Wardruna's new skaldic track "Hibjørnen" attunes ones senses to nature
Norwegian world music collective Wardruna have released a new single, 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 Music for Nations and Sony 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.
“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.
Set clocks to 6pm GMT on Sunday 27th October for the official video premiere, and in the meantime you can listen to the track HERE.
“Birna” cover artwork by Øivind A. Myksvoll
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.
Along with the new album comes a recorded show of Wardruna’s unique equinox performance at the world heritage site Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis, Athens. 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).
The new album and the DVD/Blu-ray are available for pre-ordering HERE.
“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.
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.
Biography by Oda Malmin
Photo (c) Morten Munthe
And Wardruna bring their incredible live show to the UK in early 2025. Its an experience not to miss. List of confirmed dates below:
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
23 Mar – Dublin – Olympia Theatre
25 Mar – Glasgow – SEC Armadillo
