Wardruna / Symphony Hall / Birmingham
January 2025 saw the release of Wardruna’s latest album “Birna”. The title means bear, or more precisely the she-bear, the guardian of the forest. A stunning production following the she-bear through the seasons. Check out our review HERE. This was a show we didn’t want to miss, so here we are heading into the Symphony Hall in Birmingham for what promises to be a stunning night.
But first, we have a set from Jo Quail to look forward to. A classically trained virtuoso cellist equally home as a solo performer or in a larger band. Jo stands alone on the stage li by spotlights with her electric cello. She utilises a looper and guitar effect pedals, to create sonic depth and rhythm.
And what a performance! The effects create a different sound to the classic cello the compositions being a complex mix of sounds creating a stunning atmospheric soundscape. The 30 minute set goes all to quickly, and we’re mesmerised by the sounds, alternating from haunting to uplifting with ease. Like artists such as Lili Refrain and Eivør, Jo takes you on a magical journey tantalising the senses.
And you can catch Jo live on her solo tour in September. Check out the dates at the end of the gallery below ! We’ll be there at the Bodega !
A short break to re-set the stage, give us time to look around this impressive venue, with three balcony’s the size is astounding. As the name suggests, it was designed and built for classical performances, and the acoustics are outstanding. I was looking forward to how well it would work with the traditional instruments and sounds of the Nordic countries.
The name Wardruna means "the guardian of secrets" or "she who whispers" Formed back in 2003 by Einar Selvik along with Gaahl (both previously in black metal band Gorgoroth) and Lindy-Fay Hella, Wardruna are a group of musicians all dedicated to creating musical renditions of Norse cultural and esoteric traditions, and they make significant use of Nordic historical and traditional instruments including deer-hide frame drums, flutes, kraviklyra, tagelharpe, mouth harp, goat horn, and lur.
The huge stage area was beautifully dressed, with shimmering white back cloths forming a screen behind the artists. The minimalist stage was cleverly designed with mossy grass and plants positioned to give the impression of being in the wilderness, in the home lands of the she-bear Birna.
The lights dimmed and Wardruna walked out and the first haunting tones of Kvitravn (white raven) filled the hall as shadowy images of the raven cross the backdrop. The crisp, clarity of the sound strikes you immediately as it reverberates round the walls. The screen is now lit with strong spots from in front of the band, casting shadows like ancient Nordic giants of myth and lore.
Tracks such as Lyfjaberg (from the new album Birna) and Grá continue the sonic onslaught The performance is captivating, impacting multiple senses, eyes and ears equally in awe of the visuals and sonic complexity of the sounds. Eivnar and Lindy-Fay are in top form on vocals, complimenting each other perfectly throughout.
Wardruna deliver a transformative and transcendent show, overwhelming the senses as we step back into the past and a simpler, mystical way of life. The focus of the new album “Birna” is of cycles of life, seen through the journey of the she-bear through the seasons, and this ethos comes through beautifully in the performance. With songs of death and transition too, it. Is a truly spiritual experience as well.
This has not simply been a concert, but a journey through time and space guided by the sounds of ancient music and ritual chanting. Lit by torches, the simple stage, takes you onto the forest floor, to be truly immersed in the sounds and sensations of the natural world.
Wardruna, through their honouring of Nordic traditions and rituals, have an ability to evoke powerful emotions making the evening an unforgettable experience…. Spiritual even, as you leave yearning for a simpler life, focused on nature, growth and sustainability.
Not so much a gig, or show…… seeing Wardruna is a artistic experience like no other !
