Wardruna, the Norwegian outfit known for their evocative, immersive music rooted in Norse history and nature, have released a live video for “Lyfjaberg (Live at the Acropolis)” from the band’s forthcoming concert film, “Live at the Acropolis” (available on DVD/Blu-Ray on January 24). Each of Wardruna’s performances bridges the ancient and the elemental, resonating with audiences in a profoundly human and natural way, and this recording of “Lyfjaberg” serves as a powerful example of that connection. Filmed at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, at the Acropolis in Athens during the autumn equinox on Sept. 21, 2023, the forthcoming concert film captures a once-in-a-lifetime performances. Watch the “Lyfjaberg (Live at the Acropolis)” video!
Pre-order the new album here:
The song is featured on the Einar Selvik-helmed band’s forthcoming album, Birna (Jan. 24, Sony Music/By Norse Music). Birna was written and recorded over three years, with music by Selvik and longtime collaborator/vocalist Linda-Fay Hella, and lyrics solely by Selvik. Performers on the album include Eilif Gundersen (bukkehorn, lur, flute, backing vocals), HC Dalgaard (drums, percussion, backing vocals), Sondre Veland (percussion, backing vocals), John Stenersen (mora-harp) and Arne Sandvoll (percussion, backing vocals).
Pre-orders for Birna and “Live at the Acropolis” are available now (https://bio.to/Wardruna) with the new album available on limited-edition vinyl, CD and digitally.
Wardruna tour dates:
November 15 Frankfurt am Main, DE Jahrhunderthalle
November 16 Nürnberg, DE Meistersingerhalle SOLD OUT
November 17 Vienna, AT Konzerthaus
November 19 Brussels, BE Cirque Royal SOLD OUT
November 20 Halle, DE Händelhalle
November 21 Prague, CZ Forum Karlin
November 23 Utrecht, NL Tivoli Vredenburg SOLD OUT
November 24 Utrecht, NL Tivoli Vredenburg SOLD OUT
November 26 Düsseldorf, DE Tonhalle SOLD OUT
January 23 Melbourne, AU Palais Theatre
January 25 Sydney, AU Enmore Theatre
January 27 Brisbane, AU Fortitude Music Hall
January 30 Auckland, NZ Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
Special guest Jo Quail on March UK and IE dates
March 17 Liverpool, UK Philharmonic
March 18 Birmingham, UK Symphony Hall
March 19 London, UK Royal Albert Hall
March 21 Bristol, UK Beacon
March 22 York, UK Barbican
March 23 Dublin, IE Olympia Theatre
March 25 Glasgow, UK SEC Armadillo
April 26 Oslo, NO Operaen SOLD OUT
April 27 Oslo, NO Operaen SOLD OUT
April 29 Trondheim, NO Olavshallen
May 2 Kristiansand, NO Kilden
May 3 Stavanger, NO Konserthuset
May 4 Bergen, NO Grieghallen
June 7 Reykjavik, IS Harpa
July 25 to 27 Red Eagle Campground (Cut Bank), MT Fire In The Mountains
July 30 to August 30 Rasnov, RO Rockstadt Extreme Fest
Birna cover, photo by Tuukka Koski with artwork by Øivind A. Myksvoll
Birna tracklisting:
Hertan
Birna
Ljos til Jord
Dvaledraumar
Jord til Ljos
Himinndotter
Hibjørnen
Skuggehesten
Tretale
Lyfjaberg
Photo credit: Morten Munthe
From the Runaljod album trilogy (2009, 2013, 2016), exploring old Norse myths, traditions, and language through the 24 proto-Norse runes, the sound of Wardruna evolved and blended into the stripped down, acoustic compositions on Skald (2018). The group’s most recent album, Kvitravn (White-Raven) (2021), explored Northern sorcery, spirit-animals, animism, and the act of creation – the ever-interchanging prolific relationship between the skaldic poet and nature itself. The record charted in 13 countries, including #1 in Canada and Austria, and #2 in Germany. Wardruna has performed at multiple manmade historical locations including Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Acropolis, Bulgaria’s Ancient Theater of Philipoppolis, as well as locations set amidst natural wonders such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. Alongside his work with Wardruna, Einar Selvik has composed music for large tv and game productions such as “Vikings” and “Assassin’s Creed – Valhalla,” he gives tutorials and lectures on Old Norse literature, musicology, instruments and philosophy, and he has worked with renowned artists such as Mari Boine, Tina Guo, Matoma and Eivør, including appearances on Norwegian, Danish and Polish national television.
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