What makes Kvitravn by Wardruna notable?

'Kvitravn' received widespread acclaim, debuting at number one on the Norwegian Albums Chart, and further solidifying Wardruna's position in the neofolk genre. The album's intricate blend of traditional instruments and modern production resonated strongly with audiences, influencing both folk and ambient music scenes. By the time 'Kvitravn' was released in January 2021, Wardruna had already established themselves as a leading force in contemporary Nordic folk music. This album followed their critically acclaimed trilogy, 'Runaljod', marking a significant evolution in their sound and thematic exploration of Norse culture and mythology.

How many songs are on Kvitravn?

Kvitravn has 11 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

Kvitravn

Wardruna · 2021

65 min · 11 tracks · ambient music

Ancient rhythms and haunting vocals intertwine, creating a mystical soundscape that evokes the essence of Nordic folklore.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Kvitravn — The title track encapsulates the album's themes through its ethereal arrangements, merging traditional motifs with a contemporary sound that highlights Wardruna’s unique identity.
→
Fylgjutal — This track stands out for its rhythmic intensity and layered vocal harmonies, reflecting the spiritual connection to nature that permeates the album.
→
Andvevarljod — Closing the album, this lengthy piece weaves a complex tapestry of sound, showcasing the band's ability to create immersive sonic landscapes steeped in folklore.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

75 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album intricately weaves traditional sounds into an immersive experience, showcasing strong craftsmanship and cohesion.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of traditional Nordic instruments, creating a rich tapestry of sound that evokes ancient landscapes.
Each track builds on layered textures, often starting with a single instrument before gradually introducing others to create depth.
Vocal elements are sparse and used primarily as atmospheric enhancements rather than leading melodies, contributing to the overall ambient feel.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Synkverv 4:50
2 Kvitravn 6:17
3 Skugge 6:38
4 Grá 3:32
5 Fylgjutal 7:05
6 Munin 5:26
7 Kvit hjort 5:41
8 Viseveiding 4:48
9 Ni 4:28
10 Vindavlarljod 6:39
11 Andvevarljod 10:16

What to play next

Listen next

Birna

2025

Go back to

Skald

2018

Full Wardruna discography Artists like Wardruna

Nordic folk music neofolk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata