There's a certain magic that unfolds when Wardruna takes the stage, isn't there? It's more than just a concert; it feels like stepping into a living, breathing saga. And if you've been feeling that pull, that anticipation for what's next, you're not alone.
Recently, the air has been buzzing with news from the deep woods. Wardruna has gifted us with their sixth studio album, titled ‘Birna’. The name itself, meaning 'she-bear' in Old Norse, immediately conjures images of ancient strength and the untamed spirit of nature. This album is a heartfelt dedication to the guardians of the forest, those who tend to the earth and fight its battles. We've already been treated to a glimpse with the song and music video for ‘Himinndotter’ (Sky-daughter), a poignant search for a lost sister of the woods. It’s fascinating how the bear, a creature so deeply woven into the oldest myths of the northern hemisphere, continues to hold such reverence, often seen as a totem animal. The idea of bears as celestial beings, once our guides and protectors, is beautifully explored here.
‘Himinndotter’ itself features the lovely harmonies of the Norwegian choir Koret Artemis, and the accompanying video, filmed in the stunning Rondane National Park in Norway, is a testament to their long-standing collaboration with director Tuukka Koski. It’s a visual feast that perfectly complements the music.
Mark your calendars, because ‘Birna’ is set to be released on January 24, 2025. But that's not all! Alongside the album, they're releasing a DVD and Blu-ray titled ‘Live at the Acropolis’. This captures their full equinox performance at the historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens from September 2023 – a truly monumental setting for their powerful music. Pre-orders for all of this are already live, so if you’re keen, you know where to look.
It feels like just yesterday, back in April 2024, when Wardruna emerged from their songwriting hibernation to share the single ‘Hertan’. Einar Selvik explained that ‘Hertan’ is the proto-Scandinavian word for heart, and the song delves into its dual nature – the rhythmic pulse we feel in nature and life, and the more abstract heart that guides our emotions and desires. The music video for ‘Hertan’, again a collaboration with Tuukka Koski, was a freezing, yet deeply rewarding, experience filmed on the island of Hailouto in northern Finland. Einar’s description of the shoot – three days, three locations, no sleep, but ‘a lot of heart’ – really speaks to the dedication behind their art.
Looking back a bit further, who could forget the announcement of the Nordic Night gathering at the magnificent 13th-century Borgholm Castle in Sweden on July 8, 2023? It was envisioned as a full-day event, not just concerts, but workshops and meet-and-greets too. And the special guest, the legendary Mari Boine, whose music has been a profound inspiration for Wardruna, made it an unforgettable occasion.
And then there was ‘Kvitravn – First Flight of the White Raven’, released on April 22, 2022. This audio-visual recording was born from an online broadcast on March 26, 2021, serving as the release show for the «Kvitravn» album. Einar’s words about capturing the raw energy of a live performance, especially during a time when live audiences weren't possible, resonate deeply. He emphasized that what we hear is exactly what was performed, with no post-production trickery – just pure, unadulterated Wardruna. The setlist was thoughtfully curated, featuring songs from across their discography and introducing new tracks for the first time. The feeling of unity and focus when the band came together in the same room after over a year apart must have been palpable.
It’s clear that Wardruna’s journey is one of constant evolution, always rooted in ancient traditions but reaching towards new creative frontiers. Whether it’s a new album, a breathtaking live recording, or a unique gathering, they consistently invite us to connect with something deeper, something primal. Keep an eye on their updates – you never know what wonders they’ll unveil next.
