This edition of Ulver’s Vargnatt marks 30 years since the original release of this classic 1993 demo. 

 

A limited oxblood coloured vinyl edition with audio sourced from the original DAT.

 

Contains the bonus track Vargnatt, captured live at Bootleg TV in Oslo, 1993, and sourced from the original U-matic, courtesy of the National Library of Norway.

 

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Norwegian act Ulver rose to prominence from a more black metal-rooted background in their early years, to becoming widely known for high-calibre soundscapes and exquisite experimental and electronic art as part of their continual and ever-shifting evolution.

 

With a penchant for folklore-laced black metal in their formative years, and with what could be considered even then to be eclectic and unconventional compositions compared to the more raw and 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 90s, spawning a unique and 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, and completed by the more feral and 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, and an exceptional debut demo, utilising what was to become a staple acoustic guitar implementation amid melodic and often complex and obtuse arrangements, conjured and 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.