This month we released “Ragnarök”, a Dutch cover of Gealdýr‘s song, originally in Old Norse. The journey of how this song was made involved meeting Gealdýr, adapting his song, asking for feedback, recording these adaptations, and finally releasing and sharing it with the public as well as the man himself!
Where It All Started
Gealdýr (or Jonathan) and I met at Kingsfest in 2024. This event was hosted by a mutual friend; Roel van Mierlo, The Warrior King. The event was designed to be a weekend of Viking related themes in music, as well as performances like sword-fighting and horse riding. There were also a decent amount of stalls selling their medieval/fantasy wares.
Jonathan was there to do a meet-and-greet with fans, while I was there to perform my songs a couple of times. I am not sure if Jonathan was able to see through my calm demeanour and actually discover how hyped I was to meet him! During this weekend we spoke every now and then and eventually we had a bit of a longer talk in the evening, where we noticed that our views on music align pretty well.
During the very last time I saw him, I asked him about an idea I had been brooding about during the weekend: “Would you enjoy it if I were to make a cover of Ragnarök in Dutch?” I think he said something along the lines of “Te gek!” and that was that, the plan had been put into motion!
The Original Song
Ragnarök is a song about the namesake event in Norse mythology; the end of the world, the death of the Gods. The world serpent Jörmungandr encircles the world and holds the sea together, but during this event it rises up and makes the sea boil with furious waves. The wolf Fenrir has been in chains since Odin discovered it would eventually kill him, but during this event it breaks its chains and swallows both the son and the all-father (or are these two one and the same?).
Needless to say, the original song has a sense of grief about it. Even though most of us do not understand the lyrics, we can feel that the artist relays something he dreads about the future or past. In reality, he sings of the future cataclysmic events that will tear the world apart. Events that will cause everyone to lose all the things they hold dear. The beauty of this world will be destroyed and the Gods we love so much will die. This message is definitely audible in Gealdýr’s voice.
For me, this song has never failed to stir emotions. Most of Gealdýr’s songs make me feel like he has a profound message to share. His voice is really expressive and there is a reason for all of this which he elaborates on in The Nordic Mythology Podcast and other such interviews.
The main takeaway is that his music is meant to help people heal. It is calming and I’ve caught my thoughts drifting off and away from worries more than once while listening to his work.
The Dutch Adaptation
The specific music that I adapted was Gealdýr’s original version of the song (there are two versions out there, one of which is a remake with Danheim).
Of course, I look up to Gealdýr or I wouldn’t be interested in putting all this effort into making an adaptation of his creation. So it was hard for me to get started on recording, being afraid I wouldn’t be able to get it right.
The lyrical adaptation was less hard to start with and was as good as finished within the first few months. But to put instruments and voices into stone by recording them is a whole different hurdle.
Eventually I had the courage to sit down and record the guitar parts, which would lay the foundation of the song. It took a couple of months to get Suzi Varga in the studio to record her nyckelharpa, but when she did arrive, she did amazingly well! She was trying out all sorts of experimentation as well as laying a more steady foundation of sounds. I am really grateful to have had her on board for this one. She definitely lifted the song to a whole other level!
And last but not least; the vocals. Funnily enough, I didn’t have too much trouble with this part. Not as much as songs I wrote myself. Since the song is so pure, and Jonathan sings it with such conviction, I didn’t feel like I could go very wrong. After all, this was my version and I could give it my own twist. After recording the lead vocals, I did some backing vocals of which I’m actually quite proud!
So all in all, through the months that passed making this song, I really did enjoy myself. Sometimes a song can be a chore, even though the end result is enjoyable. “What did I get myself into?” is a thought that crosses my mind every now and then with different songs. But not with this one.
It was a lot of fun to make and it was a huge thrill to finally have it done and be able to show it to the man himself; Gealdýr!
Gealdýr’s thoughts
I thought it might be interesting for you to know his opinion on this piece. For some, this song is very close to their heart. So if some stranger (me) comes along and adapts it into a different language, these people may have their reservations at first.
Just know that Gealdýr has only ever been supportive and encouraged me. It has really bolstered my confidence to hear the things he had to say.
From the start, he mentioned feeling honoured that I would consider making a cover. Once he heard the final track, he repeated that sentiment and mentioned goosebumps as well. If this song was recorded for anyone, it is him, so to hear the song ‘arrive’ properly was a big celebration for me!
In a voice-message he was able to relay his enthusiasm, which felt really good. He enjoyed my voice, which is a massive compliment from a guy with a voice like that, and he urged me to keep singing in Dutch. He genuinely enjoyed the recording and compared me to Omnia (but better), in his own words.
He finished up his feedback with the belief that there is likely a place for me somewhere in this niche and said he would enjoy it if I would keep making songs like this. Knowing that an established artist such as himself believes in me and my work is very invigorating.
The last things he said was: “It’s a beautiful recording and I’m not just saying that because it is a cover of my own work!” After hearing his soulful music, you might not think he’s got any jokes to crack, but Jonathan is a genuinely funny guy. You should hear him laugh, it’s infectious!
Get In Touch!
I would be happy to hear your thoughts! If you decide to share your thoughts online, do tag me so I can read about them or reach out and contact me if you feel like sharing your experience with me personally.
Songs are experienced entirely differently from one person to the next. There is some kind of magic in there. I value such connections between the artist and the audience incredibly much, which is why I enjoy live gigs so much! So don’t be a stranger if you feel like sharing your thoughts 🙂
LYRICS
De zon verduistert
De zee stroomt over
Gloeiende sterren uit
Hemel geworpen
Van onder de draak vandaan; duisternis
Van onder de draak vandaan; duisternis
Van onder de draak vandaan; duisternis
Van onder de draak vandaan; duisternis
Veel is mij bekend
Ver kijk ik voor uit
Het Ragnarok van
Zegevierende Goden
Van onder de draak vandaan; duisternis
Van onder de draak vandaan; duisternis
Van onder de draak vandaan; duisternis
Van onder de draak vandaan; duisternis
CREDITS
Nyceklharpa by Suzi Varga
Guitar, Lead Vocals and Backing Vocals by Bart Bart Mesman
Master and Mix by Finn Groenestein
Original Composition by Jonathan Barendsma
Lyrical Adaptation by Bart Mesman
Bart the Bard 