Ivar Bjørnson (Enslaved) and Einar Selvik (Wardruna) are releasing an imposing new piece entitled "Hugsjá", out April 20, 2018 via By Norse Music.
The word "hugsjá" means to see with, or within, the mind. It embodies the idea that our minds have the potential to see more than meets the eye. By weaving together indigenous and contemporary thoughts, sounds, and instruments, the duo invites you on a vivid journey, exploring the distant history and traditions along coastal Norway.
"Hugsjá" was first commissioned by, and performed at, Bergen International Festival in 2017, as part a series of concerts named Nordvegen ("the northern road"); inspired by local history and traditions in each of the places visited. The Nordvegen concerts created an acoustic and intimate basis for the grandiose commissioned work, "Hugsjá." The piece received its world premiere in Bergen’s premiere concert hall Grieghallen, and ultimately the material was recorded and became this full-length album.
Selvik comments: "Where our previous joint endeavor, Skuggsjá, had a very specific idea and format when it was commissioned, I feel we had much more room on Hugsjá to freely explore as well as to apply our experience into the creative process and planning. It has truly been an enriching process where we have been working alongside great musicians, language experts, archaeologists and local experts seeking to unfold and shed light on relevant, yet near-forgotten, deities and myths as well as local history and traditions."
The title track "Hugsjá" can be streamed HERE.
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