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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