Norwegian folk masters Wardruna have released “Hibjørnen,” the latest single and video from their upcoming album Birna, due January 24, 2025 via Sony Music/By Norse Music. The album, rooted in Norse traditions, explores themes of nature with the bear as a central symbol. “Hibjørnen” contrasts with the recent single “Himinndotter,” embracing a minimalist style focused on voice, poetry, and lyre.
Birna, crafted over three years, features music by Einar Selvik, vocals by Linda-Fay Hella, and contributions from various folk musicians. Wardruna will also debut their concert film Live at the Acropolis, capturing their 2023 UNESCO performance, on the album’s release day. Birna will be available on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms.
Mastermind Einar Selvik comments on the track:
“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.”
Watch the clip below and pre-order the album here:
Track List:
01) Hertan
02) Birna
03) Ljos til Jord
04) Dvaledraumar
05) Jord til Ljos
06) Himinndotter
07) Hibjørnen
08) Skuggehesten
09) Tretale
10) Lyfjaberg
Tour Dates:
2024:
11/07 Milan, IT @ Teatro Degli Arcimboldi
11/08 Zurich, CH @ The Hall
11/09 Paris, FR @ Salle Pleyel (with special guest, Jo Quail)
11/11 Hamburg, DE @ Laeiszhalle
11/12 Berlin, DE @ Tempodrom
11/14 Lyon, FR @ Amphithéâtre 3000
11/15 Frankfurt am Main, DE @ Jahrhunderthalle
11/16 Nürnberg, DE @ Meistersingerhalle
11/17 Vienna, AT @ Konzerthaus
11/19 Brussels, BE @ Cirque Royal
11/20 Halle, DE @ Händelhalle
11/21 Prague, CZ @ Forum Karlin
11/23 Utrecht, NL @ Tivoli Vredenburg
11/24 Utrecht, NL @ Tivoli Vredenburg
11/26 Düsseldorf, DE @ Tonhalle
2025:
01/23 Melbourne, AU @ Palais Theatre
01/25 Sydney, AU @ Enmore Theatre
01/27 Brisbane, AU @ Fortitude Music Hall
01/30 Auckland, NZ @ Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
w/Special guest Jo Quail on March UK and IE dates
03/17 Liverpool, UK @ Philharmonic
03/18 Birmingham, UK @ Symphony Hall
03/19 London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
03/21 Bristol, UK @ Beacon
03/22 York, UK @ Barbican
03/23 Dublin, IE @ Olympia Theatre
03/25 Glasgow, UK @ SEC Armadillo
04/26 Oslo, NO @ Operaen
04/27 Oslo, NO @ Operaen
04/29 Trondheim, NO @ Olavshallen
05/02 Kristiansand, NO @ Kilden
05/03 Stavanger, NO @ Konserthuset
05/04 Bergen, NO @ Grieghallen
06/7 Reykjavik, IS @ Harpa
07/25 – 07/27 Red Eagle Campground (Cut Bank), MT @ Fire In The Mountains
07/30 – 08/30 Rasnov, RO @ Rockstadt Extreme Fest
Feature Image Photo Credit: Morten Munthe
