Nordein’s fourth album, Bergart, is a triumphant culmination of the band’s creative evolution since their founding in 2018. Helmed by Jørn ‘Nord’ Øyhus and enriched by Mathias Gyllengahm’s nyckelharpa, Nordein has continually redefined Nordic folk music, transcending the clichés of the genre while staying deeply rooted in its traditions. With Bergart, they have created their most ambitious and dynamic work yet—a journey through shadow and light that pays homage to their heritage while boldly exploring new territories.
The album’s 11 tracks form a tapestry of sound that reflects Jørn’s concept of “mountain music.” Opening with “Bergegarda,” the listener is drawn into a world where raw, organic instrumentation evokes ancient forests and rugged landscapes. “Trollhjerte” crackles with primal energy, while “Fanden Danse” and “Heimurinn Undir” delve into the darker, more introspective corners of Nordein’s sonic palette.
As Bergart progresses, tracks like “Sagaland” and “Nordportal” introduce moments of radiant clarity, offering glimpses of breathtaking peaks amidst the shadowy depths. The closing pieces, “Gammal Som Åsen” and “Ask & Embla,” bring the journey full circle. “Gammal Som Åsen” exudes timeless, weathered wisdom, while “Ask & Embla” bursts forth with mythic vitality, capturing the essence of Nordic creation stories.
Throughout the album, the band’s signature elements shine: flutes, choirs, and Mathias’ distinct nyckelharpa weave intricate layers of melody and texture. The result is both cinematic and deeply personal, a reflection of Nordein’s ability to balance grandeur with intimacy.
Each album in Nordein’s discography has contributed to the band’s artistic journey. Their 2020 debut, Nordariket, rooted them in Nordic folk traditions, while their sophomore release, LYD, broke genre boundaries with its continuous 38-minute composition inspired by progressive greats like Mike Oldfield. 2022’s Etna delved into introspection and expressionism, transforming personal pain into epic beauty. With Bergart, Nordein distills these experiences into a cohesive and profound statement, synthesizing their past while forging new paths.
Nordein’s Bergart is more than an album—it’s a landscape rendered in sound, a journey that invites listeners to lose themselves in its shadowy depths and soaring heights. For fans of Nordic folk and newcomers alike, this is an essential, transformative listening experience.
Album Pre-Save/Sale Link:
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