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Key Information

Reidar Schæfer Olsen (born 29 April 1985), known professionally as Danheim, is a Danish ambient and Nordic folk musician.[1][2][3]

Works and style

[edit]

Olsen was born in Brøndby[4] in 1985 and produced mostly in the electronic genre until 2016, when a strong interest in Norse mythology led him to start combining that with his music.[1] His stage name approximately means 'Danish home', taken from the Old Norse language word heim, meaning 'home'.[5]

Since 2016, Danheim has released eight records on his own independent label.[6] His style has been described by reviewers as "Brian Eno doing the soundtrack for Game of Thrones"[2] or "inspired folk music, with dark undertones".[7] Lyrically, his music deals with such tales from Norse mythology such as Hrungnir's fight with Thor, the story of Fimbulwinter and much more.[7]

In his 2019 release Hringrás, Danheim recorded the last three minutes of a track using only parts of dead plants and animals, as well as some real human bones.[8]

In 2019, Danheim also contributed music to the soundtrack of three episodes from the second half of the sixth season of the History Channel series Vikings.[9] One of the actors from the show, Georgia Hirst, enjoyed Danheim's contributions to the score so much that she released a social media video praising his music.[10]

As of July 2023, his YouTube channel had 555,000 subscribers and received more than 220 million video views.[11]

In March 2020 Danheim released his third full-length album of 11 tracks, Skapanir.[12] He decided to release the album earlier than planned, to help entertain his fans under lock-down or in isolation due to the 2020 Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.[13] Reviewers praised the album's 'visceral and hypnotic' composition, and noted the varied instrumentation that produced a 'multidimensional Viking soundbath'.[14] Teemu Esko of Kaos Magazine called Skapanir "versatile and touching, while rich and immersive".[15]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • Munarvágr (2017)
  • Mannavegr (2017)
  • Herja (2018)
  • Friðr (2018)
  • Vega (EP, 2018)
  • Runagalðr (2018)
  • Hringrás (2019)
  • Skapanir (2020)
  • Domadagr (2021)
  • Heimferd (2025)

Singles

[edit]
  • "Munarvágr" (2017)
  • "Jörmunganðr" (2017)
  • "Temple of Odin" (2017)
  • "Ivar's Revenge – Danish Viking Music" (2017)
  • "Angrboða" (ft. Sigurboði) (2017)
  • "Jörmunganðr – Vocal Version" (2017)
  • "Tyr" (2017)
  • "Gjallarhorn" (2017)
  • "Myrkviðr" (2017)
  • "Floki's Last Journey" (2017)
  • "Alfaðir" (2017)
  • "Ulfhednar" (2017)
  • "Tyrfing" (2017)
  • "Gleipnir" (ft. Fader Sol, Moder Jord) (2017)
  • "Valravn" (2017)
  • "Gripir" (2017)
  • "War of the North" (2017)
  • "Valhal – Viking War Song" (2017)
  • "Berserkir" (2017)
  • "Gungnir" (2018)
  • "Ginnung" (2018)
  • "Fornheim" (2018)
  • "Vikinger" (ft. Sigurboði) (2018)
  • "Vigja" (2018)
  • "Vega" (2018)
  • "Glitnir" (2018)
  • "Fella" (2018)
  • "Feikinstafir" (2018)
  • "Rùnatal" (ft. Sigurboði) (2018)
  • "Egilsson" (2018)
  • "Heilagr Domr" (2018)
  • "Hausrùnir" (ft. Sigurboði) (2018)
  • "Hefna" (2019)
  • "Bana" (ft. Gealdýr) (2019)
  • "Reida" (2019)
  • "Blodfest" (ft. Heldom) (2019)
  • "Ymir" (ft. Gealdýr) (2019)
  • "Niu Heimar" (2020)
  • "Skylda" (2020)
  • "Runamal" (2021)
  • "Runar" (2021)
  • "Skovblót" (2022)
  • "Hel" (2022)
  • "Hagalaz" (2022)
  • "Valkyrier" (2022)
  • "Ulvekald" (2022)
  • "Brekvirki" (2022)
  • "Tivar" (2022)
  • "Kammergrav" (2023)
  • "Langskib" (2023)
  • "Heimdalsvejen" (2023)
  • "Asablót" (2023)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Danheim

View on Grokipedia
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Danheim is a Danish Nordic folk music project created and led by musician and producer Reidar Schæfer Olsen, specializing in Viking-inspired ambient compositions that fuse traditional Nordic instruments, natural soundscapes, and mythological themes to evoke ancient Scandinavian heritage. Born in 1985 in Brøndby, Denmark, and based in Copenhagen, Olsen began his career in the early 2000s with electronic and ambient music before transitioning to Nordic folk around 2017, drawing from Norse mythology, Danish folklore, and his self-developed belief system Ǽttartrú. His work incorporates authentic elements such as Viking-era artifacts like bone rattles and weapons, alongside field recordings from Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and Norway, creating ritualistic atmospheres with pounding percussion and hushed minimalism. Danheim's music has achieved significant global reach, amassing over 1 billion streams across platforms and featuring in the television series Vikings across multiple seasons as well as Vikings: Valhalla. Olsen founded the independent label Fimbul Records to promote Nordic folk artists and launched Fimbul Radio in 2020, though the label has since closed; he handles all aspects of Danheim's production in his home studio, emphasizing instinct and ancestral connection. The project's discography includes notable albums such as Herja (2018) and Skapanir (2020), with the most recent release, Heimferd, issued on October 31, 2025, via Season of Mist, exploring themes of homeward journeys through introspective tracks like "Brenhin Llwyd" inspired by Welsh folklore and "Haukadalur" evoking Icelandic landscapes. As of 2025, Danheim has over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, establishing Olsen as a prominent figure in the genre while supporting causes like the Paul Watson Foundation and Sagnlandet Lejre historical site.

Biography

Early life

Reidar Schæfer Olsen was born on 29 April 1985 in Brøndby, . From an early age, Olsen nurtured a passion for songwriting, alongside a deep connection to his Danish roots and . These formative interests in Nordic traditions and laid the groundwork for his later artistic explorations. In the early , he began shifting his focus toward music production.

Career beginnings

Reidar Schæfer Olsen, known professionally as the creator behind Danheim, began his foray into music production in the early , initially exploring electronic and ambient genres. Inspired by dance and , he transitioned from other pursuits to composing his own tracks during this period, building foundational skills in and production. By the mid-2010s, Olsen had amassed 8 to 10 years of experience in electronic music production, honing techniques in ambient soundscapes and electronic composition. This period marked his development as a self-taught producer based in , , where he experimented with atmospheric and instrumental works. In conjunction with his growing expertise, Olsen founded the independent label Fimbul Records, which served as a platform for self-releasing his early productions and supporting like-minded artists in the Nordic folk and Viking-inspired genres. The , established in shortly after the launch of his Danheim project, facilitated his independent output and later evolved into the Fimbul Radio initiative in 2020. This accumulation of experience in electronic production provided the technical groundwork for Olsen's eventual pivot toward Nordic folk elements in his Danheim persona.

Formation and development of Danheim

Danheim was launched in as a solo project by Copenhagen-based Danish Reidar Schæfer Olsen, focusing on Nordic folk and Viking-inspired music that drew from his eight years of prior experience in electronic production. The project's debut albums, Munarvagr and Mannavegr, were released independently that year, establishing Olsen's alias as a distinctive voice in the genre through self-produced recordings that blended ancient Nordic themes with modern soundscapes. Initially operating as an independent endeavor, Danheim gained traction through digital platforms, amassing over one billion streams worldwide by the mid-2020s, which propelled its evolution from niche online releases to broader international recognition. This growth included expansions into merchandise, such as apparel and accessories tied to Viking motifs, available through dedicated online shops. However, as Danheim's popularity grew, Olsen closed Fimbul Records to concentrate on his solo project. In August 2024, Olsen signed Danheim to the label, enabling wider distribution, professional reissues, and enhanced global outreach for the project. Under the new label partnership, facilitated vinyl reissues of the foundational albums Munarvagr and Mannavegr in March 2025, remastering them for physical formats to reach vinyl enthusiasts and collectors internationally. This milestone marked a significant step in Danheim's development, transitioning from digital-first independence to structured label support that amplified its presence in the Nordic folk scene. Olsen's personal motivations have increasingly shaped the project's direction, particularly in recent works exploring ancestral heritage. The 2025 album Heimferd, released on October 31 via , serves as a profound reflection on these themes, with Olsen describing it as "a journey home... to my ancestry, honouring the weight of old paths while also forging new ones." Centered on Ǽttartrú—a self-constructed belief system rooted in Scandinavian ancestral practices—the album underscores Olsen's drive to connect with historical and cultural introspection.

Musical style and influences

Influences

Danheim's music draws primary inspiration from the and ancient Nordic culture, particularly elements of mythology, , and rituals that evoke the era's spiritual and historical depth. Reidar Schæfer Olsen, the project's creator, bases compositions on the darker aspects of the Viking period, incorporating stories from Nordic mythology and old Danish to create an authentic atmospheric mood. This influence extends to runic symbolism and ritualistic practices, as seen in thematic explorations of ancient Norse doomsday prophecies and protective within album concepts. Historical and folkloric elements further shape Danheim's sound, rooted in sagas, pagan traditions, and broader Scandinavian heritage. Olsen's work reflects the narrative traditions of and pre-Christian pagan customs, emphasizing ancestral reverence and cultural authenticity from Denmark's past. These sources provide a foundation for evoking the social structures and ritual practices of early medieval . In addition to traditional roots, modern musical genres influence Danheim's style, blending Nordic folk with neo-pagan folk, dark folk, and ambient electronic elements. This fusion allows for a contemporary interpretation of ancient themes, using electronic production techniques to enhance the haunting, ritualistic quality. The neo-pagan folk scene, inspired by Heathenry and Viking history, aligns closely with Olsen's approach to cultural revival, though the genre has faced criticisms for far-right appropriations of Nordic paganism; Olsen has stated that he does not support . Olsen's personal ancestral ties play a central role, stemming from his Danish roots and active exploration of family history. He developed a deep connection to his heritage, which fueled his entry into the . Recent projects, such as the album Heimferd, incorporate Ǽttartrú—a self-constructed belief system centered on Scandinavian ancestral reconnection and individual lineage—further personalizing these influences. This ancestral focus manifests in themes of homeward journeys and lineage ties across Danheim's discography.

Style and themes

Danheim's music fuses and Nordic folk elements with ritualistic and dark atmospheric tones, creating immersive soundscapes that evoke ancient Scandinavian rituals and landscapes. This style blends electronic production techniques, rooted in the artist's background in , with organic folk instrumentation to produce a hypnotic, otherworldly effect. Production often occurs in a home studio, incorporating layered field recordings from Nordic environments—such as winds, geysers, and natural echoes from , , , and —to enhance the raw, elemental quality of the compositions. Central to the sonic palette are traditional and unconventional instruments that contribute to the ritualistic intensity, including the tagelharpa (a bowed ), bowed bass lyre, frame drums, and custom-made percussion crafted from wood, bones, and Viking-era artifacts like weapons and rattles. and raw, hypnotic vocals are employed, adding a primal, trance-like dimension, while electronic elements provide subtle undercurrents of depth and without overpowering the acoustic authenticity. These choices result in textured, imperfect sounds that prioritize emotional over polished production, fostering a sense of ancient power and introspection. Thematically, Danheim's work explores the darker facets of Viking lore, including berserkir warriors in trance-like fury, epic battles, and confrontations with elemental forces like storms and , intertwined with motifs of nature's majesty and spiritual connectivity. Recurring narratives delve into through sacred rites and pagan practices, portraying journeys of struggle, longing, and return to ancestral roots, often symbolizing a homeward path amid mythological trials. These themes draw briefly from Nordic mythology to underscore a vivid, imaginative reconnection with pre-Christian heritage. Over time, Danheim's style has evolved from early ritualistic and war-oriented compositions in the , emphasizing raw Viking aggression, to more introspective and personal ancestral narratives in the . Recent releases incorporate experimental vocals, brighter tonal shifts, and a deeper integration of natural field recordings, reflecting a self-constructed ancestral belief system known as Ǽttartrú that personalizes the mythic framework with contemporary emotional depth. This progression maintains the core dark ambiance while broadening accessibility through varied linguistic elements and thematic subtlety.

Discography

Studio albums

Danheim's studio albums form the core of the project's , blending Nordic folk elements with atmospheric soundscapes inspired by Viking-age narratives and . Initially self-released, the early works established a raw, immersive style, while later releases show growing production sophistication and thematic complexity, often incorporating , traditional instruments like the tagelharpa, and electronic undertones. By 2023, the albums had collectively amassed over 1 billion streams across digital platforms, contributing to Danheim's placement in media such as the final season of and Vikings: Valhalla. In 2025, began reissuing key early titles on vinyl, marking a shift toward wider distribution. The debut album, Munarvágr, was self-released on May 23, 2017, and comprises 9 tracks that evoke shadowy Viking voyages and mythological depths, drawing from lore such as references to and . This foundational release set the tone for Danheim's explorations of Nordic heritage. The follow-up, Mannavegr, also self-released later in 2017, expands to 15 tracks, including collaborations with Sigurboði Grétarsson on three songs, and delves into themes of human paths through ancient and introspection. Both early albums were reissued on vinyl by in March 2025, enhancing their accessibility to collectors. In 2018, Danheim released three albums, intensifying the focus on Viking-era intensity. Herja, self-released on April 1, features 13 tracks centered on Viking heritage and mythological motifs like berserkergang (berserker rage), , and , portraying themes of war and devastation— itself translating to "lay waste" in . Friðr, also self-released that year with 13 tracks, shifts toward concepts of peace and reflection amid Norse turmoil, balancing the aggression of prior works. Runagalðr, issued via Ballista Records with 12 tracks, emphasizes incantatory spells and runic mysticism, inspired by Old Danish poetry and pagan rituals. These 2018 releases marked a prolific period, deepening the project's engagement with historical and mythical storytelling. Subsequent albums built on this momentum. Hringrás, released in 2019 through Ballista Records, contains 11 tracks exploring cyclical themes of fate and cosmic order (hringrás meaning "wheel" or "cycle" in ), incorporating ritualistic percussion to evoke eternal Norse cycles. Skapanir, self-released in 2020 with 12 tracks, delves into pagan soulscapes and creation myths, praised for its folk-ambient immersion in spiritual Nordic landscapes. The 2021 self-released Domadagr, featuring 13 tracks, confronts apocalyptic visions from Norse eschatology—domadagr referring to —with poetic excerpts from ancient texts framing themes of doom and renewal. Danheim's most recent studio album, Heimferd, marks the project's debut with , released on October 31, 2025, and includes 13 tracks. It portrays a journey driven by instinct and ancestral return, blending pounding rhythms with minimalist atmospheres to reflect timeless Nordic cultural undercurrents, as seen in tracks like "Stormdans" and "Yggdrasil II." Post-2018, the discography exhibits increasing thematic depth, evolving from broad atmospheric Viking motifs to more nuanced mythological narratives and production polish, solidifying Danheim's influence in the Nordic folk genre.

Extended plays and singles

Danheim's extended plays and singles have served as key vehicles for introducing and testing new ritualistic elements within his Nordic folk sound, often bridging gaps between full-length albums or promoting thematic expansions. The project's sole EP to date, (2018), released via self-distribution on Records, features ambient tracks evoking ancient Scandinavian mysticism, including the title track and "Feikinstafir," which experiment with droning percussion and to foreshadow the rune-inspired motifs in subsequent works like Runagalðr. Among early singles, "Ivar's Revenge (Danish Viking Music)" (2017) marked Danheim's debut release, establishing the project's focus on dark Viking atmospheres with ritual chants and frame drums, garnering over 27 million streams as a standalone introduction to the Munarvágr era. Similarly, "Berserkir" (), a high-energy track channeling rage through pounding rhythms and guttural vocals, achieved more than 37 million streams and later anchored the war-themed album, highlighting its role in building audience engagement for battle-oriented narratives. In later years, singles continued to expand thematic universes, such as "Draugrsongr" (2024), a haunting exploration of with layered horns and echoes, released via Ballista Records to test motifs ahead of broader releases. More recently, under , promotional singles for the Heimferd album included "Heimferd" (2025), evoking homeward journeys with expansive ambient builds; "Stormdans" (2025), capturing stormy rituals through dynamic percussion; and "Yggdrasil II" (2025), a sequel reimagining cosmic tree with ethereal synths, each building anticipation for the album's heritage-focused soundscapes.
Release TypeTitleYearLabelNotable Context
EP2018Ballista RecordsExperimental ambient tracks testing rune and ritual sounds.
SingleIvar's Revenge (Danish Viking Music)2017Self-releasedDebut single introducing Viking project; 27M+ Spotify streams.
Single2017Self-releasedBerserker-themed promotion for war motifs; 37M+ Spotify streams.
SingleDraugrsongr2024Ballista RecordsStandalone undead folklore track expanding supernatural themes.
SingleHeimferd2025Season of MistLead single for Heimferd album, focusing on heritage journeys.
SingleStormdans2025Season of MistPromotional track evoking stormy rituals.
Single2025Season of MistSequel single reimagining .

References

  1. https://danheimmusic.com/about-danheim/
  2. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/
  3. https://www.newreleasesnow.com/album/danheim-heimferd
  4. https://glidemagazine.com/319313/danheim-grapples-with-the-elements-for-the-homeward-journey-of-nordic-folk-and-viking-inspired-heimferd-interview/
  5. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLTQVYwu-M-MnfOJDKlFnOQ
  6. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/reidar-olsen.html
  7. https://www.slowdragonmusic.com/articles/dragon-fire/danheim-sign-to-season-of-mist/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9430231/bio/
  9. https://antifascistneofolk.com/2019/04/22/into-the-heathen-past-an-interview-with-fuimadane/
  10. https://beswebzine.sk/interview-danheim-6-12-2018/
  11. https://mythologica.com.br/en/news/gealdyr-debut-album-sol/
  12. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/danheim/1192810980
  13. https://www.season-of-mist.com/news/danheim-2025-01-07/
  14. https://metalshockfinland.com/2025/01/08/danheim-reissues-first-two-classics-munarvagr-mannavegr-on-march-7th/
  15. https://danheimmusic.com/
  16. https://www.season-of-mist.com/news/danheim-2024-08-28/
  17. https://www.grimmgent.com/danheim-signed-to-season-of-mist/
  18. https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/danheim-reissues
  19. https://www.season-of-mist.com/news/danheim-2025-10-30/
  20. https://www.hotelhobbies.com/post/album-review-danheim-heimferd-2025-season-of-mist
  21. https://retrofuturista.com/danheim-announces-new-album-rooted-in-personal-ancestral-practice/
  22. https://www.season-of-mist.com/news/danheim-2025-08-27/
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLSKgqULxyY
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXhhpxt_OoI
  25. https://antifascistneofolk.com/tag/danheim/
  26. https://queenofthegrove.wordpress.com/2018/12/04/do-you-know-anything-about-the-bands-heilung/
  27. https://metal-exposure.com/danheim-skapanir/
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DrAfrYA3qs
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj1RS9vHcsw
  30. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/album/munarvagr
  31. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/album/mannavegr
  32. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/album/herja
  33. https://heavymetal.dk/anmeldelse/danheim-herja
  34. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/album/fridr
  35. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/album/runagaldr
  36. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/album/hringr-s
  37. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/album/skapanir
  38. https://kaaoszine.fi/koskettava-katsaus-pakanalliseen-sielunmaisemaan-arviossa-folk-ambientia-esittava-danheim/
  39. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/album/domadagr
  40. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/album/heimferd
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/12711032-Danheim-Vega
  42. https://danheimmusic.com/albums/
  43. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/track/ivars-revenge-danish-viking-music
  44. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/track/berserkir
  45. https://danheim.bandcamp.com/track/draugrsongr
  46. https://www.season-of-mist.com/news/danheim-2025-09-29/
  47. https://www.season-of-mist.com/news/danheim-2025-10-15/
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