There has long been a link between folk and metal. One of the bands who have bridged the gap most successfully is Wardruna. Formed in 2003 by Gorgoroth members Einar Selvk and Gaahl alongside Lindy Fay Hella the current line-up comprises Selvik, Fay Halla, Arne Sandvoll on backing vocals and percussion, HC Dalgaard on backing vocals, percussion and drums, Eilif Gundersen on horns and flutes and John Stenersen on moraharpa.
The Norwegians focus on renditions of Norse cultural and esoteric traditions, and make significant use of Nordic historical and traditional instruments including deer-hide frame drums, flutes, kraviklyra, tagelharpe, mouth harp goat horn and lur. It’s immersive, atmospheric and stirs imagination, emotion, and passion. Each of their albums has seen the band’s sound develop and evolve, and for those absorbed in the music that Wardruna produce, each release becomes more important and impressive.
Kvitravn – First Flight of the White Raven is the prelude to Wardruna’s forthcoming live dates. It follows the release of Kvitravn in 2021 and is a special set which was the official virtual launch of the album. Broadcast live online on March 26th, 2021, the band was ‘live in the studio’ at a time when live music in other forms was prohibited, it’s astonishing to realise that there are no overdubs, auto tuning or edits. This is recorded as it was performed with the band in the same room for the first time in over 12 months. It’s this realisation that makes this such a special album.
The setlist combine songs from Kvitravn and additional favourites from the band’s five album discography. It’s hard to select highlights for each track brings something different and special. The incredibly moving vocals of each member of the band blend together, harmonies and solo parts working in tandem. “Bjarkan” is just one example – its cohesiveness belying the fact that the band had not been together for many months.
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Opening with a double from Kvitravn brings the new album front and centre. The atmospheric “Skugge” is the pick of the songs, featuring some magnificent vocal interplay. Fay Hella’s mournful yet soaring voice giving way to chanting and an increase in tempo and intensity. It’s hard not to be caught up in the emotion of the song as it builds to a frenetic conclusion which slows to a stop, allowing opportunity to catch the breath.
For someone not familiar with the band’s catalogue, this release provides a immediate gateway to their discography. Alongside four songs from Kvitravn, the set includes songs from their other albums, and it’s that opportunity to experience the range of their music that makes this release a bit special. The brooding “UruR” with it’s slow hum building over the gradually increasing tempo and horns works well. It’s one of several tracks that confirm why Selvik has been central to the soundtrack for the hit show Vikings.
Although this was a virtual show, there are little reminders of the surroundings. Background murmurs remain in the recordings, bringing warmth and humanity to what could otherwise have been a sterile process. It’s also a demonstration of why so many in the metal world have gravitated towards the band. The crossover with black metal is obvious, the intense sonic soundscapes that are crafted appealing to those whose musical tastes generally lurk on the darker side.
Kvitravn – First Flight of the White Raven is available in a multitude of packages, ranging from the standard double LP and CD (which features the original studio album track listing) as well as limited boxset edition which includes plenty of additional material. It’s a stunning recording, and one that has inspired me to search out the band’s wider material.
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Kvitravn – First Flight of the White Raven is released on 10th June.
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