Metamorphosis

AMG Review of Metamorphosis

William York
All Music Guide

This EP's title reflects the changes that Ulver -- at this point down from a full band to just the duo of Christophorus Rygg (aka Garm) and Tore Ylwizaker -- were going through at this time, moving from the electronic-leaning but still metal-related Themes From William Blake's The Marriage of Hell to the more heavily electronic approach of Perdition City and beyond. In fact, by this point the metal aspect is already totally gone. The highlight here is "Gnosis," which ties together rip-hop beats, film-noir ambiance, and some subdued but memorable singing by Rygg (using words from a poem by Rimbaud). Also notable is the track "Of Wolves & Withdrawal," which is nine minutes of near-silence that, upon closer listening (at maximum volume) reveals a mix of rumbling sub-bass frequencies, extremely quiet static brushing sounds, and a few ominous clamoring noises at the end -- it may not have been meant as a way to frustrate old fans wishing Ulver would go back to playing black metal, but that's the likely result this among that segment of the audience. Overall, this is certainly not Ulver's most distinguished release, but it's still worthwhile for fans of their post-metal electronic work.