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Twelve years ago, I wrote some rapturous words about the debut album Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga, and certified the project around Einar "Kvitrafn" Selvik to become as famous as Finnish band Tenhi back then. The debut developed into a trilogy, another record followed and now, WARDRUNA return with their fifth and - to date - most successful work Kvitravn (#1 und #2 in AT, DE, CH). To say it straightaway: The success is absolutely deserved, as Kvitravn is the best album the band has released so far. Well, of course, contributions to a certain Viking series and the current hype for Nordic Folk music might have played its part too, but, perhaps, WARDRUNA have sparked that hype. 

On Kvitravn many things come together to make this record such a fantastic journey. Kvitravn means white raven (interestingly the cover artwork shows black feathers), which is the totem/stage name of Einar Selvik, when he used to drum in Gorgoroth. Selvik is also a follower of Animism, the belief that nature (objects, places, and creatures) possess a distinct spiritual essence. And so he largely listened to the nature and learned about its tones and melodies, connecting them with Norse mythology, literature and skaldic poetry.

After the rather mythical and ritual Runaljod trilogy, Skald followed, a very sparse instrumented and musically reduced record, living from Einars voice alone.
Kvitravn again is rich, downright opulent in orchestration and voices. There is a multiplicity of traditional instruments such as goat-horns, Lur, Talharpa, Langeleik, Crwth, and flutes, while different percussions create mesmerizing and dynamic rhythm patterns. As for that, song structures are rather simple, repetitive and catchy. The nature's field recordings remain in the background and add to a dense atmosphere. Singing is multilayered too. Einar Selvig rarely sings alone, although his voice always stands out. He is supported by the backing vocals of every musician and of course, by the wonderful voice of Lindy Fay Hella.

To point out or recommend single songs on Kvitravn is almost impossible. They all own a magic that needs to be discovered. I really love the grand horns as in Fylgjutal, in Kvit Hjort, which perfectly represents the majesty of the white stag, and Munin, the call to Odin's raven. I like the lively opening track Synkverv, the epic title track, the dark and driving Skugge and the song-hunting Viseveiding. And I like the monolithic plea to the nine Norns in Andvevarljod, with the guest vocals of traditional singer Kirsten Bråten Berg and her daughter Sigrid. Through every tone, sound and melody, deep melancholy is wafting. It is like some kind of pain that reflects the vulnerability of live and nature.

Kvitravn feels like a magic midsummer ritual. Kvitravn gives freedom and peace to mind and opens the heart for Nordic myths and nature. Even the biggest pigheaded townies will not be left untouched. Kvitravn is beautiful, meditative, immersive, relieving and hypnotic, especially in the chaos of present world. Kvitravn is perfectly made to embark on a journey towards worlds no one else than the listener can discover. Great record!