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

The band have since released three full-length albums, each based on a set of runes.

TeamRock.com described Wardruna's music as "a conjunction of the earthy, the organic and the ethereal" with "runic-based rites inhabit a frequency that once heard have always seemed just adjacent to everyday consciousness".[3]

History

Wardruna 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, 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 2014, Gaahl left Wardruna on amicable terms.[11]

Wardruna's third album, Runaljod – Ragnarok, was released on October 21, 2016. Thanks in part to the success of Vikings, the album debuted at No. 1 in 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 in Lithuania.[13] In early 2018, they embarked on their first tour of North America.[14]

The band's fourth album, the acoustic format Skald, is scheduled for release on 23 November 2018.[15]

Members Current Einar "Kvitrafn" Selvik – vocals, all instruments, composer Lindy Fay Hella – vocals, flute Arne Sandvoll HC Dalgaard Eilif Gundersen Jørgen Nyrønning Former Gaahl – vocals Discography Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga (2009, Indie Recordings/Fimbulljóð Productions) Runaljod - Yggdrasil (2013, Indie Recordings/Fimbulljóð Productions) Runaljod – Ragnarok (2016, Indie Recordings/By Norse Music) Skald (2018, Indie Recordings/By Norse Music) References ^ "Wardruna - An In Depth Interview With Brilliant Norwegian Band With Viking Roots Music". Louder Than War. 2013-08-23. Retrieved 2017-08-02. ^ "About Wardruna". Wardruna.com. Retrieved 2016-10-15. ^ Jonathan Selzer (2016): Norse code: how Wardruna's runic trilogy transformed Norway's musical landscape, Teamrock.com ^ a b c Metal: The Definitive Guide by Garry Sharpe-Young (Jawbone Press, 2007) ^ "Gorgoroth: Black Mass Krakow 2004". DVD Talk. Retrieved 4 November 2018. ^ Annexare.com, Noizr, Site by. "Video: Faun and Einar Selvik perform "Odin" — Noizr". Noizr.com. Retrieved 4 November 2018. ^ "Unleashing Satan: An Evening with Gaahl". Metalblast.net. 25 November 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2018. ^ "WARDRUNA's Music In 'Vikings' TV Series". Metalkaoz.com. ^ "WARDRUNA Music Featured In HISTORY CHANNEL Series 'Vikings'". Blabbermouth.net. 2013-03-07. Retrieved 2017-08-02. ^ "Einar Kvitrafn Selvik (Wardruna) Appearing On History Channel's Vikings". Ghost Cult Magazine. ^ "Gaahl No Longer Performing Live With Wardruna". Metalundergorund.com. ^ Norwegian band rides ‘Vikings' success to top of Billboard chart, TheLocal.no ^ "20th fable of Mėnuo Juodaragis tells of God of Thunder and Wardruna". Delfi. BNS EN. May 8, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2018. ^ "Wardruna announce North American tour; singer releasing solo EP". Brooklynvegan.com. Retrieved 4 November 2018. ^ "WARDRUNA NEW ALBUM "SKALD" NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDERS! – By Norse". Bynorse.com. Retrieved 4 November 2018. External links Official website

vteWardruna Kvitrafn Gaahl Lindy Fay Hella Studio albums Runaljod - Gap Var Ginnunga Runaljod - Yggdrasil Runaljod - Ragnarok Skald