Wardruna’s new album, Runaljod – Ragnarok, was released on October 21st. This is the third instalment in a trilogy of albums that began with Runaljod – gap var Ginnunga (2009) and continued with Runaljod – Yggdrasil (2013). The album has made some significant impact on major charts worldwide:

US: #1 on Billboard World Music Chart
Canada: #1 World Music Album Charts
US: #5 Heat Seekers Album Charts
Germany: #68 Official German Album Charts
UK: #153 Official Album Charts
UK:  #18 Independent Music Charts
Norway: #52 Norwegian Official Charts

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, birchbark 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 has 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.

Tracklisting:

“Tyr”
“UruR”
“Isa”
“MannaR - Drivande”
“MannaR - Liv”
“Raido”
“Pertho”
“Odal”
“Wunjo”
“Runaljod”

“Raido” video:

“Tyr” teaser:

“Odal”:

A tour in support of the album will commence this month, with concerts in Norway, Germany, Poland, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Denmark, the UK and the US. As many of the concerts were sold out quickly, further touring is planned for 2017.

(Photo - Tuukka Koski at Sandhornøya, Norway)