Wardruna
Biography
From the mist-shrouded fjords of Norway emerges Wardruna, a musical project that has single-handedly resurrected the ancient Nordic soul and thrust it into the modern consciousness with the force of a berserker's axe. Founded in 2003 by the enigmatic Einar Selvik, formerly of black metal outfit Gorgoroth, Wardruna represents nothing less than a sonic archaeology expedition into the pre-Christian Nordic world, where shamanic drums echo across millennia and forgotten runes whisper their secrets through haunting melodies.
Selvik's transformation from corpse-painted extremist to cultural custodian wasn't mere artistic whim – it was a calling that demanded he abandon conventional instruments almost entirely. Instead, Wardruna's sound emerges from an arsenal of historical and traditional Nordic instruments: bone flutes carved from ancient remains, frame drums stretched with reindeer hide, primitive harps, and the otherworldly tagelharpa. Most remarkably, Selvik incorporates actual runestones and ancient artifacts as percussion instruments, literally making music from history itself.
The project's conceptual foundation rests upon the Elder Futhark, the oldest form of runic alphabets, with each album exploring different aspects of this mystical system. Their debut trilogy – "Gap Var Ginnunga" (2009), "Yggdrasil" (2013), and "Runaljod – Ragnarok" (2016) – forms the "Runaljod" series, a sweeping musical interpretation of Norse cosmology that took over a decade to complete. These aren't albums in any conventional sense; they're ritualistic experiences that transport listeners to smoke-filled longhouses where skalds once recited tales of gods and giants.
Wardruna's ascension from underground curiosity to international phenomenon accelerated dramatically when their music became integral to the hit television series "Vikings." Selvik didn't merely provide soundtrack material – he appeared on screen as a musician and composer, his haunting vocals becoming synonymous with the show's authentic medieval atmosphere. This exposure introduced millions to Nordic folk traditions, transforming Wardruna from niche academic exercise into a cultural bridge between ancient and modern worlds.
The band's live performances are less concerts than spiritual ceremonies. Selvik, often joined by collaborators including Lindy-Fay Hella and other traditional musicians, creates immersive environments where audiences become participants in ancient rituals. These shows frequently take place in historically significant locations – stone circles, ancient forests, or archaeological sites – where the music's connection to place and time becomes tangible. The sight of hundreds of modern concertgoers standing in reverent silence as bone flutes pierce the night air represents something unprecedented in contemporary music.
Their 2018 album "Skald" marked a bold departure, stripping away much of the project's orchestral elements to focus on voice and traditional instruments. The result was their most intimate and arguably most powerful work, proving that Wardruna's essence lies not in elaborate production but in the primal connection between performer and ancient tradition. Follow-up "Kvitravn" (2021) expanded this approach while incorporating field recordings from Norwegian nature, reinforcing the project's deep ecological consciousness.
Wardruna's influence extends far beyond music into fashion, literature, and spiritual practices. The project has inspired countless musicians to explore their own cultural roots, spawning an entire subgenre of "neo-folk" that attempts to recreate similar connections to pre-modern traditions. Academic institutions now study Selvik's work as a form of cultural preservation, while modern pagans and spiritual seekers embrace Wardruna as a gateway to ancestral wisdom.
The project's authenticity stems from Selvik's scholarly approach – he doesn't simply appropriate Nordic imagery but conducts genuine research into historical practices, working with archaeologists and historians to ensure accuracy. This commitment to authenticity has earned respect from both academic circles and traditional music communities, elevating Wardruna above mere musical tourism.
As environmental concerns and cultural disconnection plague modern society, Wardruna offers something increasingly rare: a genuine connection to place, tradition, and the natural world. Their music doesn't nostalgically romanticize the past but rather demonstrates how ancient wisdom remains relevant to contemporary challenges. In an age of digital overwhelm, Selvik's commitment to analog instruments and natural acoustics feels revolutionary.
Today, Wardruna continues evolving while maintaining its core mission of cultural preservation and spiritual exploration. Each release deepens their exploration of Nordic tradition while proving that the most ancient sounds can speak most powerfully to modern souls. In
