Exploring the Viking Age #1: Up close and personal with Einar Selvik

[@TheSLK66]

To me, Wardruna's message is about first reconnecting with yourself. Can't embrace nature if you can't even see yourself being a part of it. It's about helping us remember we are not disconnected from it, to embrace the primal essence within us. Accepting that essence doesn't make us primitive or irrational, what would actually be irrational would be to deny that it exists inside all of us. Embracing that natural connection gives us meaning, sense of belonging, love and care for what surrounds us.

[@bjorngottfriedsson3052]

Nothing in life will be more of a memory than the first time I heard Einar sing Helvegen live. It's like all of my ancestor's stood with me at once.

[@jj74554]

Fascinating how someone who creates such powerful music can have such a gentle, humble presence. Thrilled to be seeing them live later this year ❤

[@petrarovscek7621]

Same❤

[@scaberouswretch3673]

Wardruna speaks to something ancient in the human spirit. Especially if you are from a Scandinavian, Germanic, or Celtic heritage. It’s like having a living breathing interpretation of our ancestors brought to life.

[@xmaryHXCx]

Beautiful comment.

[@Woketard]

There's a reason why paganism was defeated. Let's keep the barbaric death cult in the past.

[@fallen6060]

As a Dane, I agree very much! Skål 🍻!

[@natuvampire]

I wouldn't limit it to specific heritage, their message is universal, it speaks to the heart and to the soul.

[@HeathenFitness]

Absolutely, phenomenal ambiances

[@houseovragnar9259]

Wardruna is what i play the most in my shop and from young to old, they all love Wardruna. Einar Selvik is a special person and must be protected at all costs.

[@nordicsilver9675]

Check out his stuff with Ivar Bjornson, Hugsja album is incredible

[@houseovragnar9259]

@@nordicsilver9675 Very good stuff. Fehu is probably my favorite song they did together. I need to get all that downloaded and onto my phone. Appreciate the reminder of Bjornson and Einar. SKAAAAL 🍻

[@patrikvesely2139]

I could listen to both of you for hours😄 I have seen Amon Amarth live more or less 10 times since 2006 and will be seeing Wardruna first time in York in March, I can’t wait!

[@MrJahdrian]

The God's are pleased for sure with this episode.

[@thehikingviking4993]

Excellent first podcast!! Ty Johan and Einar 🤘🏼😎 Hail the Old Gods 🙏🏼🧎🏼‍♂️❤️

[@Dani-n6y7m]

..praises to the gods!! And praise to She who bore them ❤

[@ThymeforBouldering]

Einar is such a cool person. I met him once. He made the soundtrack for Valhalla's DLC Dawn of Ragnarok as well. I worked on both Valhalla and DoR DLC and his music was helping me every day. Just placing a musician NPC in the world so every time I play I listen to his songs... It was great experience, and I hope I will have a chance to work with him again!

[@SYPIE01]

I Listen to AC Valhalla Soundtrack daily. It gives you power.

[@ThymeforBouldering]

@@SYPIE01 I agree!

[@RordanGamsay]

Playing Valhalla while i listen to this

[@stillfrankieg]

Ty Johan and Einar. I absolutely love how articulate and humble Einar is. I am very happy you touched on Helvegen. This song absolutely means so much to me. As Einar sang this song looking over Oslofjord at Midgardsblót 2022... I wept. My wife had been so excited to come back and share music with her grandmother. But we soon learned that soon after we arrived, she had taken a turn for the worse. As she slipped from this world to the next, we played Helvegen to guide her way. I learned the lyrics, every inflection, and melody in the song. It will forever be one of my favorite songs... and one that I will want to guide my way as I make the trip down the road to Helheim.

[@LadyCubbins]

I usually do not listen to podcasts except when I have to work on translating them, but this was a fantastic episode and I enjoyed every minute. Johan is an awesome musician and he asked very good questions, and Einar is such an inspirational person and a great musician. I love Wardruna very much and their music resonates with my soul despite the language barrier, which just proves that music transcends everything. Thank you both for all the hard work.

[@lj2435]

Wait a minute…hear me out…Amon Amarth creates a Norse folk album, of some sort. 😳😤🔥

[@fallen6060]

Holy shit, would be epic

[@riandraegon556]

I was blessed to see him yesterday at Red Rocks in Colorado. I am a 73 year old Death Midwife and Wardruna resonates with me. I was so cold, shivered through the show, but my soul danced. Oh, how it danced.

[@moemacstuffins5979]

For those who did not know that Johann Hegg had the website Grimfrost up for many years now, Finally Grimfrost expands into KZbin with podcasting=D. Keep up the good work fellas.Regards from Vest-Noreg.

[@TameraMcGee]

I hate that I had to be so old in life to learn this knowledge ❤. Wardruna has helped me learn about my ancestors and who I am ❤

[@nordseekind9701]

Honestly, I am usually not into listening/watching interviews, especially not that long ones...but here I sat, sucking it up, learning, and wishing it would´ve been even longer!

[@aethyrien]

It's fantastic you all are doing a podcast now!! And what a guest to carry off your first ever episode. Proud of you all! This is great.

[@CornishTim93]

Det glæder mig at se to af skandinaviens musiklig sønner i et samtale sammenf, to moderne skalder!

[@fallen6060]

Ja, også mig!

[@OnePunchMan4491]

Einar Selvik ist ein echter Künstler, der so tolle Projekte gemacht hat...die Götter werden immer ein Auge auf ihn haben und beschützen 👍👍 toller Podcast 🎉🎉

[@DrengskaprVikingSpirit]

Gotta love Johan's intro. Like being welcomed to an Amon Amarth concert. 🤘🤘

[@Greenmick6982]

Starting off with a bang!! Wardruna is so very pleasing to the Hooded One and to me. 😁

[@brandonhensley5254]

Wardruna has got me thru many things since I found them and started listening to them got me thru some dark and rough times they are what I go to sleep to at night I can’t sleep without having them on my radio thank u wardruna from east tn

[@GiOde4dp00L]

Amon amarth with a wardruna must do something together... We were lucky enough to see them both last year in Greece 🇬🇷

[@knight907]

Excellent discussion on runes. Great job addressing the differences between elder and younger futharks and the magic of the **words** and the power of the written word. Thank you for also covering the differences between ancient and modern rune practices. Great start to the podcast. Looking forward to more. 🤘🖤🤘

[@nataliecatchpole2614]

My husband and I really enjoyed watching this. Thanks, guys! Einar, we both have your Wardruna symbol tattooed, and we saw you in Cambridge 🖤 Johan, I hugged you in 2019 at Brixton 🖤 you're both awesome!

[@LPx007]

I love Einar, wish the podcast was longer, I could listen to you two for hours. 😊

[@antona.8659]

Johan and Einar did more with their music to increase my interest in Scandinavian history and culture than any of my history teachers. It's very rare when music can be both great on its own but also educational.

[@erebaerendil5344]

Great interview ! Wardruna is sacred music to me.

[@GabrielBarbón-w2f]

Quedo impresionado con la conexión que consigue esta banda con música ancestral. Es curioso que incluso para personas que somos de una cultura diferente, nos trasmita algo tan bonito y profundo. Remueve. Supongo que prácticamente toda la música y cultura ancestral en cierto modo tiene este poder. Gracias por esta entrevista y por Wardruna.

[@jp16k92]

Two of my favorite musicians together! This podcast looks like a dream come true!

[@2fab4dis]

“go out with a bang” sounds about right! the acropolis concert was one of the most memorable moments of my life, i thank you for it einar ✨

[@Ghostshiva45]

That is hands (or shields) down the best podcast studio set I HAVE EVER SEEN!! I want that as my lounge room 😊 Sooo glad GF you are starting this, hopefully it continues. I have some pendant pieces from you so I already know you are men of quality 👍

[@tonesfreeman1769]

Great band is Wardruna. Brilliant interview, many thanks.

[@HeathenWays]

Einar Selvik is national treasure.

[@henryc.zambrano2753]

Woooow!!! It's very good to see Johann and Einar together. I hope we can see something done by both, that would be awsome... Greetings and blessings from Guadalajara México

[@anthonyrichardpreuss817]

I've dreamed this stage background so this will be my number one. Fia is good and Nati Dreeed. Goodluck with the Podcast. 👍👍

[@jacobcerniglia6035]

Hearing Einar talk about the challenges of traveling and touring is quite relatable, as I used to be a long haul truck driver spending upwards of four months away from home. The major difference is that it's all work, no time to rest, no time to go out and experience nature, sleeping in a cramped truck cabin. It is physically and spiritually damaging and exhausting.

[@giannislampadoxitos9170]

Einar with deep respect for you and your music in Athens and in Greece generally the ancient amphitheatres mostly are Greek not Roman cause already existed many years before the Romans. Btw such a great and ease talk dam fantastic to watch and listen this man.

[@MultiProGGer]

What a great guest for episode 1.

[@RomeoKreator]

two of my favorite frontmen tell stories dream come true Concert in Arcopoli. It's magic

[@12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon]

Wardruna changed my life for the better. Experiencing their performane live was the single most moving and profound musical experience I've ever had, and since then I proudly bear their bindrune tattooed on my body. Pure magic. Can't wait for the new album! Judging from how Hertan sounds, it's going to be something truly special.

[@user-anc123]

Wardruna is outstanding ! Amazing

[@wardrunaragnar5031]

Seeing them for the 5th time next year at the Royal Albert Hall - can't wait.

[@clarkdiegogonzalez3102]

I didn't realize that Johan has this channel 😮 but its great i really had an enjoyable time watching this today . A great hug Johan from a costarican's brother 💪🏻🤘🏻

[@KernowekTim]

So, I am back at the beginning of my journey on your channel after watching and listening to episode nine with yourself and Neil Price . "Heave to, Morladron🏴‍☠. We're outward bound!" as we old-timers of Real Cornish origin are want to say. Morladron, in the Cornish language means, Pirates. Incidentally, in 838 a combined Viking/Cornish force was defeated in battle at a location called Hingston Down. We were fighting together against the Saxon heathen. Small world.

[@martinm.6459]

Despite the minor mistakes in picture and sound this was a super interesting conversation!!! Absolutely loved it...Thanks Grimfrost!!! Greetings from Eastern Europe

[@zebulonswearingen4607]

As a fan of Amon Amarth and Wardruna, this podcast is one of the best. It’s one of the most interesting conversations out there. This is important.

[@Evorain]

Wardruna is magic for me, no other music can make me feel like that. Einar is amazing, thank you for this episode ❤

[@bluenovacorgi8230]

I love listening to Einar talk i could listen too him for hours talk about anything!❤ amazing music

[@MEDEDOME]

Johan thank you for interviewing Einar. Look forward to many more Grimfrost podcasts. Now I must go listen to some Wardruna and A.A. 🦉🐗🦅🦌.

[@OriginalPuro]

Kvitrafn, blessed by the Gods to convey stories and information from a lost time. We need him.

[@gabrielachiriac7750]

Am I dreaming?! Amazing podcast! Thank you! ❤

[@littlemouse7066]

Selvik is a very intelligent man he's not a fanatic he's aware he does modern music with historical references he knows we don't really know what the music of the viking age sounded like even if we use ancient instruments and I'm glad he mentioned AC Valhalla which is one of my favourite games and made me interested in norse history and mythology because a game can give you only an imput it can't be historically accurate and can't teach you history and any intelligent person would understand that.

[@Tasuva]

Fantastic and very inspiring interview with great questions and answers. Thank you for that!

Timeless songs for countless times and in this day and age , having some form of songs that make you slow down just a bit . Having those past experiences being brought here to this day and age it's just incredible and immensly powerful . Now as a fan of both metal and this ( Neo-Folk ) if i can say that even having the fiction and dreams and finally some myths to wrap my mind about that music is just so peaceful and it feels like home . Feels like Einar said : It''s a part of you that was missing . Finding that part of my soul , and my heart . Listening to Wardruna is literally like seeing a friend after a lifetime ! something very tangable , something very present ! Thank you Johan for this amazing conversation with a person to whom i can say only that he made me a better musician and person !

[@joshuaworth9876]

What a great start to a hopefully a long running podcast. Can't wait for more.

[@DISADENT]

One heck of a talented guy,a real life bard

[@ernamoller175]

Thank you for the podcast with Einar. Helvegen will be played when my family scatter my ashes in the mountains. Such a powerful piece of music....thank you Wardruna. Greetings from South Africa,

[@mrpenguin2247]

The vocalist of my favorite melo death band has a podcast? An episode with my favorite neo folk vocalist? How have i missed this?? Amazing you guys! Can't wait to check out the rest of this pod. Johan, I hope to see and hear so much more in the future, not only Amon Amarth but also this podcast!

[@stevesene8615]

Love you ❤ Einar

[@shadowrunner101]

Wardruna was one of the best concerts i ever attended (Tivoli, Utrecht), can't wait to see them again this year.

[@mykolapeace7034]

My respect for both Grimfrost and Einar Selvik

[@natuvampire]

Being in Acropolis with you was pure magic!!

[@danh950]

Never got to see Wardruna live, yet I hope the future will change that. But the song that made me connect with the band is Lyfjaberg. Always been a big music lover but that was the only song I could feel during my depression, even before I read the English translation. So yeah thanks for this great podcast into the mind of Einar something that is always fascinating. Hope to see him on here again if new work comes out to review and go into depth about the meaning behind it all.

[@anka_lost]

Two of my favorite musicians in one room and talking about awesome stuff- wow!

[@cuda6872]

Best first episode of any podcast available.

[@belzebuj]

Such a great, interesting and funny talk between two of the greatest (and masterminds behind two of my all-time fav bands which I carry for ever in my very skin). Indeed that finale was unbelievable in Athens, Einar, got the chance to witness it being that my first Wardruna ritual, made it all the way from Spain. Apart from that, you guys were all really nice in the meet and greet, espcially you sir. Hopefully, soon I´ll get the chance to meet Johan as well, at Midgardsblot 2024. Odin shed some of the mead of poetry over you indeed! Thank you for your art and Skaal!

[@natuvampire]

Thank you for this wonderful and interesting interview! Would love to see Einar together with other member of Wardruna as well.

[@briannamorrison380]

You asked some really great questions in this interview. I've always wanted to know him in a more personal way. He's such a unique individual.

[@ulf3303]

What a wonderful guest for episode 1. A perfect choice. Blessings on this new endeavor.

[@seanagnew4611]

I just listened to this today on my commute home from work. What a great first episode. I am so looking forward to your next podcast!!!

[@Redpitbull44]

So excited to see this episode! These two men's voices and music are part of my daily ritual. A staple in my daily life. I Love you both. Thank You for your contributions!

[@RyanMercer]

🤘🤘

[@sp3ct0rsUrg3]

Such a huge fan of both of these men. Incredible artists.

[@linalin333]

Lookin forward to more Grimfrost podcast eps. Not a day to soon 🖤 Tack

[@jim7217]

Great insights into the making of the music and delving into the history of the skalds - thank you guys! Einar is a hugely intense person - love that he considers his words so carefully and makes intelligent insights into your questions as well.

[@FenrizDK]

Tech side: VERY awesome, you got a really really good setup! - Podcast Was amazing, and i will definately listen to the upcomming pods! About death: In Denmark we do have open casket as an option. When my grandmother died i went to the chapel and spoke to her and kissed her cheek as a farewell, it gave me peace.

[@nordicsilver9675]

Omg what Ive always wanted! Both amazing people!!!!! Grimfrost podcast??? Lets go!!!

[@kantrii]

What a great interview, very interesting topics and good to see this two beasts of music together. Thanks for sharing my friends :D

[@tylerbuckley4661]

Great interview with my two favorite singers

[@JoakimVesterlund]

I do not listen to any of you guys music (at this point in time), but this conversation is the definition of true. Love It!

[@xcoon]

Briliant podcast! You shoud have bjørn bull hansen on! Creater of the jomsviking series

[@Sailor_91]

A greate podcast, intresting to hear Einars story and thoughts. What about an episode with Heri Joensen from Tyr ?

[@raykobud]

Thank you Gentlemen! Your insight and music inspire me daily.

[@Rooster72]

Saw Wardruna in NYC. I hate the city with a passion, but it was so worth the trip, and wait.

[@saskquatchleatherworks3495]

Great first episode. Keep it going!

[@Rodt127]

I was hoping Grimfrost would do a podcast Tusen takk johan

[@DrFrankenskippy]

Great interview podcast - tusen tack! ... My spin on the 'runes' worthy of mention in tthat is perhaps not commonly observed is that ultimately all runes have their own unique vibrational qualitiative frequency and all frequencies can be traced back to the origin of all vibrational frequences i.e. the source emanation 'perfect pitch' 'the yawning void' of Ginnungagap (pre manifestation / pre cosmos / pre Yggdrasil). Also the mention of 'numerology' is significant in that galdr and skaldic poetry was very much geared to numerological merit in the way it was organised and arranged i.e. every rune has a specific numerology associated to it and so similar to Pythagorean numerlogy the alpha-numeric properties were carefully considered.

[@rutmor8657]

Very interesting, thank you

[@hejnye]

Thank you so much this was just the best Monday morning surprise ever!!!!

[@JazzyJay716]

This is awesome

[@clarencerswann1360]

Great interview!

[@MjollnirMox]

Great episode. Thank you.

[@EddyTeetree]

New here so Hei. Could you make a video on the quickest quietist (beside his screaming of course) way to part a priest's hode and knekke with an axe or a sword? This could be very handy soon the way the pontiff is acting. Love the "Viking world tour" tee its on my winter solstice wish list! Farvel modig venn. WARDRUNA Rocks man. The cave concert was awesome!!!😇

[@dkbushman]

Awesome 😁👍

[@Vitki_Erilaz]

This is awesome. I can't wait to see/hear more.

[@miizzvv1281]

Wardruna 🍻

[@elvisman2000]

Great talk. By the way, there are a few times during the pod where both the video audio just stop and then resume like at 1:09:24.

[@moonwalker9266]

Seeing Wardruna in Athens is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. My only regret is that I didn't take my son with me because he's a fan too!