trying," a rhythmic, driving song where Matsson’s characteristic guitar playing is enhanced by dynamic percussion. The song is the album’s first single and is released along with a music video filmed among Dala horses, forests, and flower meadows in Matsson’s childhood landscape. The video, available on YouTube, visually embodies the album’s themes of daring to let go and reconciling with one’s origins. The phrase "Deliver Me From Trying" came to Matsson during a period of both personal and artistic vulnerability and reflects a desire for liberation from inner demands and expectations.
This artistic reevaluation has not only shaped Matsson’s songwriting but also led to a renewed relationship with the violin — an instrument he previously avoided but which has now become central to his expression, especially after his father’s passing. Matsson’s concerts often now begin with a local Swedish folk melody, underscoring his growing connection to his cultural heritage.
Through eleven tracks, "Just Beyond Endless Mountain" explores new landscapes, including "The Wildest of His Dreams," "Colors," "We Got The Pony," and "Scully, It’s Me." Matsson has long been internationally acclaimed for his ability to channel raw emotion and unite various aspects of folk music: international media have compared his authority and edge to a young Bob Dylan, but also highlight his unique, personal path. Matsson himself describes the album as his most personal and authentic work to date — marked by in-depth musical knowledge and a growing understanding of the history and life of Dalarna.
To celebrate the album release, The Tallest Man on Earth has announced several international tour dates for 2026, with performances at renowned venues and festivals:
- 26 August – Dublin, Ireland @ National Concert Hall
- 27 August – Cork, Ireland @ Live At St. Luke’s
- 28 August – Bangor, United Kingdom – Open House Festival
- 29 August – Kilkenny, Ireland @ Cathedral Church of St. Canice & Round Tower
- 12 September – Stockholm, Sweden @ SuperTraditional Festival
With "Just Beyond Endless Mountain," Kristian Matsson delivers an album deeply rooted in Swedish tradition, but with open arms to an international audience. "Deliver Me From Trying" is both a vulnerable confession and a celebration of artistic renewal — a preview of an album that is already positioning itself strongly within the contemporary folk music scene.
