Norwegian folk outfit Wardruna has announced that they will be releasing a new album this year. Titled Kvitravn (which translates to White Raven), the album is set to hit shelves on June 5 By Norse Music (USA) and Sony/Columbia (worldwide). 

Kvitravin picks up where the band’s Runaljod trilogy left off musically, while also showcasing an “evolution in [their] sound.” According to an announcement on the band’s website: 

“The album features a broad selection of both traditional and historical instruments such as Kravik-lyre, Trossingen-lyre, Taglharpa, Sootharp, Langeleik, Crwth, Goat- horn, Lur, Bronze-lur, flute, Moraharpa, and the record also features guest appearances by a small group of prominent traditional singers, spearheaded by Kirsten Bråten Berg, one of the most important custodians of Norwegian traditional song. Throughout these 11 songs, KVITRAVN discusses Northern sorcery, spirit-animals, shadows, nature and animism, the wisdom and meanings of certain myths, various Norse spiritual concepts, and the relation between sage and songs.”

Said frontman Einar Selvik of the album in the release:

“To recite and copy the past is not very difficult, but to understand and integrate ancient thoughts, tools and methods with real purpose into a creation that is relevant to the modern era is truly challenging and remains our prime goal in our work.

Although the album carries a variant of my own totemic artist name, it has, in this context, little to do with me but rather refers to the symbolism and legends of sacred white animals found in Nordic and other cultures all over the world. These highly regarded ghostly creatures, whether a raven, snake, bear, moose, reindeer, elephant or lion,–are in animist traditions seen as prophetic, divine messengers, and guardians representing renewal, purity and a bridge between worlds.”

The album’s first single, the title of which has not been revealed yet, is slated to debut on February 21. Kvitravn is currently available for pre-order both digitally and in physical album bundles. The band released their last album, the acoustic Skald, in 2018. 

Along with news of the new album, Wardruna has also announced a headlining North American tour. Kicking off September 24 in Charlotte, NC, the tour will hit several cities across the US and Canada during the end of September and through October, ending with an October 20 show in Dallas, TX. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday (14). All upcoming tour dates can be found  below:

on the band’s website.