BLOOD INSIDE

The sum of all the parts is...unexpectedly delightful. Merely skimming through the songs reveals a curious mosaic of strange textures, varying styles, and surreal, harmonic melodies. Disproportionately, the mood of the album swings from depressing to darkly morose. When it comes to crafting a certain atmosphere, Ulver are masters. Everything on this album has an edge to it; even the softer songs are carefully formulated to generate a disconcerting air.

Never before have I heard a band so effortlessly blend styles into such a seamless piece. From the jazz-horn stabs of In the Red to Bach's Toccata and Fugue, which is integrated to great effect in It Is Not Sound. More astonishing are the vocals, which, seem rather to be just another instrument than just a lyrical engine (like in William Blake's Themes...). Garm is a genius, his vocals are both beautiful and unsettling, adding to the dark moods and themes of the album.

I give this album 4.5 stars, although it is obviously not for everyone. For someone looking for something dark and modern, as well as EXTREMELY creative, I would point them towards Blood Inside.