Clive Nolan - "Song of the Wildlands" [Earbook]

Progressive rock legend Clive Nolan (Arena, Pendragon, Shadowland) is back!

The new outing, entitled “Song of the Wildlands”, is based around one of the most important examples of Old English literature – the Anglo-Saxon poem 'Beowulf' which was written possibly around 1000 AD and is one of the oldest existing English poems. A suitable 'Viking' spirit is given to the musical material by adding more traditional instruments to the orchestral textures (keyharp, psalmodikon, lyre, etc.) as well as a much-extended percussion section. While presenting a classical structure with rock energy alongside the evocative infusion of more folk-influenced flavors, this album is Clive Nolan's own and unique interpretation of what 'Viking music' could have been like.

On top of that, the album features a 200-voice choir singing in Anglo-Saxon (Old English), recorded all over the world during the lockdown in spring 2020. The initial idea was to see if such an experiment was even possible, but it soon turned into a huge international project and resulted in a powerful choral sound forming the backbone of the whole album.

The lyrics sung by the choir were translated into Old English by a historical consultant specializing in the culture of medieval England, Professor Christopher Monk.

Clive Nolan:
'I believe that the artwork and presentation of this album are extremely important as well. I want this to be something people can immerse themselves in and to re-live this great story.'

The Earbook is a vinyl-size hardback book containing four discs:
CD 1: The original album “Song of the Wildlands”
CD 2: Special Instrumental version of “Song of the Wildlands”, plus bonus: The Narration performed by Ross Andrews.
DVD/Blu-ray: The Making of “Song of the Wildlands” – Feature Documentary by Neil Monaghan.
Inside the book, you will find a sumptuous compendium of amazing artwork by David Wyatt, photographs, English and Old-English lyrics, and numerous details about the project.

"Song of the Wildlands" has gathered a vast number of artists, including four soloists, an international 200 voice choir, and a rock band, resulting in a highly impressive musical and visual experience.

Line-up:
Clive Nolan – Orchestration, keyboards, and programming
Vicki Swan – Nyckelharpa
Mark Westwood – Electric Guitar
Stig Andre Clason – Acoustic Guitar
Arnfinn Isaksen – Bass Guitar
Scott Higham – Drums
Geir Johansen – Extra Percussion
Birgitte Njå – Lur
Morten Clason – Flute
Ross Andrews – Narrator
Ryan Morgan – Vocals (Beowulf)
Christina Booth – Vocals (Tyra)
Gemma Ashley – Vocals (Solveig)
Natalie Barnett – Vocals (Freja)
Ensemble Anonymous – Plainchant
The “Wildland Warriors Choir” – Choir

CD 1:
1. The Story Begins
2. There's a Threat
3. Crossing the Ocean
4. Beowulf's Promise
5. Grendel Attacks
6. Celebration
7. The Hag's Revenge
8. Journey
9. Underwater Cavern
10. Rewards
11. Beowulf, the King
12. Dragon Fire
13. The Warrior Dies
14. Funeral Pyre
15. The Story Ends

CD 2:
1. The Story Begins [Instrumental]
2. There's a Threat [Instrumental]
3. Crossing the Ocean [Instrumental]
4. Beowulf's Promise [Instrumental]
5. Grendel Attacks [Instrumental]
6. Celebration [Instrumental]
7. The Hag's Revenge [Instrumental]
8. Journey [Instrumental]
9. Underwater Cavern [Instrumental]
10. Rewards [Instrumental]
11. Beowulf, the King [Instrumental]
12. Dragon Fire [Instrumental]
13. The Warrior Dies [Instrumental]
14. Funeral Pyre [Instrumental]
15. The Story Ends [Instrumental]
16. The Narration

DVD & Blu-ray:
The Making of “Song of the Wildlands”