November 26, 2020 — As one of the foremost recognizable authorities on Nordic folk music — particularly thanks to his work with Wardruna — Selvik’s knowledge and skills were an invaluable resource in crafting the immersive soundtrack to the smash-hit videogame Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla.
It has been mere weeks since the release of the expansive 47-track long Assassins Creed: Valhalla official soundtrack. But already Selvik is eyeing a December 4 release date for the digital edition of its follow-up. Wave of Giants will feature 10 original compositions by Selvik. With a physical vinyl release planned for early 2021 via Lakeshore Records. As with the OST, fans can expect a vivid recreation of traditional Nordic folk music. With Selvik making use of traditional instrumentation to create sonic banquets worthy of Valhalla itself. Unlike the OST, Wave of Giants music is inspired directly by the game and Selvik’s experiences working on the project. Rather than music that already exists within it.
Commenting on the release, Einar Selvik said;
“Wave of Giants’ is an Old Norse poetic metaphor; meaning poetry that refers to the myth of when the god Odin stole the mead of poetry from Kvasir the Jotun/giant. The title felt very appropriate. Since much of my efforts on AC Valhalla has been about giving voice to the Skalds and the poetic traditions that once laid at the heart of the Norse culture. New, as well as existing Old Norse poetry accompanied by ancient Norse and Nordic instruments. Tonalities and rhythms – both the format of minimalistic and unpolished live-in-studio recordings. As well as fully produced pieces more similar to the soundscape of Wardruna. This album gives a good taste of my work in the game as well as a feel for the game itself!”
A lead single for the release has already been unveiled, in the form of “Days Are Numbered”. Stirring and emotional in tone, the track combines the iconic thump of percussion against nimble string-work to capture the duality of Viking culture. The core rhythm growing more frenetic as the song wears on.
This new release isn’t the only thing Selvik has on the horizon. With a new Wardruna record Kvitravn (translated as “White Raven”) due for release on January 22, 2021. Originally planned for a June 2020 release (falling towards the end of a packed schedule of shows across Europe in late Spring and early summer). Moving due to production issues arising from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The record continues the journey first set out on Wardruna’s Runaljod trilogy. Representing another facet of how Einar Selvik has established himself as one of the world’s leading prolific Nordic folk specialists.
