If you have not heard of Hedningarna you are missing out, it's that simple. I first discovered them sometime in 2006 (I think, anyway, it was a while ago), and the first album of theirs I listened to was "Trä." It's still one of my favourites, and it's currently taking top spot again. Another very good album of theirs is "Karelia Visa," also among my favourite music.
The uninitiated asks, "So who/what is this so-called Hedningarna, anyways?" I shall answer. Hedningarna is a Swedish/Finnish music group from the 90s. Hedningarna is Swedish for 'the heathens.' They started out as three Swedish guys doing instrumental music, and were soon joined by two Finnish girls who provided vocals. I haven't yet heard their early instrumental work (self-titled album), mostly because a big reason I love this group is the female vocals.
As I've mentioned, my first experience of Hedningarna was with "Trä" (Swedish for 'wood'--note that it's cognate to English 'tree'...the historical linguist in me...), which is still my favourite. This music is amazing, in the sense that it really has an indescribable quality to it that you won't understand until you hear it for yourself. Both the instruments and the vocals are slightly odd, but in a beautiful, interesting, and mysterious way. I would even go so far to say that this music has a slightly spiritual element to it. The lyrics are all traditional or inspired by traditional songs and chants, and the music is made with traditional instruments for the most part, but from a modern perspective. This is not your average folk group; they're not even what mighr be considered your average "folk-rock" group. I'm really not sure how to describe them. You just have to listen.
So, if this is the first you've heard of Hedningarna, by all means, look them up and hear them for yourself. I recommend "Trä" (1994), "Karelia Visa" (1999), and "Kaksi!" (1992) (these three are often considered to be Hedningarna at their best), but other albums include "Hedningarna" (1989), "Hippjokk" (1997), and there's the compilation album "1989-2003" (2003). Their sound isn't for everyone (believe me my family has let me know that loud and clear...), but I think if you have an appreciation for international music (the kind not manufactured for a North American audience), for traditional/"ethnic" (??) music, or even for good musicianship, you will find something you like in Hedningarna.
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