In “Lysbærer”, Nanna Barslev invites you into a hidden world between dark and light in nature and human nature, from misty underworld roots to ancient mountain calls, from scenic battle fields to meditative healing spells, with protection spells and words from the Edda. She was in the past the frontwoman for HULDRE, ASYNJE, GNY and ÆTTTIR(this last one is the only band I missed on stage in this list).
The album title “Lysbærer”, which translates to “Carrier of light” is a reference to the celebration of the Sun and the Moon, lighting up the dark and changing seasons. The circle of life and death connecting with nature and the nature in us humans. The dark and light theme is the main essence of the vision in this album and follows up with the theme of chaos and cosmos from Nanna’s previous single “Skelfr Yggdrasil” released in 2019.
Interpretation of Nordic folklore and mythology themes are one of Nanna’s signatures, expressed through her mesmerising and fascinating voice, that ranges from experimental old Nordic singing techniques to underworld growling and whispering.
Nanna Barslev comments on the album: “Through the process of making this album, I’ve been diving into the melancholic roots and energies with a fire torch in my hand, searching in the dark for what could be healed. I crossed all boundaries from what I thought I was capable of as an artist and put my feelings and soul in it. My wish is that the listener can relate to themes and feelings in this album and carefully be lead through the misty fields and the sunny meadows.”
”Lysbærer” was produced by Fieke van den Hurk (Eivør, TVINNA) in Dearworldstudio, the Netherlands. Together for “Lysbærer”, Fieke and Nanna have found a sound that reflects the heritage of Nanna’s previous projects, bringing together momentums ranging from Metal, distorted Folktronica, crispy sounds and heavy beats. The album was mastered by Iver Sandøy (Enslaved, Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik). It features guest appearances by the Dutch musician Lies Sommer (Ball noir) on the hurdy gurdy and harp.
Skjoldmø is the opening track. We hear Nanna sing very high tones, whilst some percussion gives it a dark tone. I can hear why BY Norse Music signed her as her music fits in a magical way their philosophy and music! This song is pure magic and her voice will bewitch you. My Danish and old Norse knowledge is non existing, so I can’t tell you anything about the story of this song.
Runebundet drives around her voice, surrounded by ancient instruments. It’s a slow grower, but hang on to her voice and get the right drive! Mod vrede has crystal clear vocals whilst the music sounds like as part of a ritual. I looked for more info and got this: the title means “spell against anger” and it refers to a type of protection chant used to shield oneself from the anger of others. Nanna composed the song on her moraharpa and recalls the circumstances under which the song came about: “I wanted to express the feeling of grounding and protection. My home library is full of folklore books and I have been composing melodies for old spells for many years. I am always careful what I send out. Some spells are too strong to sing in public and sometimes I change the words to soften it. I changed the anger spell so it’s not demanding, but more a feeling of standing grounded in a storm and not letting other energies shake you. Like holding a shield in front of you for protection, asking that no-one should try to control you with any force. In our modern society, and specifically here in the North, we are brought up to react with peace and harmony. We often feel guilty when we are exposed to other people’s anger, or if we express anger ourselves. But anger is a human instinct and, maybe, it’s not always healthy to keep it back or take it in…”.
Askr sounds more like an ethereal song with a floating feel and a heavenly touch as if you are on your way to heaven! The title track Lysbærer mixes percussion with Nanna’s haunting vocals and slowly builds up to reach a higher tempo, slow down, rise, slow done … like waves on the sea. Rhimfaxe is a very overwhelming song due to the vocals and the music! Everything blends in and takes you deep into the music as you will forget everything around you. Jagtmarker starts with a horn blowing followed by Nanna’s vocals on a high pitch. The song will take you into the world of Vikings led by powerful vocals. Sunna Sol sounds like spring is coming and put’s her voice into a warm fire pit to keep us all warm with the music and give us hope and rays of light! Sten' (meaning Stone) is the third video, Nanna comments about the song:
“I made this song as a kind of healing meditative song. Diving deep down into the core and letting the light work with the dark in the soul like detangling blockages. This theme is one of the main themes in the album “Lysbærer”.
“Sten” is dominated by layers of vocals like waves rolling in. The song touches the spectrum between paganism and Christianity back then and still current. It’s a theme I have been inspired from since childhood singing in church choir and searching for pagan beliefs. I composed the melody as I imagine a pagan circle song can be sung for a ceremony and combined with a medieval inspired choral that also has a ceremonial purpose”.
Damn: I missed her voice is my first conclusion after I listened to this great solo album! It has been far too long! I hope she will get a lot of offers to perform these songs on stage! I must also add that Fieke van den Hurk (Eivør, TVINNA) did a great job in her studio and captured in a magical way the right feel for this bewitching album! Nanna Barslev has also found the right people to surround her and do her magic! I could hear it all along the album! Magical and of a stunning beauty! Congratz to all who contributed!
