AN EVENING WITH IVAR BJØRNSON & EINAR SELVIK
“TONIGHT IS AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE, WITH BJØRNSON AND SELVIK TAKING IT IN
TURNS TO EXPLAIN THE
MYSTICAL THEMES AND MEANINGS
BEHIND EACH SONG.”
VENUE ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL, LONDON
DATE 29/01/2019
Tonight’s venue is full to capacity for a joyous evening of traditional folk blended with Norse history and storytelling; even the snow won’t stand in the way of fans attending one of the most highly anticipated folk-prog gigs of the year.
Combining the creative musical masterminds behind Enslaved and Wardruna, this multiinstrumental duo began when they were commissioned to compose a piece for the 200th anniversary of the Norwegian Constitution in 2014. The result was the album Skuggsjá, followed by the eagerly awaited Hugsjá last year.
Bathed in cool blue lighting and a shimmery water effect backdrop, Selvik opens the set with the second album’s title track, Hugsjá. The blowing horn, Shamanic drums and hardanger fiddle signal that the long boats have arrived and we are hit with a sudden craving for mead; though tonight’s remarkably civilised crowd might be better suited to a Pillage On The Beach cocktail.
Tonight is an immersive experience, with Bjørnson and Selvik taking it in turns to explain the mystical themes and meanings behind each song. From Wardruna’s Fehu, which relates to the significance of magic runes, to Fornjot, about the ancient giant and king of the dead, and Ni Mødre Av Sol, which is about about the circle of life and being born into darkness. Their explanations are charming and often humorous, creating an intimate atmosphere between musicians and audience.
Bjørnson and Selvik’s live performance showcases multilayered musical elements recognisable from their own bands. While Bjørnson’s roaring electric guitar leads the darker notes in Nattseglar, the spiralling plucking rhythm during Kvervandi is undoubtedly in Wardruna’s rustic style. The combination creates a trancelike spectacle of unpolished picturesque soundscapes from Norwegian history.
There is a particularly pertinent moment in the set when Selvik modestly describes his humble feelings towards singing an acoustic rendition of Return To Yggdrasil from Enslaved’s 2004 album Isa, as a heartfelt gesture to Bjørnson. The powerful chemistry between the two musicians is an endearing factor in their musical virtuosity.
“Shall we finish with some more songs about death?” aks Selvik, to the echo of yet another wave of cheers and applause. Indeed, the last two songs, Um Heilage
Fjell and a slower version of Wardruna favourite Helvegen, are a satisfying end to a fascinating performance.
A final bow and it’s time for us to trudge back into the modern world. But tonight’s spellbinding performance has left us in a daze filled with light and energy. Tonight’s tales from the past have been revived, and in turn our minds have been enlightened.