Wardruna
“Kvitravn”
Norse Mvsic
Released: January 22, 2021
Norway has always been a nation built on proud traditions, and Warduna continue to bring that tradition into the musical realm on Kvitravn.
Although Wardruna are sure to gain attention due to their inclusion in the Vikings television show and the upcoming Assassin’s Creed video game, they have also built up quite a following prior to all of that, and now, with their fifth album, have truly found their calling. If those new to the bands cannon knew that Wardruna consists of musicians that are really well renowned in the black metal world, perhaps they would not be so inclined to venture further. That would, however, be a mistake. For Warduna are a special set of musicians.
The sounds created by Warduna are in a world of their own. Able to send its listener into a trance-like state of peace and relaxation. Even more so in a live setting. Playing traditional Norse instruments and singing about old Norse values, runes, the words of Odin, and so on – Warduna are continuing their Norse history through songs akin to those that would have been heard a millennia ago. Heavy use of drums, sometimes along the lines of a Native American medicine drum troupe, and often similar to older material released by Ireland’s Dead Can Dance. After all, Norse and Celtic heritage, mythology and traditions are very similar.
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Beautifully aetherial. Solemn in a way, but more uplifting. A transcendence. A journey into the past, the unknown. As previously mentioned, some of the drumming is similar to the Native American medicine drum. A sound used for centuries for meditation. Deep thoughts and reflection. Led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Einar Selvik, Wadruna pay homage to Nordic traditional instrumentation. To their heritage. And that is a beautiful thing. Horns, flutes – instruments I couldn’t even begin to talk about, because I honestly have no idea as to what they are called. Isn’t that great? What is old is new again.
It may sound pretentious to say this – but I don’t care, Wardruna are a sophistication beyond words. This simply will not appeal to all. But those that get this sort of thing, will do so more with their soul than with their ears. In a world of false idols and vanity, Warduna bring back a sense of realism and purity. If nature had a soundtrack, then this is that. Music made for tradition rather than a paycheck. No overdubs. No booming bass to stretch a subwoofer or any digital sounds created on a computer. This is pure. Real. Harkening back to a time when music, like all proper art, was replete with feeling and emotion. Ambiance. Atmosphere. There are passages on this album that are fantastic beyond words – such as the passage at about the two minute mark on Kvit Hjort that just make me want to close my eyes, throw my head back and soak in every moment. Oh, how I yearn to sit atop a mountain at night, with this in my headphones.
Wardruna’s fantastic Kvitravn, or White Raven, is available for pre-order now, through Norse Mvsic. Highly recommended.
For Fans Of: Dead Can Dance, Mykur, Heilung
Track Listing:
01. Andvevarljod
02. Fylgjutal
03. Gra
04. Kvithjort
05. Kvitravin
06. Munin
07. Ni
08. Skusse
09. Synkverv
10. Vindavlarljod
11. Viseveiding
