Wardruna, the Band that Resurrects the Viking Spirit

Wardruna, the Band that Resurrects the Viking Spirit

At the core of Wardruna’s ethos is the commitment to fostering new growth while fortifying ancient Nordic European traditions. This vision, conceived in 2009 by main composer Einar Selvik, Lindy-Fay Hella, and former member Gaahl, materialized through the creation of the Runaljod trilogy.

Following years of acoustic performances and contributions to the television series Vikings, Einar Selvik recorded Skald (2018). This live album aimed to capture the unfiltered energy of Wardruna’s live shows, honoring the ancient Norse oral traditions embodied by contemporary skalds (Norse poets).

Wardruna’s fifth album, Kvitravn (White-Raven), released in January 2021, extends the thematic and musical journey of the Runaljod trilogy. Exploring topics such as Northern sorcery, animism, and Norse spiritual concepts, Kvitravn represents a significant evolution in the group’s sound.

In 2022, Wardruna headlined prominent festivals such as Wacken Open Air in Germany and Hellfest Open Air in France, while also performing at historic venues like the Ancient Theater in Plovdiv and Castle Devin in Bratislava as part of the Nordic Night Tour.

Wardruna released a single and video of the new song “Hertan” in 2024.

Band Members

  • Einar Selvik – Vocals, taglharpa, kravik-lyre, bukkehorn
  • Lindy-Fay Hella – Vocals
  • Arne Sandvoll – Percussion, backing vocals
  • Sondre Veland – Percussion, backing vocals
  • Eilif Gundersen – Bukkehorn, lur, flute, backing vocals
  • HC Dalgaard – Drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • John Stenersen – Mora-harp

Discography

  1. Runaljod – gap var Ginnunga (Indie Recordings, 2009)
  2. Runaljod – Yggdrasil (Indie Recordings, 2013)
  3. Runaljod – Ragnarok (By Norse Music, 2016)
  4. Skald (By Norse Music, 2018)
  5. Kvitravn (By Norse Music, 2021)
  6. Kvitravn – First Flight of the White Raven (By Norse Music, 2022)

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