FESTIVAL REVIEW: Rúnagaderung – The Runic Gathering – Friday
Northern Extremity Promotions organised a festival over the Jorvik Viking Festival that would display some of the finest metal and folk inspired by history. Rúnagaderung – The Runic Gathering took place at Fulford Arms in York, and packed out with fans of music and the exploration of history and mythology from early northern Europe, it was an event that went without disappointment, and gave itself a special, unique quality. Friday saw the festival being dedicated to some of the finest historically inspired folk, neo-folk and dark ambient bands in the UK and Scandinavia. With many playing on traditional Viking age and medieval instruments, history and modern day came arm in arm with power.
Opening Rúnagaderung was FYRNAFOLC (8) with Stanza 2-4 of Sigrdrífumál. The solo artist was immediately able to grab the attention of the festival goers, a task difficult to do for any opener. Improvising a piece on the Tagelharpa, and then performing skaldic poetry on a Kravik Lyre displayed FYRNAFOLC‘s talents effortlessly. For a debut, their passion and dedication to the use of traditional instruments was inspiring to watch. Closing the set with two covers of Heill Óðinn by BURZUM and WARDRUNA‘s Helvegen, this artist had the crowd in the palm of their hands and geared up ready to be inspired by the historical wonders to follow.
Moving away from FYRNAFOLC, University of York PhD student Helen J.H. Diggle presented a discussion of historical accuracy and immersion in performance of Viking inspired music. Her speech was something unique to the days events, and yet every single person was paying respect to each word she said, each bit of knowledge that poured out of her. Her passion for her research is admirable and even as she delved into her travels to Inuit festivals, no stone was left unturned. From her sound-samples, research and her capability of putting together such an in-depth piece without loosing the audience really makes Helen Diggle someone special, and someone who is outstanding at what they do. SOLFYR (7) gracefully took the stage after Helen Diggle‘s speech, and although some nerves were prominent at first in the performance, the vocal abilities that were displayed were outstanding. The artist strongly delivered notes that were delicate without struggle, and carried themselves from start to finish in an elegant fashion.
Bringing a more upbeat tone to the evening was ELVENDALE (8). The band who admitted they were used to performing in fields during reenactments as opposed to on stages let nothing stop them as they gave it their all. Vocal harmonies wrapped round each other, bold beats on the drum, and a Lyre played with skill all meant that the overall performance was strong, but the musicianship and bond between them made it feel more sentimental and gave a breath of fresh air. THE LORDS OF MISRULE (9) was an addition to the bill that made the event much more special in terms of the the historical influence. The drama group who are part of University of York and have been around for four decades are an excellent example of just what Rúnagaderung is about. With a variety of instruments in the string and percussion families providing the undertones, the dramatic choral vocals had the audience grasped. Each member that was crammed onto the stage had their own unique ability to deliver something to the performance, the confidence poured out, and the passion of what they do was evidently on show. A special and unique addition that left everyone in awe. Returning back to the stage to a much larger and deserved audience was FYRNAFOLC to perform his covers of BURZUM and WARDRUNA once more. Although he opened the event with strength, the numbers weren’t there, and although that didn’t dampen the original performance, it just meant he had even more appreciation.
With a stunning voice, and a simple accompaniment of her harp, YYLVA (7) made a chilling atmosphere. Her talents did not go unnoticed with the performance, but her crowd engagement on an emotional level with each note she played or sung was what stole the show. Closing the first night of Rúnagaderung BRUNI (9) delivered nothing less of an exceptional performance, with the audience in good spirits they played on the atmosphere in the room and made sure there wasn’t a person not moving. The melancholy entrance transcended into an upbeat flow of jigs and the bonding of everyone in the room. Musically, they were outstanding and worthy of their headline slot, they took charge and made it an evening to remember.
The first half of Rúnagaderung certainly left a longing for more, expectations were exceeded and spirits were high. Between the music, and speeches each person involved on the Friday without a doubt made sure they delivered nothing less than their best, and made sure to bring history and modern day together respectfully. A perfect warm-up and insight on what to expect for the more metal-influenced Saturday.
For more information on next years Rúnagaderung follow the official event page.
