Album reviewThere are many nordic folk groups, who often walk a fine line between mysticism and the echoes of an ancient culture that has truly seen it all, but none quite compare to Wardruna. Following the masterpiece that was Kvitravn, released in 2021, the Norwegian ensemble unveils yet another layer of their brilliance with Birna (Old Norse for “female bear”). This album is both a spiritual journey and a contemplative experience, crafted by a group that has mastered the art of honoring tradition while innovating in ways that feel completely modern. Their compositions have a hypnotic pull, drawing listeners in with an almost trance-like intensity. A true ode to nature in its purest form, Birna incorporates a vast palette of natural sounds—whispering wind, babbling brooks, birdsong—deepening even further the immersion into its world.
The album opens with a rhythmic, percussion-driven energy (“Hertan,” “Birna,” and “Ljos til Jord”) before shifting suddenly into a more meditative and expansive atmosphere. The 15-minute "Dvaledraumar“ unfolds slowly, feeling almost progressive as it leads the listener into unexpected territory, as if the journey has only just begun. You’re taken far and wide, as tracks like “Himmindotter“ soar with hypnotic, majestic vocals—powerful yet never overindulgent—as emotions ebb and flow throughout the album. Percussion gradually reemerges, culminating in the closing track “Lyfjaberg“, where everything comes full circle, offering a final moment of emotional release.
While some albums are just perfect for background listening—something to accompany us as we clean the house or assemble IKEA furniture, Wardruna are one of those rare groups that make ASMR content and Putumayo compilations feel obsolete. Birna demands your full attention. The moment you press play, time stops, and you're completely lost in its world.
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Guillaume Ley/Qobuz 
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