Grimfrost is proud to present the first single from Hindarfjäll's upcoming EP that marks their 10th anniversary. It is a cover originally made by Wardruna that hardly needs an introduction. Wardruna has been a profound source of inspiration for Hindarfjäll since the very beginning, and to honour that, they've created an interpretation of Helvegen sung in Swedish.
- Find it on all streaming platforms.
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6wKqSNmnihuTefpXPPVVW6?si=f59b7fb7f9804863
- Read more about the video and it's meaning below.
Nils of Hindarfjäll: "A huge thank you to Einar Selvik of Wardruna for allowing us to make this version — and an equally big thank you to my band for their fantastic contributions, and last but not least to our supportive Grimfrost family."
Nils Edström: Vocals, Tagelharpa, Percussion
John Spalding: Drum
Joel Andreasson: Tin whistle, Backing vocals
Tobias Andersson: Nyckelharpa
Vide Bjerde: Backing vocals
Olof Kennemark: Hardanger fiddle
Video by Grimfrost - www.grimfrost.com
Featuring the Grimfrost Hird - www.grimfrosthird.com
THE STORY ABOUT THE VIDEO
With Helvegen being a song about death, the video explores the theme and aspect. The young girl sitting quietly beside the old man's deathbed symbolizes the circle of life. Death and rebirth flow into one another and reflect continuity - what departs from one life returns in another.
Offerings defining his life are placed beside him, conveying the ancient Nordic tradition of sending the departed onward with gifts for the next world. These gestures marked a transition, a farewell to the physical world and a preparation for the journey ahead.
The narrative shifts from the dim light of the deathbed to the open expanse of water. A Viking ship emerges as a vessel for the soul’s voyage to Hel. Yet the imagery carries a multifaceted meaning as the ship also stands as a symbol of resilience and forward motion of continuing one’s path even in the wake of loss and tragedy. Much of the visual story takes place within a stone ship setting, where Nils performs the song. These ancient monuments, found across Scandinavia, are stone outlines shaped like ships. It is believed that they represented a symbolic vessel for the soul’s journey beyond — a stone-bound reflection of the wooden ships once used to carry chieftains and warriors to their graves.
By weaving together these elements the video reflects on death - not as a moment of despair, but as a natural part of the greater cycle. It is a story of passage, memory, and renewal, deeply rooted in Norse traditions yet resonating with a timeless human truth.