Norwegian world music collective WARDRUNA have released their new album ‘Birna’. Birna, translating to the she-bear in Old Norse, is a work of art dedicated to the warden of the forest, nature’s caretaker. Combined with the record, the group simulteanously released the Blu-ray/DVD, ‘Live at the Acropolis’, recorded at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis, Athens.
Birna seeks to address the here and now and the way forward. “The more I thought, read, and researched, the more I realized that this album should mainly have a contemporary focus. Unraveling the long and entangled history of the relationship between man and Bear and contemplating the present state of how we humans relate to the wild in general,” explains main composer Einar Selvik.
A six-song exploration of the bear and the cyclical process embedded both in nature and the worldview of older cultures, drives the creative process behind the album.
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.
Einar Selvik comments on the release of ‘Birna’: “Today is the release of our sixth album Birna – a sonic journey into the woodland realms of the bear and its cyclic life rhythm. It is very much a conceptual album that is perhaps best experienced when listened to from beginning to end. If you wish to dive even further into the deeper meanings of the songs but don’t understand the language, then please know that our albums always include a booklet including lyrics translated into English. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.”
Order and stream Birna at https://bio.to/Wardruna
Tracklist:
1. Hertan
2. Birna [WATCH HERE]
3. Ljos til Jord
4. Dvaledraumar
5. Jord til Ljos
6. Himinndotter [WATCH HERE]
7. Hibjørnen [WATCH HERE]
8. Skuggehesten
9. Tretale
10. Lyfjaberg [WATCH HERE]
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.
The album features guest appearances by: Koret Artemis (Choir), Jonna Jinton (vocals and field recordings), Hans Fredrik Jacobsen (willow-bark flute), Kenneth Lien (Jaw-harp), Iver Sandøy (backing vocals).
Mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios.
Cover photo by Tuukka Koski.
Cover artwork by Øivind A. Myksvoll
Photography by Morten Munthe
Biography by Oda Malmin
Proofreading by Lauren Barley
Wardruna live in 2024/2025
Australia& New Zealand 2025:
27 Jan – Brisbane – Fortitude Music Hall
30 Jan – Auckland – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
UK & Ireland 2025:
With special guest: Jo Quail
17 Mar – Liverpool –Philharmonic
18 Mar – Birmingham – Symphony Hall
19 Mar – London – Royal Albert Hall
21 Mar – Bristol – Beacon
22 Mar – York – Barbican – SOLD OUT
23 Mar – Dublin – Olympia Theatre
25 Mar – Glasgow – SEC Armadillo
Norway 2025:
26 Apr – Oslo – Operaen – SOLD OUT
27 Apr – Oslo – Operaen – SOLD OUT
29 Apr – Trondheim – Olavshallen – SOLD OUT
02 May – Kristiansand – Kilden – Low on Tickets
03 May – Stavanger – Konserthuset – Low on Tickets
04 May – Bergen – Grieghallen – SOLD OUT
Europe & United States 2025:
07 June – Reyjavik, IS – Harpa
25 – 27 July – Read Eagle, US – Fire In The Mountains
30 Jul – 3 Aug – Rasnov, RO – Rockstadt Extreme Fest
13 – 16 Aug – Dinkelsbühl, DE – Summer Breeze Open Air
Tickets at https://wardruna.com/tour-dates/
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 