Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
An enchanting pagan ritual in the heart of a city – Folket Bortafor Nordavinden in Oslo, Norway
Wild archaic rites were witnessed in Oslo when the dark folk constellation Folket Bortafor Nordavinden (performing at Midgardsblot 2024 in the photos by Askar Ibragimov) played their first club concert in the capital of Norway on 31 January. Getting a taste of the famous Viking-themed Midgardsblot festival at Goldie in the heart of the city sounded like an opportunity not to be missed, and the atmosphere was indeed extraordinary.
I can’t say I was too familiar with the band before this show, but as it was marketed for fans of Heilung and Wardruna, I felt right at home. When the performance was opened with the blow of a horn, I felt shivers down my spine. Numerous drums and other powerful instruments filled the scene with awe-inspiring sights and sounds, as the four-piece let their minimalistic but powerful art shine in all its glory. With each passing song, the drumming grew wilder and the throat singing all the more evocative.
Not as serene as Wardruna or grandiose and ambitious as Heilung, Folket Bortafor Nordavinden relied mostly on heavy and repetitive percussion coupled with throat singing. Other vocal techniques and instruments were applied with good taste, and the minimalistic approach managed to bewilder the audience. Dancing, chanting, and jumping, the audience added beautiful energy to the show, lifting it from great to unforgettable. I’ve personally had enough of mosh pits at metal shows, but here the joyful dancing only added to the atmosphere without having to beware of people running into you. Even more inspiringly, the audience not only sang along but added new vocal layers to the songs and made them sound even better. The kind of throaty gasping heard on the Faroese singer-songwriter Eivør’s popular song “Trøllabundin” fit effortlessly into the music.
Contrary to Heilung, Folket Bortafor Nordavinden didn’t necessarily try to build a grandiose ceremony where eye contact and music are the only permitted means of contacting the audience. The group displayed a joyful and charming attitude between the songs, not fearing to joke a little while chanting Odin’s name. Sometimes these kinds of things break my immersion, but at the intimate venue of Goldie, it worked pleasantly. Even though the show seemed far from sold-out, there were enough people to fill the front of the stage with good energy. And if more people had come, they might have had to follow the performance from either the side of the stage or further back along the tables and the catwalk. It was evident that Goldie had originally been built for something else.
Musically, Folket Bortafor Nordavinden drew me in immediately despite listening to their albums only a few times before the show. With most songs being rather short and built upon the same foundational pieces, one could argue that the band could use some variation. On the other hand, it was precisely this archaic approach that spoke to me. There’s something about chanting the names of old gods and runes over repetitive percussion that relieves from the often hectic everyday life of big cities. It’s also good that the band focuses on what they do best. A few years ago when I saw the French folk band Skáld, I couldn’t help but feel they should have focused on the more percussion-heavy material, but these Norwegians wielded their strengths with utmost glory. Still, I didn’t find any single masterpieces on the level of “Helvegen” by Wardruna or the epic Heilung songs “Hamrer Hippyer” and “Krigsgaldr.” A few pieces sounded rather familiar to the latter band’s aggressive song “Alfadhirhaiti”, but I suppose it only makes sense that there are some similarities when dealing with traditional music and folklore. Plus, Folket Bortafor Nordavinden actually have a distinct sound, unlike some artists in the genre.
Having been formed in 2007 as band leader Benny Braaten’s solo project, Folket Bortafor Nordavinden have made a long journey. Great musicianship, passion, and genuine interest in both the topics of their songs and the audience shined through the whole gig. Listening to both of their albums, “Sagnamadr” (2018) and “Ett Liv Uten Ende” (2022), I feel I have been missing out. Luckily that is now corrected, and based on the new song played at Goldie, the band’s new material is still carrying the torch boldly. The group returns to Midgardsblot in Borre, Norway for the “blot ritual” this August, and based on their energy on this wonderful night, I heavily recommended everyone even mildly interested in dark folk music and Nordic mythology to attend. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this great evening!
Photos: Askar Ibragimov
Folket Bortafor Nordavinden:
- Benny Braaten (Origami Galaktika)
- Birgitta Ottestad (Friggs Døtre)
- Espen Winther (Eldrim)
- Erik Lillehagen (Gentle Groove)