KVELDSSANGER

One of the things I admire about Ulver is that they bring something entirely different with each album. It shows their great artistic freedom and willfulness. In ignoring all possible fan disappointment and genre box thinking, it testifies of an anti-social individualism that is one of the main features of Black Metal.

The musical result hasn't anything to do with black metal though. This is an entirely acoustic folk album heralding Nordic patriotism and in doing so adhering to the other main principles of black metal: paganism, nationalism and nostalgic idealization of the independence and glory of their Viking past. So philosophically this is pure black metal, musically it has nothing ado with it.

The 13 short tracks here contain music that should be listed under world or folk music if you would feel the need to classify it. Beautiful melancholic acoustic guitar picking, pagan chants, lots of atmospherics and quiet charm. This is an album for fans of Dead Can Dance or the Anathema spin-off Antimatter. I would even count in lovers of Nick Drake's ultimate album Pink Moon or anyone else interested in moody acoustic folk music.

The dramatic diction of the vocals can be a bit grating at first but in no time you'll go in search for a Viking helmet and wield your childhood sword around your living room. Yes, this calm acoustic campfire music evokes the strangest of images in me. Most songs are instrumental and all of them are peaceful and reflective, making this a perfect album to listen to in the darkness of winter nights just before you tuck in under the sheets. Just don't forget to hide your Viking gear before family members find it! 3.5 stars