Wardruna Returns with ‘Birna’: A Deep Dive into Nordic Folklore and Nature

Wardruna, internationally recognized for mixing Norwegian folk with post-rock elements, is set to release their sixth album, Birna, on January 24 through Sony Music and By Norse Music. This 10-track album offers a profound exploration of the natural world, with composer Einar Selvik focusing on the mythological and spiritual significance of the bear.

The first single, “Himinndotter,” is now available along with a video shot in Norway’s scenic Rondane National Park. Directed by Tuukka Koski, the video’s rugged, reindeer-filled landscape complements the song’s mystical themes. Selvik explains that “Himinndotter” (Sky-Daughter) is one of six songs on the album that examines the bear as a celestial figure, featuring a guest performance by the Norwegian choir Koret Artemis.

Birna draws inspiration from the heartbeat of a hibernating bear, a theme that symbolizes the cyclic rhythms of nature, central to Selvik’s work. The album was written and recorded over three years, with contributions from vocalist Linda-Fay Hella and musicians Eilif Gundersen, HC Dalgaard, Sondre Veland, John Stenersen, and Arne Sandvoll.

In addition to Birna, Wardruna will release Live at the Acropolis on DVD/Blu-ray, featuring their 2023 performance at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Athens, with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

Wardruna’s previous albums, including the Runaljod trilogy and Kvitravn (2021), have explored Norse myths, animism, and the relationship between nature and poetry. The band has performed at historic venues such as the Acropolis and Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Einar Selvik has contributed to major projects like the Vikings series and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla.

Wardruna tour dates:

October 9 Santiago, CL Teatro Caupolican
October 12 São Paulo, BR Terra SP
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 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 30 to August 30 Rasnov, RO Rockstadt Extreme Fest
 

Birna cover, photo by Tuukka Koski with artwork by Øivind A. Myksvoll
Photo credit: Morten Munthe