[schema type=”review” name=”Wardruna – Runaljod – Ragnarok” description=”Label: By Norse Music/Fimbulljod Productions” author=”Basak Günel” pubdate=”2016-10-21″ ]
The mighty Wardruna have brought us good news from the cold and dark North. The band is back with “Runaljod-Ragnarok”, the final and third album in the trilogy. With this record, the band closes one chapter in this “Runaljod” trilogy which began with “Runaljod – gap var Ginnunga” (2009) and continued with “Runaljod – Yggdrasil” (2013).
It is always astonishing how unique but also progressive this formation can get. On one hand, they deliver us the beautiful magic and the power of those Nordic runes so well in a musical sense. On the other hand, they stick to their roots in a traditional and ‘nordic’ fashion of course but never repeat themselves. With each album in the trilogy, Wardruna has found a way to take their sound and style to a next level and deliver us their interpretation of the runes. In this context, “Runaljod-Ragnarok” is no exception.
The album delivers us a little bit of atmosphere, the power of nature, spirituality and of course the great harmony of male and female vocals as usual. Here and there, the listeners will hear the melodies or the tributes to the older songs. In my opinion, what’s even more interesting is that compared to the other 2 records, this one seems more dynamic. Personally, the other 2 records represented the embracing of the inner self and some form of meditation whereas with this one, I just want to keep moving and exploring what’s ahead. Furthermore, we also see some new elements and styles. Fitting to the sound of the band, we hear the use of the Scandinavian bronze lures in this album. What surprised me the most was the children’s choir in songs like “Odal” and “Wunjo”! I gotta admit that it took me a while to get used to this aspect but it is definitely one of the highlights of the record.
“Runaljod-Ragnarok” marks a beautiful end to this long and spiritual journey that Wardruna took us. What a journey it has been for all of us! I am eager to see what they have for us in the future. All in all, this might just be the beginning….
Line-up:
Einar ‘Kvitrafn’ Selvik
Lindy Fay Hella
Live members:
Arne Sandvoll: vocals, percussion
Eilif Gundersen:
H.C. Dalgaard: Drums, percussion
Jørgen Nyrønning:
 |
Tracklist: 01. Tyr 02. UruR 03. Isa 04. MannaR – Drivande 05. MannaR – Liv 06. Raido 07. Pertho 08. Odal 09. Wunjo 10. Runaljod |
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