On January 24, 2025, Wardruna, led by the visionary renaissance man Einar Selvik (can a man obsessed with pre-history be a renaissance man? – confused Ed), releases their sixth studio album, Birna. The title, translating from Old Norse as she-bear, serves as a thematic exploration of the bear’s role as nature’s caretaker, guardian, and a spiritual symbol. Wardruna’s music, deeply rooted in Norse folklore, traditional instruments, and atmospheric soundscapes, continues to bridge the ancient to the contemporary, offering listeners a meditative journey through time and nature. I’ll lay my cards on the table now and admit I preferred them when Gorgoroth mentalist Gaahl was in the band, but that doesn’t stop me appreciating what Selvik is trying to achieve moving forward.

Birna maintains Wardruna’s signature sound, which blends traditional Norwegian folk elements with ambient and world music influences. The album features an array of instruments from ancient times, like the willow-bark flute and jaw-harp, alongside modern recording techniques, creating a rich, cinematic experience. The compositions are crafted with an emphasis on storytelling through sound, with tracks like Hertan opening with a heartbeat-like rhythm, setting the tone for the album’s exploration of the bear’s essence.

Hibjørnen stands out for its simplicity and peacefulness, featuring just a lyre and vocals narrating the bear’s hibernation, symbolising the passage of time and nature’s cycles. Birna, the title track, is celebrated for its combination of Lindy-Fay Hella‘s mystical vocals with thunderous, authentic percussion, capturing the essence of the bear’s spirit. Skuggehesten offers a darker, more restless energy, likened to the Wild Hunt of Norse legend, with vocals that border on the metal genre, showcasing Wardruna’s versatility. That’s a good thing, because at over seventy minutes in length an uncommitted listener could easily find themselves challenged by material such as the fifteen-minute long saga Dvaledraumar, where a certain saminess does creep in and, despite this album featuring some of Wardruna’s most direct and accessible work to date, the album – versatile or not – definitely feels like to could do with some tightening up in places.

Einar Selvik’s journey from black metal exponent to becoming a steward of Norse cultural music through Wardruna is, frankly, an extraordinary one; His work extends beyond albums, contributing to projects like the Vikings TV show soundtrack, showcasing his commitment to preserving cultural heritage in as accessible way as is possible. The announcement of an extensive world tour in support of Birna further cements Wardruna’s status not just as a band but as cultural ambassadors, with performances that are more akin to spiritual experiences than mere concerts.

Criticisms aside, it’s hard to view Birna as anything other than another masterful addition to their discography, full of thematic depth, musical innovation, and cultural significance. Despite those minor problems regarding pacing, the album is a compelling listen that invites one into the heart of Norse mythology and the natural world. Wardruna’s ability to create music that resonates on multiple levels—spiritually, culturally, and emotionally—makes Birna a significant release for fans of folk, ambient and beyond, and those interested in the mystique of Norse heritage.

Birna releases on January 24th.