Hibernation, while not a human activity, surely can be understood by most people when the winter months have taken root, as they have now. Wanting to tuck away in the dark, resting and recharging, taking solace in our warm homes stand in such contract from how most of us are in the summer, it’s like we’re two different beings.

“Birna” is the new album from Nordic folk power Wardruna, and here, on their sixth full-length, they play with themes of hibernation, awakening, and decay. In Old Norse, birna stands for she-bear, and the band—Einar Selvik (formerly of Gorgoroth and Sahg), Lindy-Fay Hella, Eilif Gundersen, HC Dalgaard, Sondre Veland, John Stenersen, Arne Sandvoll—pays homage to that creature, natural life cycles, and the majesty of nature. Yet, deep in the woods, there also is unrest, a calling out for the return of its true spirit, a plea before it, too, succumbs. That makes this 10-track, 66-minute opus one that thrives with excitement and instrumental celebration, the darkness seeping into your pore. This album features guest appearances by Koret Artemis (choir), Jonna Jinton (vocals, field recordings), Hans Fredrik Jacobsen (willow-bark flute), Kenneth Lien (Jaw-harp), and Iver Sandøy (backing vocals).

“Hertan” opens with a heartbeat pulsating, speaking growing with intensity, group calls flourishing as chants follow behind. Everything swells as hearty melodies strike deep, ending in spiritual gaze. The title track collects strings and horns, the singing pushing into your bloodstream, gang calls uniting with a forestal chill. Drums pump as the horns are ablaze, the spirited jolt pushing off into the deep woods. “Ljos til Jord” has waters rushing, female choral voices icing flesh, whistles picking up along with a percussive dash. Strings ache as the spirit enters your system, the singing cresting as strings bite. “Dvaledraumar” is the longest track at 15:28, woodwinds calling as raw singing layers, a cavernous gust leading to a calmer, eerier section lying in wait, dulcimer plinks and strong singing uniting to make the surroundings burst with life. The melodies rush and then hypnotize, the strings glazing, pastoral choirs increasing the mood, sounds dripping and drums echoing as Hella’s calls ripple through veins, wafting into the cold. “Jord til Ljos” is bled into, the singing from the aforementioned carrying over, strings and choruses bringing the ritual to life. Woodsy chants haunt as whistle swim, birds chirp, and the final push leads to a resting place in the tall grass.

“Himinndotter” immediately awakens with rousing voices, a collection of calls gathering one spirit, drums punching full force as the pace jolts. The playing keeps gaining momentum, the singing coating and layering, unveiling an ancient essence. “Hibjørnen” delivers naked acoustics, Selvik’s voice taking on a filthier tone, the song getting richer as it goes. Then things turn bare bones, a rustic and sparse presentation allowing space for your mind to wander. “Skuggehesten” has thunder rolling in, the playing galloping as the drums prod, strings and horns adding to the jerky pace. The singing grows more stern, misty breaths bellowing from mouths, the energy marching and pumping, whispers swirling into the distance. “Tretale” enters amid drums stomping, acoustics washing over, spoken words tracing as group singing emerges. The tempo kicks into higher gear, the darkness luring you toward the fires, strings collecting, the wintry frost freezing faces. Closer “Lyfjaberg” starts with winds brushing and chants rising, drums echoing as a rhythmic path stomps its boots into the ground. The volume also manages to burst, the group singing swirling, heart-felt playing making your heart rush, hand drumming pattering as the sun sets.

The frosty ambiance and mesmerizing creations Wardruna committed to “Birna” make for perfect listening at this time of the year, when deep freeze is at our gates, and we, similar to the bear, find comfortable places in order to recharge and avoid the unforgiving weather. OK, so we don’t hibernate, but we can get lost in these songs and the visions they create in your mind, letting you also take some time away from your hectic lifestyle to align with nature and take a mental rest. I might need to pack myself into a cave until 2028 at the very earliest, and this record would be a perfect companion for an intermediate death that sparks renewal. 

For more of the band, go here: https://www.wardruna.com/

To buy the album, go here: https://wardrunashop.com/en/