Wardruna – Kvitravn, Meaning White Raven, Review

Wardruna, founded by former Gorgoroth members Einar Kvitrafn Selvik and Gaahl as well as Lindy-Fay Hella, continues their Runaljod trilogy with their second release ‘Yggdrasil’ which interprets eight runes. This album offers listeners another treat.

Runaljod

Wardruna are an immersive exploration of Viking culture in an age when Vikings have become fashionable, Nordic history increasingly trendy, and black metal (Einar Selvik was part of Gorgoroth) has become more trendy; their sound is far less synthetic and more organic than any of its finest representatives.

Wardruna’s debut album Gap Var Ginnunga set an immersive atmosphere and laid the groundwork for their Runaljod trilogy of albums, each exploring eight of the runes in Elder Futhark. Utilizing historic instruments like the kraviklyra, tongue horn and dreielire as well as samples and throat singing techniques; Wardruna create a vibrant sense of ancient Norse mythology and paganism that defies genre classifications.

Lindy Fay Hella and Gaahl bring vocal contributions to this album that enhance its authenticity, with heavy but not overwhelming percussion, flute melodies delivered via mouth harp and other traditional instruments layered throughout each song for maximum resonance. Recorded outdoors suited to each rune on this record – recorded live for maximum immersion into Norse paganism – this record provides a haunting and authentic journey through Norse paganism that must be experienced firsthand to truly grasp.

Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil, the iconic tree in Norse mythology, stands as a focal point in its universe. With branches reaching into heaven and roots spreading into the ground below it – connecting all Nine Realms through it all. Symbolizing strength, wisdom, and the power of regeneration; its significance and mystic force have inspired numerous literary and artistic works over centuries as well as features prominently in Viking Age art such as runestones and jewelry.

Snorri Sturluson, author of both Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, provided an exhaustive account of Yggdrasil’s role in the cosmos. According to him, Yggdrasil is an immense living ash with vast trunk and roots connecting all worlds; at its center sits Asgard; its base spreads Midgard; its branches surround all aspects of universe and earth while an eagle and serpent reside atop. Nidhoggr persistently seeks to undermine cosmic balance;

Kvitravn

Wardruna returns with their fifth album under the moniker Kvitravn (White Raven). Musically picking up where Runaljod trilogy left off, yet expanding upon it even further; its eleven tracks explore Northern sorcery, spirit-animals, shadows and ancient mythology – while its somber folk sound is further deepened by contributions from traditional singers led by Kirsten Braten Berg who is widely acknowledged for preserving Norway’s rich folk music tradition.

Kvitravn is an atmospheric and mesmerizing record, filled with stunning melodies, deep spirituality and an overwhelming sense of immersion. Wardruna have taken this musical style to new heights by featuring it in hit TV show Vikings; their inclusion has only further solidified their success as musicians use historic instruments such as Kravik-lyre, Trossingen-lyre, taglharpa soot harp and bronze lur to produce memorable tracks that capture your attention and leave you wanting more!

Live

Wardruna is a band that blends traditional Norse culture with modern musical sensibilities. Led by Einar Selvik – a history enthusiast and self-described “musical Viking” – its founder utilizes unusual instruments like deer-hide frame drums, goat horns, and bone flutes that add darkness and power to their music.

This group has performed at historic locations such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis in Athens, Greece and Plovdiv’s ancient theater, Bulgaria. Additionally they have performed at Wacken Open Air festival in Germany and Hellfest festival in France.

Wardruna features folk singer Lindy Fay Hella and multi-instrumentalist Gaahl from Gorgoroth as members. Wardruna is well known for their genre-bending musical style that draws upon their collective knowledge of Norse mythology, history and religion – an advantage that allows them to produce music which appeals to a range of audiences – with Runaljod-Ragnarok being inspired by Nordic spiritualism and Elder Futhark based material.