Fantasy Forest @ Sudeley Castle

Hrafn Rìkharðsson founded ElvenDale in July 2016, whilst enjoying an ale in the garden of The Olde Ship Inn at Seahouses on the Northumbrian Coast. Having provided a comprehensive display of Viking Age musical instruments for The Viking Society, he felt it was time to write and record full songs, and brought his younger sister Grace into the fledgling project. The dream was to capture the spirit of the Mead Hall, playing replicas of Early Medieval musical instruments.

‘ElvenDale’, meaning ‘valley of the elves’, comprises Grace Newton's wistful yet commanding voice working in unison with the otherwordly strings of the Germanic Round Lyre. Powerful shamanic drum beats were performed by Glothi Gyrthsson, who joined in time for the band's first live performance in February 2019, and recording all percussion for debut album ‘Ere the World Falls’, released in March 2020. In the winter of 2022, Rúnfríðr Beinirsdottir joined ElvenDale on woodwind and vocals, contributing to the Battle Score EP, released in January 2023.

After marching through a series of stage shows, including three consecutive appearances at Warhorns Festival, Glothi departed the band and was replaced by Eira Þrudsdottir in October 2023. Eira has provided Shaman drumming as well as Lur and Blowing Horns, further contributing backing vocals to Land of Legend; the epic double album released in March 2025.

In 2025, ElvenDale will ride through its heaviest schedule of performances thus far, including appearances at Fantasy Forest and Valhalla Viking Festival.