Forum.RttP{Wardruna (warning: neofolk content)}

Wardruna is a Norwegian musical constellation set out to explore and evoke the depths of Norse wisdom and spirituality. Musically Wardruna has its main focus on the cultic musical language found in the near-forgotten arts of galder, seidr and the daily acts of the cultic life, mixed with impulses from Norwegian / Nordic folk music and music from other indigenous cultures.

The upcoming album entitled ‘gap var Ginnunga’ will be the first in the planned Runaljod trilogy that will interpret the runes of the elder futhark. The subsequent albums will be entitled ‘Yggdrasil’ and ‘Ragnarok’. Each album will feature eight runes, but not in accordance with the order of the three aettirs (families), which is most commonly used. ‘gap var Ginnunga’ will feature the following runes: Hagal, Bjarkan, Thurs, Jara, Laukr, Kauna, Algir, Dagr.

Recordings partly take place outdoors at locations relevant to the different runes. The instruments we use are mainly old and historical instruments, such as deer-hide frame drums and ceremonial drums, mouth harp, clove / hoof rattles from deer and goat, bone flute, goat and cow horns, Hardanger fiddle and bowed lyres. More unconventional inputs like trees, stones, water, fire etc. are also employed to enhance the nature of the rune being ‘portrayed’.

Keeping in mind that there will always be a certain room for disagreement and discussion when working with the runes, I would like to emphasize that in my songs it is not necessarily a goal for me to approach the respective rune from every conceivable angle, nor to cover all of the different aspects of it. Rather, the focus is on the core of each rune and the qualities that serve the whole concept and purpose of Wardruna best: sowing and nurturing new seeds and strengthening old roots!

Kvitrafn (Einar Selvik): Founder of Wardruna. Writes all music and lyrics, sings and plays most of the instruments.

Lindy Fay Hella: Vocals.

Gaahl: Vocals. Conceptual contributions.

– Kvitrafn, 2007 (http://www.wardruna.com )

Obviously this appeals to history nerds like me with an appetite for ancient music, but I'd recommend this to anyone. Apparently they handmade many of the instruments, and they just did their first concert in front of the Oseberg longship! Gaahl does some fantastic spoken word but don't be fooled - there's no Gorgoroth here. This is a must-buy for me, but easily found online. I dare you to throw it on and try to fall asleep, or take 3 or 5 bong hits and call me in the morning.