New album out on January 24, 2025
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 valuable 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.”
The bear frequently figures in the oldest myths of mankind in the northern hemisphere, and many indigenous people still regard this animal as a totem, honouring it with rites and songs.
Although the bear from the very beginning has constituted a threat to our own lives and those of our livestock, humans have always identified with the bear in various ways. If you skin the animal, its body underneath the fur strongly resembles that of man, which may be a reason that as legend has it, the bear in fact originated from humans, and for thousands of years we have strived for its strength and wit. In some cultures, “treading the path of the bear” means pursuing what you’re truly meant to do in life.
“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.
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.
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
Photography by Morten Munthe
Biography by Oda Malmin
Proofreading by Lauren Barley
On January 24, Wardruna will release the Blu-Ray and DVD ‘Live at the Acropolis’, alongside the new 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).
Wardruna live in 2025
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 – SELLING FAST
22 Mar – York – Barbican – SOLD OUT
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 – SOLD OUT
Europe & United States 2025:
07 June – Reyjavik – Harpa
25 – 27 July – Fire In The Mountains – United States
30 Jul – 03 Aug – Rasnov – Rockstadt Extreme Fest