A few months ago, experimental ritualists Heilung played the Enmore Theatre while I sat at home, consumed by a perilous FOMO for Norse gods, goat horns, and giant Viking drums trimmed with fur. The regret was real, so when the opportunity arose to catch the alluring Wardruna, I didn’t hesitate. War paint on, I was ready to soak in every ounce of Nothern European Viking lore I could get my hands on.
Wardruna is a Norwegian music collective formed over 20 years ago by Einar Selvik, alongside Lindy-Fay Hella. They’re described as “Nordic ambient dark folk,” which sounds intriguing enough. But as I walked into the Enmore, greeted by one of the longest merch lines I’d ever seen, I couldn’t help but wonder: “How does Nordic folk music translate to a sweaty Australian summer night?” Turns out, it was something quite spiritual.
Sydney isn’t lacking in people who voluntarily retreat to the Blue Mountains to be one with nature, remaining silent, and not eating for days. Wild? Maybe. But the older I get, the more I think, “That sounds kind of nice.” It’s as if all of us, caught up in the chaos of the rat-race city life, crave something more… primal. Wardruna seems to offer that in spades.
Without the need for an opening act, or any pre-show music for that matter, this cultish ensemble began their performance with a slow, deliberate drumbeat that rippled through the Enmore Theatre a full 30 minutes before they even appeared on stage. The sound wasn’t really heard; it was felt—a slow-building tension that made the eventual reveal all the more powerful.
The stage itself was draped in cloth that looked like the edges of an ancient forest. Minimalist in setup, yet transformative in effect, it created a world where shadows danced as red light washed over the crowd. It felt like a gathering around a distant bonfire in some forgotten era.
The show began with a violin—its sound rising like a call to arms. Each band member stood stoically, their presence commanding the room. Behind them, the shadow of the violinist moved in rhythm, creating an entrancing interplay between sound and light. Einar Selvik and Lindy-Fay Hella’s vocals alternated between chants and ethereal echoes, leaving moments of pristine silence where no one dared make a sound.
With the tagelharpa, goat horns, and thunderous drumming, Wardruna conjured up a world far beyond what stood outside the theatre doors. The piercing calls of the Einar’s signature kravik-lyre intertwined with haunting vocal harmonies, building a soundscape that felt ancient and unshakably spiritual. The music carried a weight that transcended language or culture, grounding everyone in a shared, almost meditative experience.
Despite the war-like themes in much of their music, there was an unexpected tenderness in the melodies. The ebb and flow hinted at rebirth and resilience, as if Wardruna were building a bridge between the past and the present. Each song felt like an invitation to reflect, to connect, and to let go of whatever modern baggage we carried in with us.
Wardruna’s performance was an experience that enveloped all the senses. From the reverberation of the drums to the glow of the stage, everything felt meticulously crafted to immerse the audience. They’re experts at creating a space where time slows, and the divide between past and present blurs.
Wardruna’s just-released sixth studio album, ‘Birna’, offers a continuation of this deeply immersive artistry. Dedicated to nature’s caretaker, the “she-bear,” the album explores themes of renewal and resilience through a stunning blend of ancient instruments, modern soundscapes, and recordings from the natural world. Tracks like ‘Hibjørnen’ channel the primal rhythm of the hibernating bear, a symbol of life’s cyclical nature, and serve as a reminder of our interconnectedness with the earth.
In addition to the album, fans can relive Wardruna’s breathtaking equinox concert at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis, Athens. Captured on the Live at the Acropolis DVD and Blu-Ray, this two-hour performance showcases highlights from their discography, including ‘Helvegen‘ and ‘Kvitravn.’ Complete with behind-the-scenes interviews and additional insights, it’s a must-have for those yearning to experience the magic of Wardruna all over again.
Image Credit: Jess Hutton
