Wardruna has arrived to share their sixth studio album with the world. It boasts a distinctive new sound while building on the musical roots the project fans have grown to know deeply. Birna truly nurtures the insight that has been at the core idea that to give place to something new, you must let something else die.
From the Runaljod trilogy (2009, 2013, 2016), the project has explored many things, including 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). 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.
Alongside his work with Wardruna, Einar Selvik (main composer) has composed music for large tv and game productions such as Vikings and Assassin’s Creed – Valhalla. He also 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.
Selvik, Lindy-Fay Hella, and the rest of the group are truly creating something new through something old: They are not mimicking the past, but rather utilizing it in crafting their contemporary, authentic and unique sound. Instruments and wisdom from ancient times, coupled with modern day soundscapes and recorded sounds of nature, provide a rare opportunity to tell us something valuable about ourselves. It works as a reminder that we are part of nature, not above it, and it offers a way of remembering, not for memory’s own sake, but to gain both new and forgotten insights.
In a pursuit to create a dialogue with nature, Wardruna has created a plea for the return of Birna – translated as “the she-bear” in Old Norse. Slowly driven out of her habitat by modern day societies, she has entered a stage of permanent hibernation. As a result, the forest is gradually dying, longing for its pulse and heart – its shepherd. The album itself is a dedication to her; the warden and protector of the forest, as well as her battles on earth.
The intro to the album, “Hertan,” plunges the listener deep into the forest. You’re left scrambling in its depths as the musicians lures you further within. It surprises us little that the entire album draws inspiration from nature and the beauty it has to offer. We’re next swept into the waves that is the title track of the album. “Birna” flows into the ears with a slow breeze, and we feel the somberness and tension build. We hear the dialogue between nature through their brilliant use of instrumentals and vocals. Our deepest nature as beings built from the earth and all it contains, we feel the pull and the sway of each moment of this track.
“When I walk into a forest, I open my senses and listen for whatever nature cares to tell me”, Einar Selvik has explained when contemplating his creative process – his hunting for songs amid trees, air, rocks and sea. We can truly see this within the title track alone, as well as the album in its entirety.
From there, the music within the album feels much like the breath in our lungs. It pulls sway over us and lulls us into the rhythm of the bear from their own perspective. Honoring the stories of stories of old, it takes us through a circular experience as a whole. It’s not unlike the circles of life, but this tale honors that of the she-bear, and the power she holds in natures wonders and curiosities. Wardruna takes note of each rhythm they create throughout the album, particularly throughout their two-song meditation in “Dvaledraumar” and “Jord til Ljos.” These two tracks hone in on the joint hibernation experience between animal and listener. Taking place in mid-winter, peak-hibernation.
Many take this time of the year to reflect on the past and make new goals toward their futures. One thing for sure is that there’s a shedding of the old, and a birth of the new. Once the meditation ends, the listener emerges from the bear’s den more attuned to the inner workings of nature just in time for spring to bud and bloom forth.
As a whole, the album is beautifully composed. Whether you’re new to the works of Wardruna or not, Birna will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world before you upon completing your listen to it. And at the same time, you’ll long to cycle through it time and time again to have your fill of the beauty it has to offer.
Stay tuned for more updates on Wardruna! Listen to the album here!
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