Wardruna Review

The Guardian published an article about Wardruna and their transition from black metal to dark Nordic folk, using historical Nordic instruments as they perform renditions of Norse cultural and esoteric traditions.

Einar Selvik, the musical force behind Kvitravn (which translates to “First Flight of the White Raven”) is driven by his passion for history and tradition in his work. This latest album provides an immersive yet atmospheric listening experience.

Runaljod: Yggdrasil

Wardruna made waves with their near-perfection debut Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga and are back with another installment of their Elder Futhark-inspired trilogy album series with Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga, exploring eight specific runes and now all 24 alphabet letters that make up its alphabet and thus are able to capture Yggdrasil, our universe’s grand tree.

This band, taking their name from the Norwegian word for ‘guardian of secrets’ or’she who whispers’, stays true to their Nordic roots by employing historic instrumentation such as primitive deer-hide frame drums, primitive deer horn and bronze lur, along with historic instruments like Kraviklyra and Tagelharpe (mouth harp) to produce deeply engaging ambient folk music that does not sound anything like synth-based neo-folk often heard from metal bands.

Einar Selvik hopes the music of his band, Selvik & Friends, will encourage young people to explore Norse culture and bolster their passion for nature and pre-Christian traditions. Not alone in his mission; Selvik & Friends have become an invaluable asset to modern fiction set during the Viking Age – their sound being featured as soundtracks in TV series such as Vikings and videogames such as Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla Rising.

Kvitravn

Wardruna are at the forefront of revitalizing Viking culture in a world dominated by metalheads and medieval reenacters (and insidious right wing racism), using Viking aesthetics to convey spirituality, longing for nature and unity, creating music which feels like pagan prayers in the dark.

Kvitravn is an artistic release with depth and scale that captures the splendor of Northern nature and culture. Beginning with Synkverv – an immersive song inviting listeners into spirit world – age-old Nordic instruments such as Kravik-lyre float over minimalist trance-inducing percussion while vocals soar above them all.

This album explores traditions of animal guides and the symbolism and legends surrounding sacred white animals such as ravens, moose and bears in various cultures around the world. Additionally, Norse mythology and spiritual concepts are discussed. Through traditional singing voices on this album it manages to feel authentic and powerful.

Skald

Skalds are historians and keepers of legend, recounting stories of great battles and heroism for audiences to follow. Balancing their violent spirit with civilized discourse, these Skalds spread these tales as motivation for allies who need an extra boost when fighting back against enemies.

A skald casts skaldic spells from the bard spell list with verbal components; two cantrips may also be known by them. Skalds have access to simple weapons, martial weapons and musical instruments as well as proficiency with all armor types except tower shields.

At 10th level, a skald can generate fear in enemies within 50 feet who hear his performance. The effect lasts as long as an opponent can hear it without being disrupted by silence, incapacitation, stun or other means, providing them with free actions each round. A skald may maintain his raging song for an equivalent number of rounds per long rest equal to their level.