Ulver - Vargnatt

Norwegian act Ulver rose to prominence from a blacker metal-rooted background in their early years, to becoming widely known for high-calibre soundscapes & exquisite experimental & electronic art as part of their continual & ever-shifting evolution. With a penchant for folklore-laced black metal in their formative years & with what could be considered even then to be eclectic & unconventional compositions compared to the more raw & primitive offerings from other arising acts in the scene at the time, Ulver made a big mark on the genre since their formation in the early 90’s, spawning a unique & celebrated trilogy of early works which arrived in quick succession, starting with their monumental 1995 debut, ‘Bergtatt’, before the more serene acoustic-driven experience of ‘Kveldssanger’ the following year & completed by the more feral & ferocious outpouring of ‘Nattens Madrigal’ in 1997. Before this much revered trilogy, though, came 1993’s ‘Vargnatt’. This was Ulver’s first foray into the wilds & an exceptional debut demo, utilising what was to become a staple acoustic guitar implementation amid melodic & often complex & obtuse arrangements, conjured & delivered with an already advanced degree of musicianship, with vocals appearing courtesy of longstanding frontman Kristoffer “Garm” Rygg. This early incarnation of Ulver also notably featured Carl-Michael Eide of Aura Noir/Ved Buens Ende fame on drums, plus this recording featured Robin “Mean” Malmberg on bass guitar, from fellow Norwegian pioneers Mysticum.