Wardruna reissues new Gatefold 2LP of their album "Runaljod – Ragnarok". It is the third installment in a trilogy of albums that began with "Runaljod – gap var Ginnunga" (2009) and continued with "Runaljod – Yggdrasil" (2013). In short, the ambitious idea behind the trilogy was to create musical interpretations of each of the twenty-four old Nordic runes. It proved to be a lengthy and challenging task. Some of the material on the album even date back to 2003 and the early stages of the project, when multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Einar Selvik started to develop the genre-defying sound and style that Wardruna have become known for. It is a contemporary sound, but one that is characterized by the use of old and historical instruments like Kraviklyra, taglharpe, goat horns, birch-bark lures and more. The vocals range from whispering voices to melodic song and mighty choirs. All performed with sincerity and conviction.
Musically and conceptually there is a clear continuity between all three of the albums, but with time and experience comes refinement. And new elements have certainly been added along the way. Most notable on "Runaljod – Ragnarok" is the use of the Scandinavian bronze lures, whose iconic sound and appearance make them a perfect fit with Wardruna’s instrumentation and concept. Special guest performances by Einar’s own children and Skarvebarna children's choir must also be noted.
"Runaljod – Ragnarok" was written, recorded and produced by Einar Selvik from 2003 to 2016 at his own Fimbulljóð studio.
"RUNALJOD – RAGNAROK" LINE-UP:
Einar Selvik: Vocals, taglharpe, Kraviklyra, goat horn, tongue horn, bronze lure, flutes, drums, percussion and electronics.
Lindy-Fay Hella: Vocals.
Eilif Gundersen: Bronze lure, birchbark lure, goat horn, willow flute and ice percussion.
Arne Sandvoll: Vocals.
HC Dalgaard: Vocals.
Kjell Braaten: Vocals.
Ask Einarson Nybro and Tuva J. Einarsdatter Nybro sing on "Odal" and "Wunjo".
Skarvebarna Children’s Choir sing on "Wunjo". Conducted by Ingjerd Almås Arnfinset.
Track Listing:
1. Tyr - Wardruna
2. UruR - Wardruna
3. Isa - Wardruna
4. MannaR - Drivande - Wardruna
5. MannaR - Liv - Wardruna
6. Raido - Wardruna
7. Pertho - Wardruna
8. Odal - Wardruna
9. Wunjo - Wardruna
10. Runaljod - Wardruna
Year of Production: 2016
