Hedningarna

Amazon.com
The Swedish folk group Hedningarna released their self-titled debut in 1989 when they were still a trio, before they added vocalists and started experimenting with amplified instruments and rhythm loops. But even though the band is playing acoustically, they still manage to produce a powerfully rhythmic sound, and the drones of their various hurdy-gurdies, moraharpas (an early version of the nyckelharpa), hardanger fiddles, and bagpipes create sonic textures that have an organic aura that no wash of synthesized sound can match. Anders Norudde, who has mastered the difficult trick of creating melodies that sound simultaneously old and new, evenly splits the tracks between traditional Swedish dance tunes and new compositions. Hedningarna honors the musical traditions of Scandinavia, but they don't let their respect for the ancient music stifle their need to create their own music and carry those same traditions into the modern world. --Michael Simmons

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Average customer rating: Better than I expected Raw, Animalistic, and Addictive Trä -- Quirky, Wild, and Addictive Dark, deep, yet manages to be uplifting This glows of Nordic darkness.

Trä Hedningarna Manufacturer: Northside Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Finland | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music Sweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sjofn God's Musicians Vengeance 1989-2003 Nordic Roots: Northside Sampler ASIN: B0000067IO Release Date: 1998-03-17

Tracks:

1. Tass'on Nainen
2. Min Skog
3. Varg Timmen
4. Gorrlaus
5. Skrau Tval
6. Pornopolka
7. Raven
8. Sagla Ten
9. Tuuli
10. Tappmarschen
11. Tina Vieri

Amazon.com

The album starts with a low growl, building into the menace that becomes "Tass'on Nainen," and you're into the world of Hedningarna, where traditional Swedish instrumentation (and the vocals of Sanna Kurki-Suonio and Tellu Paulasto) meet studio electronics. As dark as anything produced by a goth band, it's a startling record that's pushed the Nordic sound to world music's cutting edge. The fiddles distort evilly; programmed beats blend with a frame drum. While Hedningarna mine territory that other Swedish bands such as Garmarna do, the sound on this record is their own, full and wild and a studio creation that never sounds overproduced. When the guitar cuts loose at the end of "SaglaTen," it becomes obvious that this is really the new and glorious sound of folk-rock, '90s style. The guest joiking by Wimme on "Tuuli" only serves to make the album even more otherworldly, but a passport isn't required. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Better than I expected.......2006-12-28

I bought this because I've heard the song Raven before, but the whole CD is just amazing. In fact, Raven is now one of my least liked songs on the CD, originally being on of my favorite songs ever. This music is definitely original. It reminds me of Celtic music bagpipes and such.

Raw, Animalistic, and Addictive.......2006-03-06

I used to hate this type of music. Having been "brought up" by classical music, rock, and comtemporary film scores-I didn't consider these droning chants to be music at all-since I am more used to more melodious and polyphonic musical forms. My interest in folk started with Irish music, from which a love of drums and mouth music was born. While Irish music is powerful, for the most part it is very fair, calming and at times exuberant. The music of Scandinavia is pure power, raw, animalistic, and illicts the part that is most primal in all of us. It isn't exactly what you'd call a "pleasant listen." This is not for everyone and I usually don't listen to it around family for fear of getting kicked out of the house :) but it is very rousing and the beat and rhythm...like certain African or Native American soundscapes...gives you an interesting drive...like you could conquer all...not a safe thing to listen to if you hate someone...haha...I say this because certain tracks really resonates with emotions that associate with anger...but in a way, it helps you to let it out...

Trä -- Quirky, Wild, and Addictive.......2005-05-22

The 3rd album by Hedningarna, Trä, became their most celebrated and most popular. It features an all out vocal assault from not only the two Finnish singers (Sanna and Tellu) but also by the men as well on Min Skog, Räven, and VargTimmen. Instrumentally, the band combines their unique Scandinavian folk sound with modern rock production and instrumentation.
While the album does contain some of the band's strongest (and most lovingly bizarre) material -- Tuuli, Räven, Täss'on Nainen, and Tina Vieri to name a few -- some of the tunes don't really quite catch fire. It was certainly a groundbreaking album but I don't believe it is their best; Karelia Visa accomplishes that in a more sublime, mature way.
But this album still delivers the heathen roots/rock that makes this group so wonderful -- its a quirky, wild and addictive ride. Certainly worth owning.

Dark, deep, yet manages to be uplifting.......2004-03-28

Like the English folk singers of the 1970s, Scandanavia's Hedningarna managed during the 1990s to combine a truly modern aesthetic with the most traditional values evident in their own folk tradition.

Because the folk traditions of Scandanavia are based on the use of wind instruments rather than stringed ones, the sound here is quite different from Fairport Convention or Anne Briggs' a capella folk. Hedningarna managed through their application of modern techniques to the most tradional of Scandanavian folk instruments to produce something that sounded and sounds quite otherworldly. The pipes on the opener "Tässi On Nainen" are so dark and droning that the haunting, serious vocal melody becomes uplifting, whlst the dense rhythms of the following "Min Skog" thrust themselves so far upfront that it sounds like it's played in two eras at once - literally. The angry male vocals sound quite like an aggressive preacher: the effect is so emotional as to be memorable even when a listener cannot understand what is being said.

"Pornopolka" featured the strange yet amazingly heartfelt and rapid-fire rhythms typical of the Finnish language - resulting from its characteristic vowel harmony, and also characteristic of Värttinä's "Katariina" - together with an incredibly strange fiddle melody. The amazing melody of the language allows them to achieve a volume unimaginable in most of the world's languages. "Såglåten", on the other hand, featured a melodic yet fitting guitar break that added to the fire of the melodies, whilst "Räven" was so eerie, intimate and unrestrained that it would touch any listener unconsciously.

The last three tracks were even more eccentric. The soft "Tuuli" featured the hypnotic vocals of Wimme Saari over a groove so hypnotic it was danceable; "Täppmarschen", despite the emphasis on the pipes, sounds more like what we would call "folk" than anything, yet winds by its astonishing intimacy even to someone unfamiliar with the language. And "Tina Vieri" sounded almost accessible in its verses yet the melody of the language makes it so surprising that Sanna Kuori-Suoni and Taulu Paulasto can put off such a dark and beautiful piece: the stringed lutes sound like a piano.

In their amazing manipulation of traditional sounds to produce something new, Hedningarna were quite unlike anything most of you would have heard. Hard to understand, but few record will get under one's skin so quickly.

This glows of Nordic darkness........2003-10-07

Wolves, foxes and hill-dwelling humans are regulars in Scandinavian story-telling, along with the dark woods in which they inhabit.And this, as with much Nordic mythology and literature, is not a distant reflective experience.Rather, the pretty wilderness is coloured with close-ups of violence- the wolf's teeth, the torn flesh, the vengeful humanity.
The women sing witchily, but in tune, except for some deliberate moments of vocal gymnastics.For example, you'll catch them panting like tiring animals.And despite their singing being in Finnish tongue, the music's overall feel is more notably Swedish.And though the Swedish men sing on a couple of tracks (and howl like wolves, successfully enough), their expertise lay in the pin-point accuracy of their instrumental pursuits.They innovatively pulse electricity into their traditional instruments.Bagpipes, hurdygurdies, zithers and primitive drums are already quite course even without such treatment.The modern drums on the album are used tactfully, as are most studio embelishements.Though, I think their electric guitar usage was better left absent.The skin of this music is modern, but the skeleton is ancient.Upbeat and downbeat tunes share the load.This art is quite aggressive, but always poetic and tuneful.The female singers bring in such sensitivity, considering the lyrical content.The themes are set in nature, with assorted creatures.Humans are often involved thru their spells and evils.'Lust' is a recurrent sin here.But Hedningarna address such things with respect and good judgement.Only rarely is there a semblance of gratuity.
Warning to teddy bears! If you're going out in the woods today to have your picnic ...don't choose these woods!

Average customer rating: Karelia Visa Is A Memorable Nordic Trip Beautiful Finnish feel, playful and spritely Nothing less than essential! Hedningarna's best Whoa

Karelia Visa Hedningarna Manufacturer: Northside Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Finland | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music Sweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Kaksi Trä Hedningarna 1989-2003 Sjofn ASIN: B00000I5DP Release Date: 1999-02-23

Tracks:

1. Brother
2. What Do I Sing
3. The Beginning Words
4. The Song Of A Maiden
5. Thunder God
6. Forest Maiden
7. Stapals
8. Cold Wind
9. True Love
10. Song Polska

Amazon.com

Hedningarna return to their full Finnish-Swedish lineup with Karelia Visa, bringing back the Finnish voices of Sanna Kurki-Suonio and Anita Lehtola. For much of their career they have explored the runesongs of ancient Finland, particularly in the area called Karelia that straddles the Russian border. This album goes into the oldest Karelian traditions by collecting tunes and lyrics in the old Russian villages that still speak the old language and sing the old songs. Not that this is a traditional album in any way. In typical "heathen" style, the band reinterprets freely and inventively, pulling instruments from many Nordic and northern European countries, adding technology carefully but conspicuously, crafting an electric folk music that stays carefully out of the rock realm and holds true to the folk process. This album follows closely the powerful path created on Kaksi!, the first Hedningarna album to explore the deeper Finno-Ugric roots of the eastern border regions. It is less violent and aggressive, but also darker and more contemplative. The brief historical notes are sufficient, and all the songs are well translated, an important element for a recording that relies heavily on content that very few people (even modern Finns) could understand on their own. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Karelia Visa Is A Memorable Nordic Trip.......2005-04-17

I bought this disc mainly on the strength of Mettsän Tytto, which I heard on the Nordic Roots Music Sampler CD. Also, I felt that their "best of" album (which is a good starting point for new fans) was woefully lacking in tracks from this album. I wondered if Karelia Visa was worth the effort. But thankfully I took the chance -- I have never been more glad to be wrong.
The songs on this album take the listener on a wonderful nordic trip (along with the liner notes and booklet photos) that is most memorable. From the aforementioned Mettsän Tytto and other upbeat numbers like Mitä Minä and Alkusanat, to the haunting, rootsy atmospheres of Ukkonen and Viima, this album weaves a spell that is hard to resist. Every track is worth hearing. It is probably also the most accessible of the band's albums for newbies, as their earlier albums such as Trä and Kaksi! are more angular and experimental.
So if you are hesitating whether or not to get this disc, wait no more. This is a great example of nordic folk music -- with a heathen twist of course!

Beautiful Finnish feel, playful and spritely.......2003-10-07

As a child, Finland was an enigma to me.The little impression I did have, suggested it to be quite bland, and the people reserved.As I grew older, the icey lands of our planet's north built in me a sub-conscious awe.Now, its well and truly in my awareness -the cold, the isolation, the constant wind, and the vast intact wilderness.This band introduced me to the people and culture of Finland (And on other albums, Sweden).The playfulness of spirit lives well in rural Finland, and this album shows it up well.
Hedningarna are usually quite aggressive, using 'scratchy' and 'drone-like' instruments.The females of the band usually sing like witches (but with perfect pitch).On this album though, all is sweet and pristine.The (acoustic)instruments are clear, and spaced apart.The female singers are playful and child-like.The melodies are quite subtle, but aluring.Hedningarna's other albums feel very Swedish, even in the presence of the Finnish elements.But this one feels like Finland.Apart from the quality of creation, and some tell-tale Hedningarna traits, this album is totally different to anything they've done before.
"Beautiful culture plays here."

Nothing less than essential!.......2003-06-12

Firstly, let's quell the rumor that Hedningarna is mere "world music". Sure, their tunes are based largely on traditional Scandinavian folk music. But Hedningarna takes those songs to an entirely different --and entirely modern-- level. New-agey types who get off on sanitized world muzakky note-stringing (of whatever pseudo-ethnic stripe) would be completely put off by these wildly innovative heathens.

The tone ranges from downright demented grunge to soaring flights of quasi-religious ecstasy, usually all within the space of a song. Underpinned by three masterful Swedish multi-instrumentalists, the two Finnish women vocalists take the listener on a tour of heaven, hell, and everything in between. The vocalists are really the icing on the cake, sometimes sounding like nothing so much as blood-drunk harpies circling a fresh kill, sometimes like God's private chorus. Dissonance and consonance are likewise blended into an unpredictable --but always delightful-- mix.

In terms of accessibility, this particular Hedningarna album may prove more accessible than their others. Having said that, if you're intrigued by Karelia Visa but can't find it, don't hesitate to try Tra, Kaksi and Fire (for a more rock/punk sound), or Hippjokk (for a club mix-like sound). Their first album, Hedningarna, I'll leave for the world music purists.

I'm tempted to recommend this for everyone, but it will probably only appeal to the musically intrepid. But to the courageous go the greater rewards, an aphorism that certainly applies here.

One of my all-time favorites.

Hedningarna's best.......2000-07-11

It took me a while to warm up to it, since it was a bit slower and less edgy than other Hedingarna albums. But then after a few listens, I could not take it out of the player. This truly is marvelous music, with just the appropriate mix of folk and contemporary music. It gets even better when you sit down and read the words to the song. They are so touching in their simplicity, and at the same time quite funny or sad in places. I was glad to hear "the girls" back on this album, since their voices mix so melodiously, and complement "the boys'" music quite well. This is a great work of ethnomusicology, as well as of contemporary rock. I consider this to be one of my best buys of 1999. I highly recommend it.

Whoa.......2000-04-17

Karelia Visa was the first Hedningarna Cd I ever bought and is still one of my favorites. Great music, Hedningarna has a great ability to make everything they do sound so different the other stuff thats out their.

Average customer rating: This is their best! Pleasant, but not essential, even for fans Okay

Hedningarna Hedningarna Manufacturer: Northside Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Finland | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music Sweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Trä Karelia Visa Kaksi Vittrad 1989-2003 ASIN: B00005BGKI Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

1. Polska After Pelle Fors
2. Desperation Polska
3. The Witch Polska
4. The Chafing Tune
5. Olbackens Polska
6. Old Sarna Wedding March
7. Multihalling
8. Scamphalling
9. Polskia After Olof Tillman
10. The Baptism Tune
11. Polska After Hins Anders
12. Lacknafta
13. The Bear Tune

Amazon.com

The Swedish folk group Hedningarna released their self-titled debut in 1989 when they were still a trio, before they added vocalists and started experimenting with amplified instruments and rhythm loops. But even though the band is playing acoustically, they still manage to produce a powerfully rhythmic sound, and the drones of their various hurdy-gurdies, moraharpas (an early version of the nyckelharpa), hardanger fiddles, and bagpipes create sonic textures that have an organic aura that no wash of synthesized sound can match. Anders Norudde, who has mastered the difficult trick of creating melodies that sound simultaneously old and new, evenly splits the tracks between traditional Swedish dance tunes and new compositions. Hedningarna honors the musical traditions of Scandinavia, but they don't let their respect for the ancient music stifle their need to create their own music and carry those same traditions into the modern world. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

This is their best!.......2007-03-01

I found this album after I already knew the others. I actually like it best -- it's a similar feel, but stripped down to acoustic instruments and no vocals. A very trance-like quality. And simply beautiful.

Pleasant, but not essential, even for fans.......2001-10-11

This is Hedningarna's first album, which has, for a long time, not been available in the U.S. Folks who've become familiar with Hedningarna from outstanding folk-rock explorations like _Kaksi_ or their recent _Karelia Visa_ may be quite surprised by the band's first disk. Here, the band is purely an instrumental trio-- the two haunting female vocalists aren't present (nor are any other vocalists). Also, there are few (if any?) rock influences here at all. It's still a pleasant Scandinavian folk album, mind you, but it's not as original, as full-sounding, or as essential as the band's later folk-rock efforts.

Okay.......2001-10-02

This isn't Hedningarna's best--it is fun to listen too, but I found it a little repetitious. If you want to experience this group, try for something a little newer.

Average customer rating: Nordic Roots with A Twist The equals of any big name in world music

1989-2003 Hedningarna Manufacturer: Northside Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Finland | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music Sweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Trä God's Musicians Vengeance Karelia Visa Kaksi ASIN: B00009KUA1 Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

1. Tuuli
2. Suet Ulvo
3. Kruspolska
4. Tina Vieri
5. Chicago
6. Ukkonen
7. Dolkaren
8. Vettoi
9. Viktorin
10. Navdilfasa
11. Fulvalsen
12. Vottikaalina
13. Juopolle Joutunut
14. Gorrlaus
15. Hoglorfen
16. Neidon Laulo
17. Skane
18. Bjornlaten

Amazon.com

Hedningarna ("Heathens") was and remains in the vanguard of the Nordic folk revival. Their sound incorporates droning fiddles, hurdy-gurdies, and plucked instruments of medieval vintage, plus Sami yoiks (an indigenous Scandinavian vocal style not unlike Native American chanting) and repetitive, alliterative Finnish folk verses sung by vehement, sharp-edged female voices. These are augmented by snare-led drum 'n' bass conceits, shimmering echoes of Philip Glass, demented electric guitar solos, and some of the most breathless, bouncy BPMs this side of a dangerously out-of-control pogo stick. The present compilation is derived from five recordings released over 14 years, during which the founding trio of Hallbus Totte Mattsson, Anders Norudde, and Björn Tollin was joined by a shifting roster of talented collaborators. A favorite with ravers at home and abroad, this Swedish/Finnish outfit adheres to a runic, fate-driven esthetic that is rendered incongruously catchy by a prevailing undercurrent of quiet wit and mordant humor. -- Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Nordic Roots with A Twist.......2004-04-30

Anyone interested in exploring the world of Scandinavian folk music should start here. This is the group, crafting quirky yet listenable new takes on pre-Medieval tunes, that led the Nordic Folk revival of the '90s with their use of ancient (and some homemade) instruments twisted together with modern arrangements and beats. Hurdy gurdys and fiddles sit alongside electric guitars and stellar production, creating a most unique sound.
And while the core trio of its original members are talented enough, what sends this band into even higher orbit is the one-two punch of its Finnish lead vocalists. You may not understand it but you can't help but be mesmerized by them.
My only complaint is that I am not a big fan of Joik singing (indigenous Finnish chanting style similar to Native American singing, provided here by guest vocalist Wimme), so the one or two tracks that feature it I skip. And why Mettsän Tytto wasn't included is beyond me -- this is one of the best tracks this band ever recorded.
These minor gripes aside, the disc as a whole is definitely an experience. A weird, angular, revelatory, time warp of an experience, but an experience nonetheless.

The equals of any big name in world music.......2003-11-25

This Swedish/Finnish band have a scratchy/droning sound.The instruments are raw/earthy, but so brilliantly made and played that you do not get the inaccuracy and uneveness of many traditional world-music instruments.They send electricity thru these, to add a heavy rock element which is evident in most of their albums.They have a keen sense of nature.Often the dark side of nature, but sensitive nevertheless.Their lyrics are often from the viewpoint of wolves, horses and wilderness humans.The female singers from Finland are beautifully uninhibited.In some songs they're expressive of childhood innocence, and in others they're wild and frenzied.
The only advantage this 'best of' has over an album, is the 'amount' of tracks.It is no more or less accessible than any of their albums containing the female vocalists ('Tra', 'Karelia Visa', 'Kaksi').(I'd have included the songs 'Metan Tytto' and 'Vargtimmen' -two of their catchiest, in my view).Tho, the varying of their 'heavy/soft' pieces is moreso than an album.(Aswell as some good re-mixes to add extra diversity)But, overall I don't feel a 'best of' was purposeful.But if u are sure you'll only want 1 Hedning' cd, this (having more tracks) might aswell be your choice.A dazzlingly good cd.Aquired taste, tho.They are weird.

Average customer rating: For Headbangers Who Are Open-minded! Ancient Scandinavia, here we come! Entrancing Let's Go Viking! 5 star if Zappa and Beethoven had been aborted

Hippjokk Hedningarna Manufacturer: Northside Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Finland | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music Sweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Karelia Visa Trä Hedningarna Kaksi The Heathens Fire ASIN: B000003THW Release Date: 1997-05-20

Tracks:

1. Hoglorfen
2. Navdi/Fasa
3. Drafur & Gildur
4. Dolkaren
5. Bierdna
6. Kina
7. Forshyttan
8. Dufwa
9. Vals I Fel Dur
10. Skane
11. Graucholorfen

Amazon.com

On their fourth album the Swedish folk-rockers are minus the female vocalists, and return to their original trio. Anders Stake, Bjorn Tollin and Hallbus Mattsson push the far edge of "folk" using ancient instruments like bagpipes, transverse flutes, oud and drums in electronic and acoustic versions. The songs all have roots in very old Swedish tradition, but the execution is pure modernity. With guests like Wimme Saari, the famed Finnish "joiker" and Norwegian guitarist Knut Reiersrud they have forged a new sound for Scandinavia ... again. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

For Headbangers Who Are Open-minded!.......2003-01-19

This is some of the most powerful, intense, refreshing and different music I have heard in some time. Were it not for 3 wasted songs totalling a full 20 minutes in length which utilize Native-American-style chanting over programmed fake synthesized disco-drumbeats, this album would easily rate 5 stars. There is not a boring moment on the rest of the CD. Songs with hypnotic rythms and exotic, foreign, vaguely-Middle-Eastern sounding melodies using instruments you've probably never heard of are driven by powerful percussion and what sounds like an electric bass (no bass is listed on the credits; must be the listed "bass mandola", whatever that is). This has the intensity of a hard rock band without the usual hard rock instruments. In fact, by the time the lone electric guitar on this album kicks in on track 10, it almost sounds forced and out of place. This is an aural experience you will not soon forget and this CD is one you'll be playing over and over.

Ancient Scandinavia, here we come!.......2002-10-30

I've been a fan of Hedningarna for a long while, and this CD, the latest addition to my collection, is one of my favorites. While it's mainly instrumental, that doesn't stop it from being one of the most powerful CDs I've heard in a long while. The CD includes guest artists such as Wimme, a chanter from Finland, and an actual didgeridoo on a few of the tracks. And in case that doesn't have you convinced, the third song, Drafur & Gildur, is a bloody ballad about two dwarven brothers slaying trolls.

This is one seriously eclectic and wonderful CD.

One of my favorite songs has to be the last, "Graucholorfen," when everyone and the guest artists get back together in the studio for one last jam session that turns into a six minute trip to goodness-knows-where. Definitely one of my CDs of choice; I can't stop listening to it!

Entrancing.......2002-03-30

I'd bought this album on a whim after hearing one song that a Norwegian friend of mine played for me. I was blown away. I hadn't heard any Scandinavian folk music before this, modern or traditional, and the particular way Hedningarna adds a rock and even a techno undercurrent was unlike any music I'd encountered. The jojker (chanter) that performed with them on the album, combined with their heavy use of the didjeridoo (strange for Northern European music) gave it a primal and very evocative feel. For at least a month, this was the only album I played in my car, over and over. Since then, I've been evangelizing Hedningarna and playing their music to everyone I can, and everyone that has heard it wants the CD. I highly recommend this to anyone with open musical tastes.

Let's Go Viking!.......2000-12-25

I've had this CD for a more than a year now and it still gets regular rotation. I used to listen to a lot of metal (Sabbath, Maiden, etc.) before I started getting into different world music sounds. Hedningarna's music falls in between these 2 disparate genres because it is played on fiddles, lutes, flutes, accordions, etc. but it also has great tension and aggression. I'd been into Irish stuff for a while but this was my first foray into Scandinavian styles. Some of the tunes on here are originals and some are versions of old folktunes. All are enhanced with electronic techno dance-beats, there is some electric guitar and synth too. The Saami joikking sounds a lot like Native American chants. If you like this band, also check out the Nordic Roots compilation CD's and the band Vasen as well. Will these guys ever go on tour stateside???

5 star if Zappa and Beethoven had been aborted.......1998-12-20

Far beyond the written material available.

Lovely arctic shamanic rites mate with desert storytellers staging a coup on Greenpeace's late 70's sellout.

This is the faith of the 90's. 2190's that is.

Average customer rating:

The Heathens Fire Hedningarna Manufacturer: Tristar ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Finland | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music Sweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Karelia Visa 1989-2003 Trä Musta Kaksi ASIN: B000008QFR Release Date: 1996-01-30

Tracks:

1. Aivolon [Brainless]
2. Tina Vieri [Tinkling Roll the Tinbits]
3. Gorrlaus [The Steed]
4. Omas Ludvig
5. Varg Timmen [Hour of the Wolf]
6. Luopolle Loulunul [Gone to Sot]
7. Min Skog [My Trees Shall Stand]
8. Kruspolska [Charmer's Polska]
9. Viklorin
10. Tuuli [Wind and Rain Left, Rain Right]
11. Chicago
12. Grodan/Widergrenen [Toadeater]
13. Rn [Fox Woman]

Average customer rating: The spirit of Sweden's uncivilized past.Out in the fields. =+ Scandinavian! This is my personal favorite Hedningarna CD Music far deeper than anything else out there

Kaksi Hedningarna Manufacturer: Northside Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Finland | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music Sweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Karelia Visa Trä 1989-2003 Vengeance Hedningarna ASIN: B0000067IN Release Date: 1998-03-17

Tracks:

1. Joupolle Joutunut
2. Kruspolska
3. Vottikaalina
4. Chicago
5. Viktorin
6. Aivoton
7. Ful-Valsen
8. Pal Karl
9. Kaivonkansi
10. Skamgreppet
11. Grodan/Widergrenen
12. Omas Ludvig
13. Kings Selma
14. Kanalaulu

Customer Reviews:

The spirit of Sweden's uncivilized past.Out in the fields........2004-10-18

On paper, some experiences sound cliched.For example, 'dancing around a campfire at night in the woods'.But in practice, they can be amazingly natural and fun.Well, this music is perfectly suited to such a cliche-inducing experience.
There is an overwhelming sense of nature about Hedningarna.Their wearing of drab, woolen clothing of heathen peasantry in publicity photos, doesn't at all seem an empty gesture.As interviews and personal photos (which double as publicity shots) will attest to, they have a genuine rapport with animals, and are very resourceful with anything the land has to offer.They've been known to forrage for wood, bones and skins of already dead animals.With the wood they find, they homemake anciently designed native instruments, and attach modernity to them in the form of electric pickups.And the skulls accompany their unscripted dancing onstage."Unruly!", it must seem to conservative eyes and ears.The artfully painted skins of ancient drums, provide the back beat to the wild performances.But contrary to popular belief, it is professionally made instruments that grace their albums.But, these offstage activities eliminate any possiblity of this Hedningarna group being purely an act.There is an inherent 'lived-in' feel to their artistry.
These 'people of the heaths', send electricity thru the frail old sentiments of traditional Scandinavian instruments.Incessant bag-pipes and grinding zithers are a blessing to odd ears (such as my own).The didjeridou is an instrument native to a 'dark-skinned' peoples in a 'hot' country on 'another' side of the globe.All this would seem to guarrentee that didjeridou sound like a 'foreign fusion' in Nordic music.But for some reason, it sounds like it was here in Sweden from the begining of human time.Hedningarna, along with many Nordic acts, have seemlessly integrated the didjeridou into a polarly different culture from its homeland's.
Thoroughly thoughtful lyrics are sung by Finnish witches (the good kind).These charismatic females are either in the froes of dark and frightful expression, or they're uncomprimisingly exuberant.The ancient drums, sometimes studio assisted, thump away until the fire burns out.These here Hednings, are all flawless in their execution of their respective instruments.
But despite their expertise, this is a wholy uninhibited affair.

=+.......2003-08-15

you will never regret buying this album. i started listening to this type of music eight years ago and have never looked back. this is by far one of the best records i've ever heard. if you are tired of the same-ol' same-ol', then this is exactly what you need. i've not gotten tired of this yet, and i don't suppose that i ever will.

Scandinavian!.......2003-07-26

I've lived in Norway all my life, so Hedningarna's music doesn't at all sound strange to me. Hedningarna has a lot to do with the traditional music of Scandinavia. And I love every single note of it! "Kaksi" is definately Hedningarna's best album. Listening to it is like taking a good, long walk in the dark and mysterious forests of Scandinavia. I recomend it to anyone with an open ear for good music. This is one of my favorite albums.Period.

This is my personal favorite Hedningarna CD.......2002-12-02

I have come to believe that at least one Hedningarna CD is a requirement for any music collection that is trying to be interesting. For me, their music is so engaging no matter which way I come at it: sonic textures, musicianship, energy, emotions, engineering, unusual instruments, vocals, insight to other cultures, composition, rhythms, etc, etc. Having said that, I have three Hedningarna CDs (Hippjokk, Tra and Kaksi) and I like Kaksi the best because it seems a little more diverse than the other two I have. Tra is good and dark and HippJokk is excellent too but I really like the sound of the female vocalists and the diversity on Kaksi. It's also a little more buoyant, I think, a little more uplifting. The instrumentals are exquisite and tight and often make me think of powerful landscapes. The sound of this CD on headphones is a real treat, I often use this CD to show off my stereo. It's also fun to try to get friends to categorize this work. Good luck with your music searches!

Music far deeper than anything else out there.......2000-05-08

I've always thought Hedningarna had an acquired taste, the first time you hear them it sounds so different. But if you listen to the music for awhile it grows on you until it takes you over. Listening to Kaksi! as well as Hedningarna's other CDs gives me a feeling no other music can give, I can play Kaksi! over and over again and never get sick of it

Average customer rating:

Hedningarna ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Sweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music ASIN: B000003YK3 Release Date: 1995-12-12

Average customer rating:

Full Energy Volume 1 Narcotic Thrust , Charlene Smith , The Grove Feat. Takka Boom , Arkarna , Art of Noise , Crazy Shaun , Story of O , Duck & Cover Disco , Hedningarna , and Juan Wells Manufacturer: IndoChina ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000KKGM8O

Product Description

12 Tracks By: Art of Noise, Crazy Shaun, Narcotic Trust, Charlene Smith, The Groove Feat. Takka Boom, Arkarna, Story of O, Duck & Cover Disco, Hedningarna, and The Groove Feat. Juan Wells

World Music:

1. Heitor Villa-Lobos: Obra Completa Para Violao Solo [Import]
2. I Love Scotland [Import]
3. In Aquascape [Import]
4. Induku Zethu
5. Kaleta Jaa
6. Ko Sira
7. L'alphabet Du Plaisir [Import]
8. L' Efant du Pays [Enhanced] [Import]
9. La Vie Marron
10. Le Origini Di Adriano Celentano, Vols. 1 & 2 [Import]

World Music

world music

World Music

Beautiful Dreams [Import]

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major Op. 15; Choral Fantasia for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra Op. 60

Biber / Kerll: Requiem

Overdog [Original recording remastered]

Boulevard (UK Track Listing) [Import]

America is Dying Slowly [Enhanced]

Chiquinha Com Jazz [Import]

Carz [CD-single] [Import]

Alphorn Favorites

Bruno Walter And Vladimir Horowitz Play Tchaikovsky And Brahms

Best of Harry Allen [Import]

Best of Arturo Sandoval [Import]

Born Again [Explicit Lyrics]

Power

Lust for Life