Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
“Helvegen” is, of course, the trademark song of Wardruna, and a cultural phenomenon of sorts on its own. Every time some band decides to take the Nordic neo-folk route, we can be 100% sure they will cover this song — for a neofolk listener, it is as recognizable as “We Will Rock You” to a classic rock aficionado. Yesterday, Wardruna dropped a new recorded version accompanied by a dark music video.
A statement from the band reads:
Dear Wardruna family,
For some years now, we have been quietly working on a new recorded version of Helvegen. Not to replace the original, but to reflect what the song has gradually become.
Through countless performances, different orchestrations, collaborations and guest appearances, Helvegen has continued to evolve. More than any other song we have written, it has taken on a life of its own.
Over the years, it has found its way into the lives of people around the world in ways we could never have anticipated. We have received countless stories of Helvegen finding its way into funerals and memorials, weddings and births, and moments of both profound grief and great joy. It has become part of communal singing traditions in places far beyond Scandinavia, and has found new voices in many different languages.
At some point, we realized that the song no longer existed only as the version we recorded in 2012. It had become something larger, shaped by the people who embraced it and by the countless moments in which it had been given a place and a purpose. This recording is our way of acknowledging that journey.
If this new recording offers anything beyond itself, it is to encourage a renewed relationship with song, not only as something we perform or listen to, but as something that can accompany us through life.
A tradition does not truly survive when it is merely remembered, but when it is lived.
Released alongside this new recording is a new music film directed by longtime Wardruna collaborator Tuukka Koski and filmed on location in Iceland. Finnish dancer Sofia Ruija brings the role of the deceased to life through her powerful movement and expression, accompanied by Krummi the raven, silently witnessing the crossing. Together, the recording and film reflect what Helvegen has gradually become through more than a decade of performances and the countless lives in which it has found a place.
We remind you that Chaoszine has interviewed Wardruna‘s mastermind Einar Selvik recently:
Finally, recently Wardruna started to communicate with fans using a dedicated app that features special perks. It can be obtained here: https://app.oiid.com/download?artist=artist_c2466799 — if you are a fan, be sure to join.
