Metamorphosis (EP)

Metamorphosis is the first EP by Norwegian experimental electronica band Ulver. Written and produced by Kristoffer Rygg and Tore Ylwizaker, the EP was issued on 27 September 1999 via Jester Records. The EP showcased Ulver's new electronic sound,[1] displaying the changes that would become more readily apparent on the album Perdition City.[2]

Metamorphosis
EP by
Ulver
Released27 September 1999
GenreElectronica, experimental
Length25:15
LabelJester
Ulver chronology
Themes from William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell
(1998)		 Metamorphosis
(1999)		 Perdition City
(2000)

In the sleeve notes to Metamorphosis, the group declared:

Ulver is obviously not a black metal band and does not wish to be stigmatized as such. We acknowledge the relation of part I & III of the Trilogie (Bergtatt & Nattens Madrigal) to this culture, but stress that these endeavours were written as stepping stones rather than conclusions. We are proud of our former instincts, but wish to liken our association with said genre to that of the snake with Eve. An incentive to further frolic only. If this discourages you in any way, please have the courtesy to refrain from voicing superficial remarks regarding our music and/or personae. We are as unknown to you as we always were.[3]

Background

Kristoffer Rygg commented “[Metamorphosis] was totally electronic, at parts even techno. When we are in the studio, things seem to go their own paths. We never write anything in advance but all is improvised in the studio. Usually we have only a pattern, a loop or a sound we like. Then we just play with that sound until it becomes a song.“[4]

Critical reception
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic link

Upon its original release, Metamorphosis received mixed reviews.

SputnikMusic commented, “There’s really not much here but a quick glimpse to the band’s future, especially Perdition City. Ulver needed to release this before they could continue because it was obviously a new change in sound but also a learning experience for them to produce their new sound as well as starting to experiment with how they wanted certain things to sound, or how they wanted to use the mixing board as a rhythm instrument. This is Ulver’s Precambrian.”[1]

John Chedsey, writing for Satan Stole My Teddybear, commented: “Having consistently reinvented themselves on every release, Ulver has made the final transformation into an electronic act in the vein of Future Sound of London or a more resonant and layered Aphex Twin. The EP captures their new sound fairly well. As a preview for their upcoming Perdition City, Metamorphosis is a great teaser.[5]

Track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Of Wolves & Vibrancy"4:45
2."Gnosis" (Words taken from "Bad Blood" by Arthur Rimbaud)7:59
3."Limbo Central (Theme from Perdition City)"3:36
4."Of Wolves & Withdrawal"8:55

Personnel
Ulver
Technical personnel
  • Ingar Hunskaar - mastering
  • Tore Ylwizaker - mixing

References
  1. Side, Oliver (December 20, 2008). "Ulver - Metamorphosis". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved June 1, 2014.
  2. York, William. "Ulver Metamorphosis". AllMusic. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  3. Scott Seward, "Werewolves of Norway", Village Voice, May 6, 2003. Access date: October 4, 2008.
  4. Vuoti, Sauli (December 7, 2005). "Ulver Interview - Kogaionon - Underground Music Magazine". Kogaionon. Archived from the original on June 3, 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
  5. Chedsey, John (March 2001). "Metamorphosis EP". Satan Stole My Teddybear. Archived from the original on May 29, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2014.
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