LIVE REVIEW: Wardruna @ Albert Hall, Manchester
Since 2003, Einar Selvik‘s WARDRUNA have been dedicated in their mission to craft musical renditions of Norse traditions. Their authenticity, especially with their use of traditional instruments, acts as a focal point for their sound and the resulting reception since their inception has been nothing short of remarkable. Now, on the cusp of releasing fourth album Skald, the group hit a sold out Albert Hall in Manchester as they seek to bring their Norse sounds to life.
With no supporting acts, tonight, the attention is all about WARDRUNA and it feels like a special occasion. An event that has been hotly anticipated. In truth, the gorgeous setting of the Albert Hall proves to be a worthy venue for a band of WARDRUNA‘s ilk. As they enter the stage and the rituals begin through the bombastically triumphant Tyr, the troupe utilise the natural acoustics of the venue to full effect and it works wonders. Proceeding to run through a lengthy headlining set that covers every nook and cranny of their discography, it’s clear that Selvik and his cohorts intend to leave no stone unturned.
Whilst Selvik‘s interaction to the crowd was of a minimum, instead WARDRUNA let their music do the talking, and quite rightly so, as the group replicated their studio material to astonishingly brilliant detail. Enhanced by a range of primitive instruments, WARDRUNA‘s melodic charms worked a treat. The delicate melodies of Voluspá, taken from Skald, soar through the venue enticing the crowd to give the band their undivided attention whilst the group harmonies of Odal raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
Selvik, the beating heart of the band, performs with absolute ease, utilising his striking range of vocal pitches and primitive instruments to wonderful effect. He combines effortlessly with Landy Fay Hella throughout the performance, whose animated stage presence and dynamic vocal lines help maintain their atmosphere, and when Selvik performs solo whilst his bandmates wait in slumber, his skill and intricate details are simply spell-binding to watch.
Aside from the music, the attention to detail WARDRUNA have on offer here sets them apart from the competition, instead, sitting them in a league of their own. From the range of authentic instruments, to each vocal melody or passage of instrumentation, it’s clear that Selvik has ensured that the group operate to their best of their ability. That, and with a striking backdrop that changes in colour to match the band’s musical shifts in mood, it proves to be an extra component to hammer home their stage presence. It’s phenomenal to witness and their execution is simply jaw-dropping.
As they conclude, Selvik breaks his silence with the crowd and the response is utterly deafening. This is of standing ovation stuff and the emotion of the event clearly impacts on Selvik, who looks absolutely stunned. There’s no facade here, no arrogance. Here, he is utterly appreciative and his humble nature only enforces just how spectacular a performance he gave throughout the set. Finishing with Helvegen and a gorgeous solo rendition of Snake Pit Poetry, WARDRUNA conclude on a resounding high. In a league of their own, what WARDRUNA achieved with their performance in Manchester is nothing short of remarkable, and in truth, there just isn’t another band that comes close to what WARDRUNA strive to create. A masterful and majestic performance.
Rating: 10/10
Check out our photo gallery of the performance in Manchester from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here:
