Producer, multi-instrumentalist and singer Kati Rán reveals Kólga | 16, a single from her upcoming album Sála. Joined once again by Gaahl (Kristian Eivind Espedal), as well as by an ensemble of great artists, the Dutch artist enchants the listener with yet another mesmerizing piece.
The meaning of Kólga
Kólga represents one of the coldest waves among the nine billow maidens of the goddess Rán, capable of engulfing you in a chilling grip of icy water that can leave you breathless. With that in mind, the artist reminds us that what we often perceive as the most ‘destructive forces of nature’ can also serve as potent catalysts for change, offering newfound clarity.
Kati Rán also dedicates the song to the many female figures that in one way or the other made significant sacrifices in their lives.
“These women have been the subjects of sacrifice, betrayal, persecution, or intentional misrepresentation throughout history, mythology, and various folktales across different cultures and time periods.”
Kati Rán
Kati Rán’s guests for Kólga | 16
Besides former Wardruna‘s member Kristian Espedal, Rán is jointed by the Norwegian musicians Sól Geirsdóttir & Varg Saastad (Vǫluspá), as well by the Umbra Ensemble from Iceland and Finnish composer Jaani Peuhu (Iconcrash).
Lyrics:
Kati Rán – Kólga | 16
I djupet rullar I djupet rullar eg
Rører utan hender
Ber utan føter
Sluer utan tenner
Svelgjer utan munn
Kveler Kólga
Eistla, Imðr, Úlfrún, Angeyja
Gunnlǫð, Hildr, Sváva, Brynhildr
Greipa, Gjálpa, Járnsaxa, Eymyrja
Gudrun, Eyrgjafa, Atla, Laikīnō
Isbreer kalvar og dundrar
Tankeskar sinnet stikk gjennom
Thurs, Is og Eld
Tvingar lukke auga
Eistla, Imðr, Úlfrún, Angeyja
Gunnlǫð, Hildr, Sváva, Brynhildr
Greipa, Gjálpa, Járnsaxa, Eymyrja
Gudrun, Eyrgjafa, Atla, Laikīnō
Bare se hvor dere forlot meg for død
Kólga
Kólga
Kólga
Translation:
Kati Rán – Kólga | 16
In the deep I roll
Touching with no hands
Carrying with no feet
Devouring with no teeth
Swallowing with no mouth
Strangles Kólga
Eistla, Imðr, Úlfrún, Angeyja
Gunnlǫð, Hildr, Sváva, Brynhildr
Greipa, Gjálpa, Járnsaxa, Eymyrja
Gudrun, Eyrgjafa, Atla, Laikīnō
Glaciers calve and thunder
Shards of thought stinging the mind
Giants, ice and fire
Force closed eyes
Eistla, Imðr, Úlfrún, Angeyja
Gunnlǫð, Hildr, Sváva, Brynhildr
Greipa, Gjálpa, Járnsaxa, Eymyrja
Gudrun, Eyrgjafa, Atla, Laikīnō
Look at where all left me for dead
Kólga
Kólga
Kólga
Details from the new album
Kati Ran’s new album, Sála (Old Norse for ‘soul’ and ‘sea’) will explore the concept of ‘soul retrieval’, a shamanic practice aimed at recovering from emotional trauma, reintegrating fragmented aspects of the self. With 13 tracks in Old Norse, Icelandic, Norwegian and, for the first time, in English, Sála will give life to diverse feminine voices and perspectives, drawing inspiration from sources ranging from the Norse nine daughters of the sea, known as ‘billow maidens’, but also from various historical and fictional characters, and not least from the voices we encounter during late-night contemplation.
Her music is no strange to the mysterious and regenerative aspects of water, currents, the sea and its unfathomable depths, as one can notice when listening to Unnr | MINDBEACH, which will also be featured on the album. This time, she went to Iceland to record her new work, a home to glacier ice caves that evoke the aforementioned qualities just fine.
The album will feature other many guests. Apart from the ones already mentioned in this article, renowned Norwegian jazz musician Karl Seglem, contrabassist Borgar Magnason (Björk and Brian Eno), members of Pagan Folk acts Völuspá, Gealdýr, Heilung, Theodor Bastard, as well as Napalm Death’s Mitch Harris will also take part in the endeavor.
Sála will be released on vinyl, CD and digital formats via Svart Records on May 24th. You can already pre-order it directly from the label.
