''Metamorphosis'' is the first EP by

Norwegian Norwegian, Norwayan, or Norsk may refer to: *Something of, from, or related to Norway, a country in northwestern Europe *Norwegians, both a nation and an ethnic group native to Norway *Demographics of Norway *The Norwegian language, including the ...

experimental An experiment is a procedure carried out to support or refute a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy or likelihood of something previously untried. Experiments provide insight into cause-and-effect by demonstrating what outcome occurs when ...

electronica Electronica is both a broad group of electronic-based music styles intended for listening rather than strictly for dancing and a music scene that started in the early 1990s in the United Kingdom. In the United States, the term is mostly used to r ...

band

Ulver Ulver (Norwegian for "wolves") is a Norwegian experimental electronica band founded in 1993, by vocalist Kristoffer Rygg. Their early works, such as debut album '' Bergtatt'', were categorised as folklore-influenced black metal, but the band h ...

. Written and produced by

Kristoffer Rygg Kristoffer Rygg (born 9 September 1976), also known as Garm, Trickster G. Rex and God Head, is a heavy-metal vocalist, musician and producer known primarily for his work with Ulver, Arcturus, and Borknagar. Biography Born in Oslo but raised i ...

and Tore Ylwizaker, the EP was issued on 27 September 1999 via

Jester Records Jester Records was a record label founded in 1998 by Kristoffer Rygg (also known as Garm, Trickster G, G. Wolf and Fiery G. Maelstrom) after conflicts between his band Ulver and their German/American label Century Media Records. Artists * 13 ...

. The EP showcased

's new electronic musical direction that would become more readily apparent on the album ''

Perdition City ''Perdition City'' (subtitled ''Music to an Interior Film'') is the fifth studio album by Norwegian experimental electronica band Ulver, issued in March 2000, via Jester Records. The album was recorded and produced by Kristoffer Rygg and Tore ...

''. In the sleeve notes to ''Metamorphosis'', the group declared:

Background

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.“

Critical reception

Upon its original release, ''Metamorphosis'' received mixed reviews. 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 The Future Sound of London (often abbreviated FSOL) is a British electronic music duo composed of Garry Cobain and Brian Dougans. They have been described as a "boundary-pushing" electronic act, covering techno, ambient, house music, trip ho ...

or a more resonant and layered

Aphex Twin Richard David James (born 18 August 1971), best known as Aphex Twin, is an Irish-born British musician, composer and DJ. He is known for his idiosyncratic work in electronic music, electronic styles such as techno, ambient music, ambient, and jun ...

. The EP captures their new sound fairly well. As a preview for their upcoming ''

'', ''Metamorphosis'' is a great teaser.

Track listing

Personnel

;Ulver *

(credited as "Trickster G.") - electronic programming * Tore Ylwizaker - electronic programming *

Håvard Jørgensen Håvard Jørgensen (born 26 September 1975), also known as Haavard, Lemarchand, is a songwriter, guitarist and vocalist. He was the original guitarist of the Norwegian black metal bands Satyricon and Ulver. Career Satyricon One of the initiato ...

- electronic programming ;Technical personnel *Ingar Hunskaar - mastering *Tore Ylwizaker - mixing

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Metamorphosis Ulver albums 1999 EPs