Containing seven songs, this recording showed a slightly more varied structure than the first demo. After the tragic loss of Windir frontman and founder Terje "Valfar" Bakken in the winter early 2004, the remaining members of Windir decided to pull the plug on the band. A last Windir album was planned as a final tribute to Terje. Hváll, member of Windir and later his new band Vreid, phoned Erik E and asked if Weh could record a coversong of Windir as one of several bands paying homage on the album "Valfar, Ein Windir". "Likbør", from Windir's first album "Sóknardalr", was recorded by Weh (produced by Morten Hennum Nicolaysen, Morgan's older brother), and included on the tribute album.
Later in 2004, the third demo was recorded (on a sixteen-track this time), yet again with the help of the old friend Morten Hennum Nicolaysen doing the mixing. "The Coffee's Cold In The Morning, The Beer's Warm At Night" included ten songs. Late 2005 saw the classic "Hoof & Horn" recording, produced and mixed by Erik E. These three songs were so far the closest representation of what Weh was supposed to be in the first place, with a more dynamic feeling than the previous recordings. In the last days of November 2006, the four new songs took shape. "North" continues along the path trodden by "Hoof & Horn" a year earlier.
In October of 2007 Weh participated with the song 'And the Bells are Ringing Doom' for the online 'zine Lunar Hypnosis' third free mp3 compilation ‘Autumn Calls | Winter Awaits.’
The official website has all recordings to date available for download, save for the Windir cover.
Official Weh website:
http://www.weh.erikevju.com
An interview with Erik (conducted in mid-2007) can also be found here: http://www.lunarhypnosis.com/
North
Weh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In Weh's song "North," we are transported to a world where the changing of the seasons holds significant weight for the clan that the lyrics describe. As the wheels turn and the sun dries the soil, the clan's hopes rise. They have endured a hard winter and have witnessed their numbers dwindle, but now their search for prosperity is coming to an end. The long winters have made them stronger, and the scent of spring is a welcome reprieve. The wind whispers to them, guiding them on where to lay their hearts, and they gather with their gods, seeking fortune and guidance.
Through these lyrics, we can see the importance of seasons and the cyclical nature of life in this culture. The clan's success relies on their ability to adapt and withstand harsh winters and to welcome and celebrate the arrival of spring. The gods are an integral part of their beliefs, and their worship and offerings are essential to their prosperity. These lyrics are a celebration of the natural world and the clan's place within it, acknowledging the power of the earth and the divine.
Overall, "North" is a reflection on the cyclical nature of life and the importance of adaptation and belief in the face of adversity. It is a song that celebrates the power of nature and the divine and the unity that comes from joining together in worship and seeking guidance.
Line by Line Meaning
Wheels turning, the sun is high and dries the soil.
As the wheels of life continue to turn, the warmth of the sun rejuvenates the dusty soil below, symbolizing hope for a new beginning.
Now hopes are rising in the clan.
The promising signs of the sun and fresh soil give rise to hope and positivity among the people.
Hard hunger, their number's smaller than before.
Despite the difficult journey, the group has decreased in size, indicating the harsh conditions and struggles they have faced along the way.
The search is coming to an end.
The search for a new home or destination is reaching its conclusion, bringing both relief and uncertainty for the future.
Long winters make them strong in will and flesh.
Enduring long, harsh winters has strengthened the people's bodies and spirits, preparing them for future challenges.
But welcome is the smell of spring.
The arrival of spring brings a sense of relief and vitality, as new opportunities begin to present themselves.
Wind whispers to the women and the men.
The gentle whispers of the wind speak to all the people, guiding them towards their destiny and inspiring them to follow their hearts.
And tells them where to lay their hearts.
The wind directs the people to their new home or place of belonging, where they can finally settle and call their own.
Gods gather, and bring fortune to us all.
The gods congregate and bless the people with good fortune, symbolizing the faith and guidance that is essential for their journey.
North rising, hear the ravens and their call.
As the group heads towards the north, the call of the ravens represents their connection to nature and the wisdom to be gained from the journey.
Brave thunder, draw your wealth down on this earth.
Thunder, a symbol of power and strength, is summoned to bring prosperity and abundance to the land and people.
Let the sun then guild the seas.
As the sun illuminates the vast expanse of the sea, it symbolizes the hope and possibilities that lie ahead for the people.
Great hunter, offer guidance, give us strength.
The great hunter is called upon to provide wisdom and leadership, guiding the people and giving them the strength to overcome any obstacles.
Under runes we all will dream.
The people will connect with the mystical powers of the runes, allowing them to dream of new possibilities and opportunities.
Seek answers, those of faith will understand.
Only those who have faith and believe in the journey will find the answers they seek, as they trust in the guidance of the gods.
Tree of life will still grow tall.
Despite the hardships, the tree of life (representing hope and vitality) will continue to grow and flourish for those who stay committed to the journey.
Move onward, when the time comes we will go.
The people must continue to move forward, trusting in the journey and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead for them.
Rest with all those gone before.
When the journey is complete, the people will find peace and rest alongside those who have gone before them, feeling the guidance and support of their ancestors.
Gods gather, and bring fortune to us all.
The gods continue to provide guidance and good fortune to the people, bringing them closer to their destiny and ultimate success.
North rising, hear the ravens and their call.
The call of the ravens grows louder as the people approach their final destination, reminding them of the path they have traveled and the wisdom they have gained along the way.
Contributed by Eva T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.