Norwegian world music collective Wardruna have released the skaldic composition “Hibjørnen”, taking on the perspective of the hibernating bear.
Through his never resting dialogue with nature, main composer Einar Selvik has been searching for the voice of the bear, resulting in Wardruna’s sixth studio album Birna. The record is scheduled for release January 24, 2025 through Sony Music and By Norse Music.
By comparison to the rich and detailed polyphonic compositions across Wardruna’s new album Birna, the song “Hibjørnen” (The Hibearnator), takes a simpler and more direct approach, reminiscent of the music on Skald (2018). On “Hibjørnen” voice, poetry and the lyre lead the way, offering a contemporary take on the ancient skaldic craft that once lay at the heart of Norse oral traditions.
Einar Selvik comments: “The rhythm of the bear embodies the very circle of life: When winter approaches, it goes to sleep in its den – back to the womb; its pulse slowing, its body encapsulated in an intermediate death. Like a lullaby, “Hibjørnen” takes on the perspective of the hibernating bear and its dormant dreams from inside the den. The listener returns from the den of the bear more attuned, aware and contemplative of nature’s wonders, just in time for the freshly sprung buds.”
This cyclical nature of the bear, so embedded both in nature and the worldview of older cultures, drives Einar Selvik’s creative work.
Birna – the she-bear in Old Norse – is a work of art dedicated to the warden of the forest, nature’s caretaker, and her battles here on earth. 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. Birna calls for her return.
Birna nurtures the insight that has been at the core of Selvik’s philosophy right from the start: sowing new seeds whilst strengthening old roots. 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.
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Along with the new album comes recorded show of Wardruna’s unique equinox performance at the world heritage site Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis, Athens.
The concert proved to be the pinnacle of an intense period of worldwide touring, ending the Kvitravn cycle in a remarkable way.
Spanning over two hours, the show featured outstanding live performances of songs from the group’s discography, such as Helvegen, Kvitravn, Heimta Thurs and Lyfjaberg (that will be featured on the new album Birna).
Captured for all eternity by Kolibri Media, Wardruna now presents the DVD and Blu-Ray
‘Live at the Acropolis’, featuring the full show, additional interviews and impressions of the meet and greet at the Underflow Record Store.
Both the new album and the dvd/Blu-ray are available for pre-ordering here.
https://bio.to/Wardruna
Birna Tracklist:
1. Hertan
2. Birna
3. Ljos til Jord
4. Dvaledraumar
5. Jord til Ljos
6. Himinndotter
7. Hibjørnen
8. Skuggehesten
9. Tretale
10. Lyfjaberg
Birna was written and recorded between 2021 and 2024.
Music by Einar Selvik and Lindy-Fay Hella.
Lyrics by Einar Selvik.
Birna is performed by Einar Selvik, Lindy-Fay Hella, Eilif Gundersen, HC Dalgaard,
Sondre Veland, John Stenersen, Arne Sandvoll.
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In support of the new album, Wardruna will embark on an extensive world tour starting in October at Red Rocks in Colorado. It will take in North and South America, Europe, the UK and Iceland and will see Wardruna in Australia and New Zealand for the very first time in January 2025.
TOUR DATES
Thursday, January 23: Melbourne, Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Saturday, January 25: Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Monday, January 27: Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
Thursday, January 30: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland NZ
Tickets from
destroyalllines.com
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