Ulver - Vargnatt LP (2003)

All bands have there primordial roots of ancient rumbling noise before going on to bigger and better things and Ulver's happened to be in 1993 through the cassette demo, 'Vargnatt.' Ten years after its initial release, The End Records re-released it through their Infinite Vinyl sub-label in 10” white vinyl format limited to 1000 hand numbered copies and re-mastered with additional photos & artwork as well as a little write up from Chris Bruni (Brave Words Bloody Knuckles). Ulver’s line up in '93 was Czral (Drums), Garm (Vocals), Haavard (Acoustic guitar), Mean Malmberg (bass) and Grellmund & Reza on guitar, they were all likely between the ages of only 17-19.

The wolves in '93

'Vargnatt' was recorded in October of '93 and released a month later. For its time it was an absolutely unique entry in the still young Norwegian black metal scene as it sounded nothing like Mayhem, Burzum or Immortal, in fact it could be viewed as one of the earliest mishmashes of black metal and folk music, which would only develop more so on their legendary debut, 'Bergtatt.'

Through the first two songs, 'Her Begynner Mine Arr...' and 'Tragediens Trone' my ears are treated to both raw scything guitar tones as well some melodic cleaner parts, audible bass, unusual drumming, backing acoustics and rather interesting vocals that appear in both a croaky demonic voice as well as a cleaner sort of weeping howling delivery that even sounds special nearly twenty years later. 'Trollskogen' is a full on acoustic piece, not unlike many that would appear on the bands second album, 'Kveldssanger,' although this one does have a similarly underground production, which makes it sound very alive as it spins on my turntable.

'Ulverytternes Kamp' opens with some beautiful acoustics and light percussion when before long the same menacing riffs, creeping bass, diverse drumming and vocals rear their ugly heads, while 'Nattens Madrigal' opens more hazily, almost dreamlike in its delivery when soon enough the song gains in pace and even features a solo near the end, as well various chaotic acoustic zigzags are all over this one. 'Vargnatt,' the final song, is all over the place; with moments of fast drumming, crazed guitar work, frantic acoustics and both the croaking screams and a more whispery delivery.

Even re-mastered 'Vargnatt' is quite raw and its one of those recordings that really just forces you to turn the volume up loudly so you don't miss anything, and that's just one of the things that makes it so interesting, because so much is happening in these songs. Generally speaking though, try and imagine a quieter version of the bands third album, 'Nattens Madrigal' mixed with the acoustic and more melodic qualities of both 'Bergtatt' and 'Kveldssanger' and you'll have some what of an idea on what this demo is like. I wouldn't go so far as to call it essential listening, because its very irregular artistry, but it surely is interesting hearing what is most likely the first black metal recording to feature an underlining folk presence.

This LP has obviously been sold out for years and often goes on eBay for over $50, which I guess makes it one of the rarer items in my collection. Fortunately in '09 Kyrck Productions re-released the demo once again in CD format, but still limited to just 1000 copies. Assuming its not already sold out, you'd best hurry if you want one!