WARDRUNA, as led by the main composer Einar Selvik, brought their tales and rituals to the stage at Theater am Potsdamer to a crowd of devoted fans on December 1st, 2022, eager to revel in WARDRUNA‘s magic.
The evening’s performance opened with “Kvitravn” [trans: white raven], the title song from the new album, followed by “Skugge” and “Solringen.” When at a loss to understand the meaning of the lyrics, it was best to embrace the vocals as another instrument. The use of tonal sounds, throat singing, and guttural chants cast spells and summoned spirits. There was a unique majesty and ritual within the song “Tyr” – a combination of the chants and the powerful lure horns that called to Tyr, the Norse god of war, law, and order; son of Odin and half-brother to Thor.
The power of the healing track “Lyfjaberg” was beyond great. Though Selvik is the driving force behind WARDRUNA, the group is entirely the sum of its parts. Vocalist Lindy-Fay Hella was just delightful to watch, her voice was a powerhouse, and her stage presence commanding. The lighting elements and projections used throughout the performance added the perfect final element to complete the visual experience. The encore for the evening was just as special. Reminding the audience that Selvik was behind much of the music used in the hit show Vikings, Selvik sang a poem recited by the show’s leading hero, Ragnar Lothbrok, as he slowly died in a snake pit.
This was a truly unique experience, to enjoy a musical performance in a theater while sitting, but worth experiencing at least once.
Photos by Alexandra Aim
