Norse Folk Rock Outfit Wardruna Release New Single “HIBJØRNEN”

Oct. 28, 2024, Bergen, Norway – Wardruna, the Norwegian group known for blending traditional Norse music with modern post-rock and folk influences, has released “Hibjørnen,” a new song and video (https://youtu.be/EYF2QPBTi58) from their recently announced forthcoming album, Birna (Sony Music/By Norse Music). The 10-track collection explores the natural world, with the bear as a central symbol.

“The rhythm of the bear embodies the very circle of life: When winter approaches, it goes to sleep in its den – back to the womb; its pulse slowing, its body encapsulated in an intermediate death,” Selvik explains. “Like a lullaby, ‘Hibjørnen’ takes on the perspective of the hibernating bear and its dormant dreams from inside the den. The listener returns from the den of the bear more attuned, aware and contemplative of nature’s wonders, just in time for the freshly sprung buds.” This cyclical process, so embedded both in nature and the worldview of older cultures, drives Selvik’s every creative work.

“Hibjørnen” (The Hibernator) is a notable contrast to Wardruna’s recently released song “Himinndotter,” offering a simpler and more direct approach, with a focus on voice, poetry and the lyre, creating a contemporary take on Norse oral traditions. 

Birna was written and recorded over three years, with music by Selvik and longtime collaborator/vocalist Linda-Fay Hella, and lyrics solely by Selvik. Performers on the album include Eilif Gundersen (bukkehorn, lur, flute, backing vocals), HC Dalgaard (drums, percussion, backing vocals), Sondre Veland (percussion, backing vocals), John Stenersen (mora-harp) and Arne Sandvoll (percussion, backing vocals).

Wardruna will also release the concert film “Live at the Acropolis” on Jan. 24, featuring their September 2023 performance at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The film includes the full show along with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

Pre-orders for Birna and “Live at the Acropolis” are available now (https://bio.to/Wardruna) with the new album available on limited-edition vinyl, CD and digitally.

Wardruna tour dates:

November 7 Milan, IT Teatro Degli Arcimboldi

November 8 Zurich, CH The Hall

November 9 Paris, FR Salle Pleyel (with special guest, Jo Quail) SOLD OUT

November 11 Hamburg, DE Laeiszhalle SOLD OUT

November 12 Berlin, DE Tempodrom

November 14 Lyon, FR Amphithéâtre 3000

November 15 Frankfurt am Main, DE Jahrhunderthalle

November 16 Nürnberg, DE Meistersingerhalle SOLD OUT

November 17 Vienna, AT Konzerthaus

November 19 Brussels, BE Cirque Royal SOLD OUT

November 20 Halle, DE Händelhalle

November 21 Prague, CZ Forum Karlin

November 23 Utrecht, NL Tivoli Vredenburg SOLD OUT

November 24 Utrecht, NL Tivoli Vredenburg SOLD OUT

November 26 Düsseldorf, DE Tonhalle SOLD OUT

January 23 Melbourne, AU Palais Theatre

January 25 Sydney, AU Enmore Theatre

January 27 Brisbane, AU Fortitude Music Hall

January 30 Auckland, NZ Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre

Special guest Jo Quail on March UK and IE dates

March 17 Liverpool, UK Philharmonic

March 18 Birmingham, UK Symphony Hall

March 19 London, UK Royal Albert Hall

March 21 Bristol, UK Beacon

March 22 York, UK Barbican

March 23 Dublin, IE Olympia Theatre

March 25 Glasgow, UK SEC Armadillo

April 26 Oslo, NO Operaen SOLD OUT

April 27 Oslo, NO Operaen SOLD OUT

April 29 Trondheim, NO Olavshallen

May 2 Kristiansand, NO Kilden

May 3 Stavanger, NO Konserthuset

May 4 Bergen, NO Grieghallen

June 7 Reykjavik, IS Harpa

July 25 to 27 Red Eagle Campground (Cut Bank), MT Fire In The Mountains

July 30 to August 30 Rasnov, RO Rockstadt Extreme Fest

From the Runaljod album trilogy (2009, 2013, 2016), exploring old Norse myths, traditions, and language through the 24 proto-Norse runes, the sound of Wardruna evolved and blended into the stripped down, acoustic compositions on Skald (2018). The group’s most recent album, Kvitravn (White-Raven) (2021), explored Northern sorcery, spirit-animals, animism, and the act of creation – the ever-interchanging prolific relationship between the skaldic poet and nature itself. The record charted in 13 countries, including #1 in Canada and Austria, and #2 in Germany. Wardruna has performed at multiple manmade historical locations including Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Acropolis, Bulgaria’s Ancient Theater of Philipoppolis, as well as locations set amidst natural wonders such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. Alongside his work with Wardruna, Einar Selvik has composed music for large tv and game productions such as “Vikings” and “Assassin’s Creed – Valhalla,” he gives tutorials and lectures on Old Norse literature, musicology, instruments and philosophy, and he has worked with renowned artists such as Mari Boine, Tina Guo, Matoma and Eivør, including appearances on Norwegian, Danish and Polish national television.

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Wardruna.com

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