(headline image: Wardruna in 2020 – Photo by Kim Öhrling)
At the core of Wardruna’s ethos is the commitment to fostering new growth while fortifying ancient Nordic European traditions. This vision, conceived in 2009 by main composer Einar Selvik, Lindy-Fay Hella, and former member Gaahl, materialized through the creation of the Runaljod trilogy. Comprising three albums, Runaljod – gap var Ginnunga (2009); Runaljod – Yggdrasil (2013); and Runaljod – Ragnarok (2016); the trilogy centered on eight of the twenty-four Proto-Norse runes, known as the Elder Futhark.
Following years of acoustic performances and contributions to the television series Vikings, Einar Selvik recorded Skald (2018). This live album aimed to capture the unfiltered energy of Wardruna’s live shows, honoring the ancient Norse oral traditions embodied by contemporary skalds (Norse poets).
Wardruna’s fifth album, Kvitravn (White-Raven), released in January 2021, extends the thematic and musical journey of the Runaljod trilogy. Exploring topics such as Northern sorcery, animism, and Norse spiritual concepts, Kvitravn represents a significant evolution in the group’s sound. The album achieved chart success in multiple countries, including reaching #1 in Canada and Austria, and #2 in Germany.
In 2022, Wardruna headlined prominent festivals such as Wacken Open Air in Germany and Hellfest Open Air in France, while also performing at historic venues like the Ancient Theater in Plovdiv and Castle Devin in Bratislava as part of the Nordic Night Tour. The following year saw the band continued their touring cycle with shows across Europe, culminating in a sold-out performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens during the autumn equinox.
Wardruna released a single and video of the new song “Hertan” in 2024.
Operating as a dynamic live ensemble, Wardruna adapts to various configurations of personnel for their performances, although the most frequent one includes: Einar Selvik on vocals, taglharpa, kravik-lyre, bukkehorn; Lindy-Fay Hella on vocals; Arne Sandvoll on percussion, backing vocals; Sondre Veland on percussion, backing vocals; Eilif Gundersen on bukkehorn, lur, flute, backing vocals; HC Dalgaard on drums, percussion, backing vocals; and John Stenersen on mora-harp.
Inthe Fall of 2024, Wardruna released “Himinndotter,” the first single from their album Birna. The video was made in Norway’s scenic Rondane National Park. It was directed by Tuukka Koski and features a rugged, reindeer-filled landscape. Selvik explained that “Himinndotter” (Sky-Daughter) is one of six songs on the album that examines the bear as a mystical character.
Discography:
Runaljod – gap var Ginnunga (Indie Recordings, 2009)
Runaljod – Yggdrasil (Indie Recordings, 2013)
Runaljod – Ragnarok (By Norse Music, 2016)
Skald (By Norse Music, 2018)
Kvitravn (By Norse Music, 2021)
Kvitravn – First Flight of the White Raven (By Norse Music, 2022)
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.