Although much of the name Wardruna have gleaned for themselves comes from the participation of notorious former Gorgoroth/current God Seed vocalist Gaahl, it takes but one listen to ‘Yggdrasil’ to realise that there is something inherent in the music of this band that should lend it to appeal to fans of dark music of all stripes. There is nothing remotely “heavy” or “metal” about this release, of course. Wardruna are, in the simplest possible terms, a traditional Nordic folk project.
Not once on this record will you hear a black metal growl or a distorted guitar or a blast beat. The black metal connections that have helped Wardruna make a name for themselves are anything but obvious upon listening to this album. It harnesses the sounds of nature, and of traditional instruments made from purely natural resources, rather than modern technology. In doing so Wardruna are capable of creating fascinating soundscapes, something they proved on debut record ‘Gap Var Ginnuga’ four years ago.
‘Yggdrasil’ is more a continuation of the band’s sound than a radical rethink, as one would expect from the second part of what is planned to be a trilogy of albums. The only real apparent change is a slight diversion from the ambience that prevailed over much of ‘Gap Var Ginnuga’. This is a more brittle, forceful album. The percussion is more prevalent and more pronounced. There are moments that are almost cacophonous. Yet that does not mean that there are not moments of exquisite beauty. Penultimate track ‘Sowelu’ is one of the most captivatingly gorgeous music to have touched these ears for some time.
Briefly then, at some points, Wardruna do remove themselves from the gloom that characterises much of their output. It is crucial to note however that this is not so much sorrowful music as music that works to evoke deep feeling. It brings out darkness in the listener through its cold Nordic atmospherics rather than through depressive dirges. For some listeners the approach will soon wear thin. Certainly there is a period in the middle of the album in which you cannot help but wish that the band would change tack somewhat, but the overall qualities of ‘Yggdrasil’ are, in an age where sound is becoming increasingly digitised, refreshing by virtue of their sublime natural qualities.
‘Yggdrasil’ is out now via Indie Recordings. Wardruna play London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on 24th October 2013.
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Not once on this record will you hear a black metal growl or a distorted guitar or a blast beat. The black metal connections that have helped Wardruna make a name for themselves are anything but obvious upon listening to this album. It harnesses the sounds of nature, and of traditional instruments made from purely natural resources, rather than modern technology. In doing so Wardruna are capable of creating fascinating soundscapes, something they proved on debut record ‘Gap Var Ginnuga’ four years ago.
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