WARDRUNA’S NEW SKALDIC COMPOSITION “HIBJØRNEN” ATTUNES ONES SENSES TO NATURE
VIDEO PREMIERES SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER @ 6PM GMT
Birna to be released on January 24, 2025 along with DVD/Blu-ray Live at the Acropolis
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 listen to/share the track in the meantime below.
Birna album cover | 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 [video]
2. Birna
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
Wardruna live in 2024/2025
Europe 2024:
07 Nov – Milano, Italy – Teatro Degli Arcimboldi
08 Nov – Zurich, Switzerland – The Hall
09 Nov – Paris, France – Salle Pleyel with special guest: Jo Quail – SOLD OUT
11 Nov – Hamburg, Germany – Laeiszhalle – SOLD OUT
12 Nov – Berlin, Germany – Tempodrom
14 Nov – Lyon, France – Amphithéâtre 3000
15 Nov – Frankfurt am Main, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle
16 Nov – Nürnberg, Germany – Meistersingerhalle – SOLD OUT
17 Nov – Wien, Austria – Konzerthaus
19 Nov – Brussels, Belgium – Cirque Royal – SOLD OUT
20 Nov – Halle, Germany – Händelhalle
21 Nov – Prague, Czech Republic – Forum Karlin
23 Nov – Utrecht, Netherlands – Tivoli Vredenburg – SOLD OUT
24 Nov – Utrecht, Netherlands – Tivoli Vredenburg – SOLD OUT
26 Nov – Düsseldorf, Germany – Tonhalle – SOLD OUT
Australia & New Zealand 2025:
23 Jan – Melbourne – Palais Theatre
25 Jan – Sydney – Enmore Theatre
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
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
02 May – Kristiansand – Kilden
03 May – Stavanger – Konserthuset
04 May – Bergen – Grieghallen
Europe 2025:
07 June – Reyjavik – Harpa
30 Jul – 03 Aug – Rasnov – Rockstadt Extreme Fest