Wardruna’s – new skaldic composition “Hibjørnen” attunes one’s senses to nature

Norwegian world music collective Wardruna have released a new single, the skaldic composition “Hibjørnen”, taking on the perspective of the hibernating bear. Through his never resting dialogue with nature, main composer Einar Selvik has been searching for the voice of the bear, resulting in Wardruna’s sixth studio album Birna. The record is scheduled for release January 24, 2025 through Music for Nations and Sony Music.

By comparison to the rich and detailed polyphonic compositions across Wardruna’s new album Birna, the song “Hibjørnen” (The Hibearnator), takes a simpler and more direct approach, reminiscent of the music on Skald (2018). On “Hibjørnen” voice, poetry and the lyre lead the way, offering a contemporary take on the ancient skaldic craft that once lay at the heart of Norse oral traditions.

“The rhythm of the bear embodies the very circle of life: When winter approaches, it goes to sleep in its den – back to the womb; its pulse slowing, its body encapsulated in an intermediate death. Like a lullaby, “Hibjørnen” takes on the perspective of the hibernating bear and its dormant dreams from inside the den. The listener returns from the den of the bear more attuned, aware and contemplative of nature’s wonders, just in time for the freshly sprung buds.”

This cyclical nature of the bear, so embedded both in nature and the worldview of older cultures, drives Einar Selvik’s creative work.

Set clocks to 6pm GMT on Sunday 27th October for the official video premiere, and listen to/share the track in the meantime below.

LISTEN: “HIBJØRNEN”

Birna to be released on January 24, 2025 along with DVD/Blu-ray Live at the Acropolis
 

PRE-ORDERS FOR BOTH ARE NOW AVAILABLE

Photo credit: Morten Munthe