Lysbærer

Lysbærer could easily be the soundtrack to any of the popular Viking series available on our screens and it’s the debut solo album from Danish musician, artist and composer Nanna Barslev. Lysbærer translates as ‘Carrier of Light’ and the album brings with it a celebration of the moon, the sun, the changing seasons, the light in the dark, as well as the circle of life and death and its connections to nature. The tracks elevate and cascade through the air guiding you through a variety of landscapes from darkness to light.

Barslev is an experienced performer in the realms of dark folk and Nordic atmospheric since the early 1990s and more regularly known as the front woman in Huldre, Asynje, Gny and Ættir. Nanna’s voice and musicianship is solid and shines throughout. Interpreting Nordic folklore is one Barslev’s signatures, and she does this through applying a range of vocal techniques. The instruments include a variety of traditional harps, with the bodhrán and flute, supported with a guest appearance from Dutch musician Lies Sommer on the hurdy-gurdy and harp. Maybe this expressive soul searching album is representative of Barslev’s own musical journey from dark and heavy towards the light?