WARDRUNA Release New Recording And Short Film For One Of The Band’s Most Defining Songs
Архив новостей | Русская версия
Wardruna release “Helvegen II” (stream/download here), a newly recorded version of their landmark song “Helvegen,” accompanied by a new short film directed by longtime collaborator Tuukka Koski. The song is out now via By Norse Music.
First released in 2012, “Helvegen” has evolved through more than a decade of performances, new orchestrations, collaborations and guest appearances, progressively taking on a life of its own.
“Helvegen” has reached audiences far beyond Wardruna’s own following, featuring in the History Channel’s “Vikings” and becoming part of the band’s defining live performances. Wardruna have performed the song at some of the globe’s most impressive settings: from Red Rocks Amphitheatre outside Denver to the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus beneath the Acropolis in Athens and the Roman amphitheater at Pompeii. Through these performances, the song has continued to take on new meaning.
The accompanying short film brings this evolution to life through striking imagery. Finnish dancer Sofia Ruija embodies the role of the deceased through her powerful movement and expression, accompanied by Krummi the raven, silently witnessing the crossing.
Wardruna’s composer Einar Selvik elaborates: “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.
“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.”
“Helvegen II” is available digitally and on 12″ colored vinyl. The vinyl edition also includes “Helvegen” (Skaldic Version). Order here.
