Wardruna, the Norwegian band known for their mesmerizing blend of Norse traditions, ambient soundscapes, and historical themes, is set to make a triumphant return with their new album Birna, slated for release in January 2025. Alongside the announcement, Wardruna has given fans a taste of what’s to come by releasing the first single from the album, “Himinndotter,” which is now available for streaming. Accompanied by a visually striking video directed by Tuukka Koski, the song has already generated considerable buzz in the global music community, promising yet another captivating chapter in the band’s evolution.
A Mythical Journey: The Bear’s Celestial Origins
The single “Himinndotter” represents just one part of a six-song exploration of the bear, a central figure in Norse mythology and in many other global cultures. Einar Selvik, the driving creative force behind Wardruna, explained the thematic direction of the new album: “‘Himinndotter’ is part of a six-song exploration of the bear on Wardruna’s upcoming album Birna,” Selvik said. “The title plays on the globally common notion of the bear’s mythical origin as a celestial being.”
The significance of the bear in Norse culture is multifaceted, often seen as a bridge between the earthly and divine. The bear, revered for its strength and mystery, is a powerful symbol in Scandinavian mythology, with tales of bears embodying both the physical and spiritual worlds. Selvik’s focus on the celestial aspect of the bear draws on these ancient stories, and the title “Himinndotter” roughly translates to “Daughter of Heaven,” reinforcing the bear’s ethereal origin and importance in both the cosmos and human imagination.
The track “Himinndotter” also features the enchanting vocals of the Norwegian choir Koret Artemis, whose contribution adds a hauntingly beautiful layer to the song. Their harmonies interweave with Wardruna’s signature blend of traditional Norse instruments and modern soundscapes, creating a sound that is both ancient and new.
A Visual Feast: Filming in Norway’s Rondane National Park
The accompanying video for “Himinndotter” was filmed in the stunningly rugged landscapes of Rondane National Park, Norway, a fitting location for a band that draws so much inspiration from nature and its connection to the spiritual realm. The breathtaking visuals in the video—dramatic mountains, dense forests, and open skies—evoke a sense of timelessness that perfectly complements the song’s themes of myth and celestial connection.
Tuukka Koski, who directed the video, captured the raw beauty of Norway in a way that is almost otherworldly. The vast, untouched landscapes serve as the perfect backdrop for Wardruna’s music, which often feels as if it’s channeling the ancient spirits of the land. The decision to film in Rondane, one of Norway’s oldest national parks, also highlights the band’s commitment to preserving and honoring the natural environment, a theme that has been central to Wardruna’s music since their inception.
A New Album: Birna Pre-Orders and What to Expect
Birna, Wardruna’s much-anticipated new album, is already available for pre-order, and fans are eager to see how this new body of work will expand upon the band’s existing catalogue. Known for their meticulous approach to storytelling through sound, Wardruna has always used their albums as a way to explore deep, ancient themes rooted in Norse history, mythology, and nature. If “Himinndotter” is any indication, Birna will continue this tradition while potentially pushing the band’s sound into new, uncharted territory.
The six-song exploration of the bear is set to be a focal point of the album, suggesting that Birna will be both thematically cohesive and richly layered. With each album, Wardruna has deepened their engagement with historical and mythical narratives, and Birna promises to be no different. The band’s ability to merge historical research with artistic expression has made them one of the most unique and influential acts in the world music scene.
Wardruna’s Expansive 2024 and 2025 Tour
In addition to the new music, Wardruna has also announced an extensive tour spanning the remainder of 2024 and well into 2025, which kicks off with a performance at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. For this special concert, Wardruna will be joined by dark folk artist Chelsea Wolfe, a pairing that is sure to create a night of atmospheric, soul-stirring music.
The tour will take the band through North and South America, Europe, and Australia, giving fans around the globe the opportunity to experience Wardruna’s live performances, which are often described as transcendental. Each concert is an immersive experience, blending music, visuals, and storytelling in a way that transports the audience to another time and place.
Below is a list of Wardruna’s upcoming tour dates:
2024 Tour Dates:
- 10/3 Morrison, CO, USA – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (w/ Chelsea Wolfe)
- 10/6 Mexico City, Mexico – Auditorio BB
- 10/9 Santiago de Chile, Chile – Teatro Caupolican
- 10/12 São Paulo, Brazil – Terra SP
- 11/7 Milan, Italy – Teatro Degli Arcimboldi
- 11/8 Zurich, Switzerland – The Hall
- 11/9 Paris, France – Salle Pleyel
- 11/11 Hamburg, Germany – Laeiszhalle
- 11/12 Berlin, Germany – Tempodrom
- 11/14 Lyon, France – Amphithéâtre 3000
- 11/15 Frankfurt, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle
- 11/16 Nürnberg, Germany – Meistersingerhalle
- 11/17 Vienna, Austria – Konzerthaus
- 11/19 Brussels, Belgium – Cirque Royal
- 11/20 Halle, Germany – Händelhalle
- 11/21 Prague, Czech Republic – Forum Karlin
- 11/24 Utrecht, Netherlands – Tivoli Vredenburg
- 11/26 Düsseldorf, Germany – Tonhalle
2025 Tour Dates:
- 1/23 Melbourne, Australia – Palais Theatre
- 1/25 Sydney, Australia – Enmore Theatre
- 1/27 Brisbane, Australia – Fortitude Music Hall
- 1/30 Auckland, New Zealand – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
In March 2025, the band will return to the UK and Ireland for a series of performances at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London, Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool, and the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin. The tour will culminate in a series of shows in Norway in April and May, where the band will perform at prestigious venues like the Oslo Opera House and Bergen’s Grieghallen.
Looking Ahead
With the release of Birna on the horizon and a global tour lined up, Wardruna continues to establish themselves as one of the most important acts in modern folk music. Their ability to weave ancient themes with contemporary sounds has earned them a dedicated fanbase that spans across genres and continents. Birna promises to be yet another masterpiece from a band that is as rooted in the past as they are focused on pushing the boundaries of what music can be.
Whether through their meticulously crafted albums or their mesmerizing live performances, Wardruna has proven that they are not just musicians, but storytellers and cultural ambassadors, ensuring that the ancient stories and traditions of the Norse people continue to resonate in the modern world.
