Birna, Wardruna’s sixth studio album, emerges from the depths of the forest. Through his ongoing dialogue with nature, lead composer Einar Selvik has sought the voice of the bear, our lost sister of the forest. The result is this album, slated for release on January 24, 2025 by Sony Music and By Norse. Birna – Old Norse for “she-bear” – is a work of art dedicated to the forest’s guardian, nature’s protector, and her struggles on earth. Slowly hunted from her habitat by modern societies, she has entered a state of permanent hibernation. As a result, the forest is slowly dying, longing for her pulse and heart – its shepherd. Birna calls for her return.