WARDRUNA FURTHER UNRAVEL THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MAN AND BEAR ON TITLE TRACK “BIRNA“
Birna to be released on January 24, 2025 along with DVD/Blu-ray Live at the Acropolis
Norwegian collective Wardruna present the title track of upcoming album Birna, accompanied by a music video. Birna – the she-bear in Old Norse – is a work of art dedicated to the warden of the forest, nature’s caretaker. The release is set for January 24, 2025 via Sony Music and By Norse Music.
Through Wardruna’s signature soundscape, this heavy, progressive song shows the unshakeable connection between humans and the natural world. Main composer Einar Selvik comments: “The song illustrates a dialogue between man and bear, exemplifying the various traits and abilities we humans have sought to borrow from these significant totemic animals throughout history.”
As Einar points out, the bear frequently figures in the oldest myths of mankind in the Northern hemisphere, with many indigenous peoples still regarding this animal as a totem – “The bear doesn’t need my help or any human traditional ornamentation to be its own powerful self. It is quite the opposite if one looks to past bear-traditions worth remembering. We learn, we dream of borrowing its traits and abilities. We fear, revere, and try to walk alongside but on separate paths. Respectfully, claim space and give space. However inconvenient it may be, further taming of the wild can never be the fruitful way forward. For me, it profoundly felt like the right time to give voice to the Birna, mother and shepherd of the vanishing woods,” Selvik concludes.
Humans have always identified with the bear in various ways. In some cultures, “treading the path of the bear” means pursuing what you’re meant to do in life. The bear’s body underneath the fur strongly resembles that of a man, which may have inspired legends that the bear actually originated from humans. For thousands of years we have striven to emulate its strength and wit.
The music video for “Birna” was filmed in Rondane National Park in Norway and directed by Wardruna´s longtime collaborator Tuukka Koski, produced by Breakfast Helsinki and Ragnarok Film.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “BIRNA” BELOW:
On January 24, Wardruna will release the Blu-Ray and DVD Live at the Acropolis, alongside the album. The show was recorded at the world heritage site Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis, Athens. Spanning over two hours, the concert features 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).
Both the new album and the dvd/Blu-ray are available for pre-ordering here.
REVISIT THE LIVE VIDEO FOR “LYFJABERG (LIVE AT THE ACROPOLIS)” BELOW:
Birna album cover | Cover artwork by Øivind A. Myksvoll
BIRNA TRACKLIST
1. Hertan [video]
2. Birna [video]
3. Ljos til Jord
4. Dvaledraumar
5. Jord til Ljos
6. Himinndotter [video]
7. Hibjørnen
8. Skuggehesten
9. Tretale
10. Lyfjaberg [video]
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
REVISIT THE VIDEO FOR “HIMINNDOTTER” BELOW
