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Wardruna
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Wardruna is a Norwegian music group formed in 2003 by Einar Selvik along with Gaahl and Lindy-Fay Hella.[1] They create musical renditions of Norse cultural and esoteric traditions and make significant use of Nordic historical and traditional instruments, including deer-hide frame drums, flutes, kraviklyra, mouth harp, goat horn, and lur. Non-traditional instruments, like the Finnish jouhikko, and other sources of sound like trees, rocks, water, and torches are also used.[2]

Key Information

The band have released six full-length albums, the first three based on Norse runes, the fourth based on the sayings of Odin from the Völuspá and other old Norse sources. The name Wardruna means "the guardian of secrets" or "she who whispers".[3]

History

[edit]

Wardruna was formed in 2003. Selvik and Gaahl were both previously members of Gorgoroth, appearing together on the album Twilight of the Idols and the live DVD Black Mass Krakow 2004.[4][5] Selvik had also recorded with other projects including Det Hedenske Folk,[4] Bak de Syv Fjell, Jotunspor, Sahg, Dead to this World, Skuggsjá, and Faun.[6][4] Gaahl also recorded with Trelldom, Gaahlskagg, and God Seed.[7]

The group's debut album, Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga, was released on 19 January 2009 by Indie Recordings and followed by Runaljod – Yggdrasil on 15 March 2013.

In 2014, Selvik announced on the group's official Facebook page that they would take part in composing the score for season 2 of Vikings along with Trevor Morris.[8][9] He later appeared as an actor on the show.[10] In 2015, Gaahl left Wardruna on amicable terms.[11]

Wardruna's third album, Runaljod – Ragnarok, was released on 21 October 2016. Thanks in part to the success of Vikings, the album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's World Albums chart.[12]

In August 2017, Wardruna headlined the 20th alternative music, folk music, and experimental music festival Mėnuo Juodaragis in Dūburys Lake, Lithuania.[13] In early 2018, they embarked on their first tour of North America.[14]

The band's fourth album, the acoustic Skald, was released on 23 November 2018.[15]

In October 2019, Wardruna announced they had signed to major labels Sony Music/Columbia Records.[16] The band released their fifth studio album in January 2021, named Kvitravn, which means "white raven".[17] This was followed by the live album Kvitravn – First Flight of the White Raven in early 2022.[18]

Wardruna's tours for 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The band returned to touring in 2022, with European and North American shows as well as a performance at Midgardsblot.[19]

The band launched their 2024/2025 world tour at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, US.[20] In January 2025, they released their sixth studio album, titled Birna.[21]

Reception

[edit]

Jonathan Selzer of Metal Hammer magazine described Wardruna's music as "a conjunction of the earthy, the organic and the ethereal" with "runic-based rites inhabiting a frequency that once heard have always seemed just adjacent to everyday consciousness".[22] Hannah May Kilroy of Kerrang! magazine wrote that "Wardruna may be at odds with the modern world, but, perhaps, they are exactly what the modern world needs."[23]

Band members

[edit]

Current

  • Einar "Kvitrafn" Selvik – vocals, all instruments, composer
  • Lindy-Fay Hella – vocals, flute
  • Arne Sandvoll – backing vocals, percussion
  • HC Dalgaard – backing vocals, percussion, drums
  • Eilif Gundersen – horns, flutes
  • John Stenersen – moraharpa

Past

Discography

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Wardruna

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Wardruna is a Norwegian musical project founded in 2003 by multi-instrumentalist and composer , focused on evoking the ancient cultural and spiritual heritage of the Nordic peoples through innovative soundscapes that blend traditional instrumentation with contemporary production. The project originated from Selvik's deep interest in , , and pre-Christian Nordic traditions, initially involving collaborators such as vocalist and former frontman , though the core lineup has evolved to include a rotating ensemble of musicians. Current key members feature Selvik on vocals and instruments like the tagelharpa and kravik-lyre, Hella on vocals, and supporting performers on percussion, horns, flutes, and other ancient tools, emphasizing a rather than a fixed band structure. Wardruna's music draws from historical sources such as the and archaeological findings, incorporating natural and reconstructed instruments—including the (goat horn), (bronze horn), and even sounds from trees, stones, and bones—to create atmospheric compositions that explore themes of nature, fate, and the human spirit. This approach has positioned the project at the intersection of neo-folk, Nordic folk, and , often described as a modern revival of ancient rituals. Since its debut album Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga in 2009, Wardruna has released six studio albums: the Runaljod trilogy—Gap Var Ginnunga (2009), Yggdrasil (2013), and Ragnarok (2016)—along with Skald (2018), Kvitravn (2021), and Birna (2025). Additionally, there is the live album Kvitravn – First Flight of the White Raven (2022). These works have achieved significant commercial success, charting in 13 countries, reaching No. 1 on world music charts in Canada and Austria, and No. 2 in Germany. Beyond recordings, Wardruna gained international prominence through Selvik's contributions to media soundtracks, notably composing original music for the series starting in 2013, which introduced tracks like "Helvegen" to global audiences. Selvik also scored elements of the Assassin's Creed Valhalla (2020), further amplifying the project's influence in popular culture and its role in revitalizing interest in Nordic heritage.

Background

Formation

Wardruna was founded in 2003 in , , by , (vocalist of the black metal band ), and Lindy-Fay as a side project dedicated to exploring the ancient Nordic through musical interpretation. The project's initial concept was a non-commercial endeavor, with the goal of composing one song for each of the 24 in the , the oldest runic alphabet used by Germanic tribes, to revive and give voice to these historical symbols without commercial pressures. Early recording sessions were conducted in natural environments, including forests and caves around , to harness authentic acoustics and incorporate organic sounds like wind, water, and echoes, enhancing the immersive quality of the rune-inspired tracks. contributed vocals and creative input until 2015, at which point his amicable departure—announced after the release of the second album Runaljod – (2013)—marked a pivotal shift for Wardruna, further distancing it from associations toward a dedicated focus on Nordic folk and traditional elements.

Concept and Influences

Wardruna's foundational concept revolves around the 24 of the , the ancient Germanic runic alphabet, with each musical piece designed to evoke the essence and symbolic meanings of an individual rune. Founded in 2003 by , the project structures its compositions to interpret these through relevant sounds, instruments, words, and environments, drawing from their historical and spiritual significance rather than esoteric speculation. Selvik has described the as the primary composer, stating, "The are the composer and I am the instrument," emphasizing a process that begins with academic research to ensure authenticity before intuitive exploration. The band's influences are deeply rooted in Norse paganism and ancient Scandinavian traditions, including the and other runic poetry, which provide thematic and lyrical foundations tied to mythology, nature, and human experience. Shamanistic elements are incorporated through historical sources such as sagas like and poems from the , reflecting esoteric rune uses and spiritual practices without dogmatic intent. Selvik's background in as the drummer for under the name Kvitrafn, combined with his self-taught expertise in , shapes the project's commitment to cultural accuracy; he collaborates with runologists and linguists to ground the music in primary sources. Wardruna places a strong emphasis on oral traditions, viewing not as written artifacts but as part of performative meant to be recited and experienced, a practice disrupted by in . To preserve ancient sonic landscapes, the band avoids modern production techniques, such as conventional verse-refrain structures, and records in natural settings to capture authentic atmospheres, prioritizing the revival of proto-Norse cultural rhythms over contemporary conventions.

Musical Style and Themes

Instrumentation and Sound

Wardruna's music prominently features a selection of ancient Nordic instruments, including the tagelharpa, a bowed that produces haunting, resonant tones evoking medieval Scandinavian traditions. Other key instruments include the , a goat horn used for its primal, signaling calls; the , a long bronze trumpet-like instrument for deep, echoing blasts; and the kraviklyre, a small seven-stringed tuned to a for melodic introspection. These instruments are often handmade or sourced historically, with founder emphasizing their construction from natural materials like animal hides and bones to preserve authenticity. The ensemble integrates recorded in outdoor settings to create atmospheric depth, such as flowing water from rivers, crackling , rustling trees, and glacial formations struck for percussive effects. These elements are captured on location—often tied to specific natural environments like waterfalls or frozen landscapes—to infuse the music with organic textures and environmental resonance, avoiding artificial manipulation. Percussion in Wardruna's compositions draws from ritualistic sources, including frame drums made from deer hides stretched over wooden frames, bones and stones struck for earthy rhythms, and unconventional materials like columns or hooves fashioned into shakers. These contribute to trance-like, shamanic beats that mimic natural pulses, such as a bear's slow heartbeat at nine beats per minute, enhancing the music's immersive, ceremonial quality. Over time, Wardruna's sound has evolved from the stark acoustic purity of early works like the Runaljod trilogy, which prioritized minimal instrumentation and raw natural recordings, to more subtly layered arrangements in later albums such as Skald (2018), Kvitravn (2021), and Birna (2025). This progression maintains a commitment to non-electronic production, gradually incorporating additional acoustic elements like choirs or expanded percussion while preserving the core focus on historical fidelity and organic depth.

Lyrics and Mythology

Wardruna's lyrics are composed primarily in , Proto-Norse, and modern Norwegian, drawing directly from ancient sources such as Norse sagas, , and Eddic poems to evoke the oral traditions of pre-Christian . , the project's founder, emphasizes that these languages allow for a reconnection with ancestral sounds, where Proto-Norse terms often carry layered, syllable-rich meanings tied to natural processes, as seen in songs referencing iron-making rituals or healing concepts from the . The band's lyrical content deeply explores Norse mythological themes, including the concept of wyrd (fate) as an interconnected web of human choices and cosmic inevitability, the presence of nature spirits inherent in animistic beliefs, and cyclical patterns of existence symbolized by Yggdrasil, the world tree that binds realms in eternal renewal. For instance, tracks delve into ecological harmony, portraying nature not as a resource but as a sacred, participatory force alive with spiritual energy, reflecting the Eddic view of the world as a balanced, breathing entity. Central to Wardruna's approach is rune-specific , where each interprets the symbolic of an rune, such as Ansuz, which represents divine inspiration and the breath of the gods, channeling Odin's wisdom through poetic . This method transforms runes from mere alphabets into narrative keys unlocking mythological lore, with lyrics often repeating runic forms to mimic ancient (incantatory singing) for ritualistic depth. Rather than glorifying or battle motifs common in popular Viking imagery, Wardruna's lyrics prioritize spiritual and ecological balance, countering stereotypes by focusing on everyday rituals, fate's solemnity, and humanity's harmonious place within the natural and cosmic order. Selvik has described this as creating "sacred spaces" through sound, emphasizing renewal over destruction, as in interpretations of Ragnarok as a cycle of hope rather than .

Career

Early Releases

Wardruna's debut album, Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga, was self-released in 2009 and consists of eight tracks, each centered on a specific rune from the alphabet, such as Hagal, Bjarkan, and Laukr. The album's production embraced a DIY , with recordings conducted in natural settings to evoke the runes' elemental essence; for instance, vocals for the track "Laukr" (the rune for water) were captured while standing in a river. This low-budget approach relied on handmade instruments like deer-hide frame drums and kraviklyre, crafted by founder to align with ancient Norse traditions. In 2011, Selvik established Fimbulljóð Productions as an indie entity to handle distribution of the debut and facilitate Wardruna's initial live performances, including shows at venues like Logen in . These early concerts marked the project's transition from studio work to stage presence, building a following within niche circles. The second , Runaljod – , followed in 2013 via Indie Recordings in collaboration with Fimbulljóð Productions, expanding the runic exploration to the next set of symbols and completing coverage across the trilogy's three installments. Retaining the raw, location-based recording style amid continued budgetary constraints, it drew increasing notice in underground folk and metal communities for its immersive blend of ancient mythology and atmospheric sound.

Mainstream Success

Wardruna's involvement in the soundtrack for the History Channel's television series , beginning in 2013, marked a significant turning point in their career, providing extensive exposure to a global audience. composed and contributed original music for the show, with tracks like "Helvegen" featuring prominently in episodes and becoming synonymous with the series' depiction of Norse culture. This collaboration, which included over 60 placements of Wardruna's music across multiple seasons, dramatically increased the band's international visibility and fanbase, bridging their niche Nordic folk sound to mainstream entertainment. In 2015, vocalist , a founding member, departed from the band, choosing to cease live performances and step away entirely, which allowed to emerge as the primary creative force behind Wardruna's direction. This shift solidified Selvik's leadership as the group transitioned into broader success. The following year, 2016, saw the release of Runaljod – Ragnarok, the third and final installment of the Runaljod trilogy, which explored and through immersive soundscapes. The album achieved commercial breakthrough, topping the World Albums chart and entering charts in several , further capitalizing on the momentum from Vikings. By 2018, Wardruna expanded their reach with the release of , an acoustic album compiling Selvik's solo material, including pieces originally crafted for media such as and video games, presented in a raw, voice-and-instrumentation format suited for soundtracks. This period also marked the band's first major international tours, encompassing dates across and a dedicated North American run, including West Coast performances that showcased their evolving live presentations with traditional instruments adapted for stage rituals.

Recent Developments

Wardruna's fifth studio album, Kvitravn, was released on January 22, 2021, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which had delayed its original June 2020 schedule. The album marked a departure from the band's earlier rune-based trilogy, instead delving into themes of animal guides, sacred white animals, and white raven symbolism drawn from Norse traditions. In 2022, Wardruna followed Kvitravn with the live album Kvitravn – First Flight of the White Raven, capturing performances from a streamed concert event and newly mastered for release on CD, vinyl, and digital formats. The recording blended tracks from the studio album with selections from prior works, emphasizing the band's evolving live presentation during pandemic restrictions. Building on this momentum, Wardruna released their sixth studio , Birna, on January 24, 2025, via and By Norse Music. The explores bear mythology, centering on the figure of the she-bear "Birna" and her symbolic ties to human-animal relationships, continuing the band's interest in Nordic lore. It reached the top 10 on German charts and entered various international charts. Preceding the full release, the single "Himinndotter" (meaning "Sky-Daughter") was issued on September 20, 2024, highlighting the bear's mythical celestial origins through traditional instrumentation and vocals. From 2024 to 2025, Wardruna embarked on an extensive world tour, adapting to post-pandemic venue capacities with sold-out performances across North and South America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Key highlights included their debut at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado on August 20, 2024, alongside Chelsea Wolfe, and subsequent legs in Australia and New Zealand in early 2025. Parallel to these efforts, founder contributed original songs to the soundtrack of in 2020, collaborating with composers and to infuse authentic Nordic elements that echoed and informed Wardruna's subsequent creative direction.

Personnel

Core Members

Wardruna's core members form the foundational creative nucleus of the project, driving its musical and conceptual direction since its inception. , the founder of Wardruna established in 2003, serves as the primary composer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist, specializing in ancient Nordic instruments such as the tagelharpa, kravik-lyre, and . Born in and influenced by both metal and during his youth, Selvik previously played in the black metal band from 2000 to 2004 before dedicating himself full-time to Wardruna. As a recognized expert on and , he draws deeply from historical and natural sources for inspiration, often composing in isolation amid 's woodlands and delivering lectures on these subjects to contextualize the project's themes. Selvik oversees the majority of production decisions, shaping Wardruna's sound to bridge ancient traditions with contemporary expression. Lindy-Fay Hella, a founding member since 2003, contributes as the project's primary vocalist, delivering ethereal and haunting harmonies that define its atmospheric quality. A Norwegian with a background in electronic music, Hella has maintained a consistent role in both studio recordings and live performances, enhancing the melodic and emotional layers of Wardruna's compositions. In their collaboration, Selvik handles the bulk of compositional and production responsibilities, while focuses on vocal and melodic development, often co-developing ideas to refine the project's cohesive vision. This partnership ensures Wardruna's music remains rooted in authentic Nordic influences while evolving through shared creative input.

Session Musicians and Collaborators

Wardruna frequently employs session musicians to expand their sound for recordings and live performances, drawing on a fluid lineup that typically features 6-8 members onstage to evoke the immersive, ritualistic quality of their music. Kjell Braaten served as a and from 2013, contributing to albums such as Runaljod – Ragnarok (2016), where his work supported the expansion of live arrangements for tracks like "Odal." Eilif Gundersen joined as a in 2013, specializing in folk instruments including (goat horn), (ancient horn), flute, and ; his debut performance with the group occurred at Château de Chillon in , , and he continues to appear on recent releases like Kvitravn (2021). Arne Sandvoll has been a consistent session percussionist and since 2009, providing rhythmic foundation across multiple albums including Runaljod – Yggdrasil (2013) and Birna (2025). Sondre Veland serves as a session , percussionist, and , contributing to live performances and recordings as part of the current ensemble. HC Dalgaard provides drums, percussion, and backing vocals in recent works and tours. John Stenersen specializes in the mora-harp for the project's atmospheric soundscapes. Among notable early collaborators, (Kristian Eivind Espedal) contributed vocals from the project's inception in 2003 through 2015, appearing on the debut album Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga (2009) and participating in live shows before stepping away to focus on other endeavors.

Discography

Studio Albums

Wardruna's studio discography consists of six full-length albums, each exploring themes rooted in , nature, and ancient traditions through acoustic instrumentation and . The first three albums form the , drawing inspiration from the runes to evoke the sounds and meanings associated with each symbol. Subsequent releases mark a thematic evolution toward broader elements, including spirit animals and human-nature dialogues. The debut album, Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga, was released on January 19, 2009, by Indie Recordings and features 8 tracks. This work introduces the project's rune-based approach, with songs like "Hagal" and "Bjarkan" interpreting specific runes through primal rhythms and vocals. Yggdrasil, the second installment, arrived on March 15, 2013, also via Indie Recordings, comprising 11 tracks. It expands on runic exploration, incorporating tracks such as "Fehu" and "Pertho" to delve deeper into mythological symbolism tied to the world tree. The trilogy concludes with Ragnarok, released October 21, 2016, on By Norse Music, containing 10 tracks. This album completes the Runaljod cycle, addressing apocalyptic Norse lore through pieces like "Tyr" and "Odal," emphasizing themes of fate and renewal. , released on November 23, 2018, by under the By Norse imprint, is a studio with 11 tracks recorded live in studio, emphasizing vocal poetry, ancient instruments, and skaldic reinterpretations from traditions, including "Voluspá (skaldic version)" and " (skaldic version)." Kvitravn, issued January 22, 2021, by Columbia Records (a Sony Music imprint), includes 11 tracks and represents a thematic shift from the rune-focused trilogy to explorations of sorcery, spirit animals, and sacred white creatures in Norse tradition. Tracks such as the title song highlight animal-guide symbolism, marking a broader folklore narrative. The latest release, Birna, came out on January 24, 2025, via , with 10 tracks centered on bear lore and the symbolic relationship between humans and bears in ancient Norse culture. The album, titled after the term for "she-bear," examines the as a forest guardian and its cycles, as seen in extended pieces like "Dvaledraumar."
AlbumRelease DateLabelTrack CountKey Theme
Runaljod – Gap Var GinnungaJanuary 19, 2009Indie Recordings8Rune interpretations
YggdrasilMarch 15, 2013Indie Recordings11Runic mythology
RagnarokOctober 21, 2016By Norse Music10Apocalyptic runes
SkaldNovember 23, 2018Sony Music / By Norse11Skaldic poetry and ancient vocal traditions
KvitravnJanuary 22, 2021Columbia Records11Spirit animals and sorcery
BirnaJanuary 24, 2025Columbia Records10Bear-human dialogue

Other Releases

In addition to their studio albums, Wardruna has produced various supplementary releases, including live recordings, compilations, and singles that extend their exploration of Norse themes into different formats and media contexts. The live album Kvitravn – First Flight of the White Raven, issued in 2022 by , captures an 11-track performance from Wardruna's 2021 online concert stream, blending selections from across their catalog with immersive Nordic folk elements and a runtime of approximately 74 minutes. This release highlights the band's dynamic stage presence, including staples like "Kvitravn" and tracks from earlier works, newly mastered for audio formats including double CD and vinyl. Live at the Acropolis, a live video release (DVD/Blu-ray), was issued on January 24, 2025, by / By Norse Music, featuring the full 102-minute concert from the September 21, 2023, equinox performance at the in , plus 13 minutes of bonus interviews and meet-and-greet impressions. Wardruna's singles often tie into broader cultural or media projects. "Helvegen," released in 2014, gained prominence through its feature in the television series , where it underscored themes of death and passage in multiple episodes, such as Season 2, Episode 8. "Hertan," released April 5, 2024, serves as the first single from Birna, evoking themes of forest guardianship. More recently, "Himinndotter" was issued as a single on September 20, 2024, also from Birna, with lyrics evoking a search for a mythical "sky-daughter" accompanied by an official . Prior to their full-length albums, Wardruna released various rune-themed singles between 2009 and 2013 as part of the initial Runaljod project, focusing on individual proto-Norse runes without producing full EPs; these media-specific digital releases laid the groundwork for their thematic discography.

Legacy and Impact

Critical Reception

Wardruna's music has been widely praised by critics for its innovative fusion of traditional Nordic folk elements with ambient and atmospheric soundscapes, creating a sense of primal authenticity and immersive ritual. The band's use of ancient instruments and runic-inspired themes has been highlighted as a groundbreaking approach to modern folk, evoking deep emotional connections to nature and mythology. For instance, reviewers have commended the atmospheric blending that distinguishes Wardruna from conventional folk acts, noting how it channels haunting, meditative vibes through tribal beats and dark ambience. The 2016 album Runaljod – Ragnarok received strong acclaim, with Louder Sound praising its more focused and cinematic qualities, other-worldly atmospheres, primitive rhythmic pulses, and mesmerising choral mantras. Similarly, Kvitravn (2021) was lauded for its emotional depth and hopeful light amid eerie tones, particularly resonant during its pandemic-era release, as noted in Kerrang!'s review of its grandiose swells. contextualized the album within the rising wave of dark Nordic folk, praising its haunting beauty and meditative quality. Early reviews of the 2025 album Birna have noted its evolved , channeling ursine through plaintive, dreamlike atmospheres and soul-bearing vocals to advocate for nature-focused worldviews. Critics appreciate how it builds on the band's legacy while introducing more accessible, escapist elements. Despite the praise, some critiques point to Wardruna's niche appeal, suggesting their esoteric, repetitive structures and focus on limit broader pop crossover, positioning them firmly in a specialized corner of the music world better suited for immersive listening or media soundtracks. The Guardian's review of Birna echoed this, describing its drones and lyrics as epic yet potentially numbing outside dramatic contexts like medieval TV.

Cultural Influence

Wardruna's contributions to the soundtracks of major media productions have significantly popularized Norse-inspired music on a global scale. The band provided original music for over 20 episodes of the History Channel series Vikings (2013–2020), including prominent tracks like "Helvegen" and appearances by founder Einar Selvik in the show, which introduced ancient Nordic traditions to millions of viewers worldwide. Similarly, Selvik composed original songs for Assassin's Creed Valhalla (2020), such as the EP Out of the North featuring "Hrafnsmál," enhancing the game's immersive Viking-era atmosphere and reaching a broad gaming audience. These integrations have amplified interest in authentic Norse sonorities, bridging historical folk elements with contemporary entertainment. The band's work has inspired neopagan movements and historical reenactment communities by emphasizing ritualistic and rune-based themes rooted in pre-Christian Nordic spirituality. Wardruna's music, drawing from ancient poems and instruments, contributes to a "sonosphere" in Nordic neopaganism that fosters communal rituals and identity formation. Selvik has consulted on Viking authenticity for productions like Vikings, using reconstructed instruments to ensure cultural accuracy, which in turn supports reenactment groups seeking historical fidelity. This influence extends to broader revivals of Norse paganism, countering far-right appropriations by promoting inclusive, research-based explorations of heritage. Wardruna has profoundly shaped the folk and metal genres, particularly the folk subgenre, by pioneering rune-inspired compositions that blend ancient Nordic elements with modern production. Their approach has directly influenced bands like , who cite Wardruna's emotive use of traditional instruments and themes as a foundational model for experimental Nordic folk. This impact has spurred a post-2010s surge in interest in and mythology within metal communities, evidenced by the proliferation of similar acts and increased scholarly attention to Norse revival music. Critical acclaim for their authenticity has further amplified this genre evolution. In 2025, Wardruna's international tours have promoted cultural exchange, including their debut performances in Australia and New Zealand, where the shows drew on indigenous influences that shaped the band's early ethos. These events, alongside collaborations at festivals like Fire in the Mountains, highlight cross-cultural dialogues between Nordic traditions and global indigenous practices. Additionally, the band's donation of over $14,000 to the U.S.-based Firekeeper Alliance supports indigenous suicide prevention, underscoring their commitment to shared ancestral narratives.

References

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  42. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/wardruna-birna/
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0cDf4t7094
  44. https://open.spotify.com/album/1nsoZHaaQ1atHOUKTju8NX
  45. https://www.wardruna.com/tour-dates/
  46. https://www.loudersound.com/news/wardruna-announce-lengthy-world-tour-for-2024-2025
  47. https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/wardruna-announces-2024-2025-world-tour-dates
  48. https://www.ticketmaster.com/wardruna-tickets/artist/1847530
  49. https://vehlinggo.com/2020/11/23/assassins-creed-valhalla-einar-selvik/
  50. https://www.facebook.com/wardruna/posts/very-happy-to-finally-be-able-to-announce-that-einar-is-writing-the-games-origin/10157201148565222/
  51. https://www.loudersound.com/features/wardruna-birna-prog
  52. https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-outer-limits-how-prog-are-wardruna
  53. https://mythologica.com.br/en/news/kjell-braaten-releases-album-ferd/
  54. https://www.facebook.com/wardruna/posts/eilif-gundersen-here-playing-neverlurbirch-bark-lur-is-wardrunas-own-expert-and-/10157641114960222/
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/32935050-Wardruna-Birna
  56. https://thequietus.com/interviews/gaahl-wardruna-gorgoroth-interview/
  57. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Wardruna/Runaljod_-_gap_var_Ginnunga/224291
  58. https://wardrunaofnorway.bandcamp.com/album/runaljod-gap-var-ginnunga
  59. https://www.discogs.com/master/1070586-Wardruna-Runaljod-Ragnarok
  60. https://wardruna.bandcamp.com/album/runaljod-ragnarok
  61. https://www.discogs.com/master/1453939-Wardruna-Skald
  62. https://wardruna.bandcamp.com/album/skald
  63. https://www.discogs.com/master/1932708-Wardruna-Kvitravn
  64. https://www.discogs.com/master/32935050-Wardruna-Birna
  65. https://www.loudersound.com/news/wardruna-share-typically-striking-video-for-new-single-birna
  66. https://www.discogs.com/master/2603042-Wardruna-Kvitravn-First-Flight-Of-The-White-Raven
  67. https://www.discogs.com/master/3745590-Wardruna-Live-At-The-Acropolis
  68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVKtne1irP4
  69. https://ninecircles.co/2025/01/22/album-review-wardruna-birna/
  70. https://thesleepingshaman.com/reviews/wardruna-birna/
  71. https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/wardruna-album-review-runaljod-ragnarok
  72. https://www.kerrang.com/album-review-wardruna-kvitravn
  73. https://boolintunes.com/reviews/wardruna-birna-album-review/
  74. https://theprogressivesubway.com/2025/02/09/review-wardruna-birna/
  75. https://bluntmag.com.au/music/wardruna-on-norse-culture-in-modern-music/
  76. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jan/24/wardruna-birna-review
  77. https://www.tunefind.com/artist/einar-selvik
  78. https://news.ubisoft.com/en-ca/article/10viz5kf9dL3OVpZZnMIvN/game-makers-podcast-einar-selvik-on-the-music-of-assassins-creed-valhalla
  79. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/wardrunas-einar-selvik-wrote-songs-for-assassins-creed-valhalla-dawn-of-ragnarok-stream-surtr/
  80. https://www.academia.edu/105118888/Spellbinding_Skalds_Music_as_Ritual_in_Nordic_Neopaganism
  81. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKWmUNLAxZY
  82. https://antifascistneofolk.com/2019/04/04/wardruna-is-taking-back-nordic-pagan-culture-and-music-from-the-far-right/
  83. http://ensovoort.co.za/index.php/2024/09/09/the-norse-pagan-revival-in-music-a-network-analysis-of-wardrunas-environment-on-spotify/
  84. https://www.populismstudies.org/everybody-wants-to-be-origines-nativism-neo-pagan-appropriation-and-ecofascism/
  85. https://www.facebook.com/wardruna/posts/in-a-few-weeks-we-will-perform-our-first-ever-shows-in-australia-and-new-zealand/1186311852857277/
  86. https://rocknloadmag.com/wardruna-to-headline-fire-in-the-mountains-2025/
  87. https://metalontap.com/wardruna-donate-over-14-000-to-us-indigenous-non-profit-firekeeper-alliance/
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