Ulver

Ulver, meaning "wolves" in Norwegian, is an experimental electronica band founded in 1993 by vocalist Kristoffer Rygg. Initially known for their folklore-influenced black metal, as exemplified by their 1995 debut Bergtatt, the band has since evolved into one of the most eclectic and unpredictable forces in contemporary music. Their sound now blends genres like experimental rock, electronica, ambient, trip-hop, symphonic music, and noise, reflecting their constant push toward creative reinvention.

Ulver's international breakthrough came with their 1997 album Nattens madrigal, released through Century Media. However, following disagreements with the label, Rygg established his own imprint, Jester Records, in 1998. The addition of composer and multi-instrumentalist Tore Ylwizaker in 1997 marked a pivotal shift in the band’s musical direction, leading to the release of Themes from William Blake’s The Marriage of Heaven and Hell in 1998—a work blending classical, avant-garde, and literary influences.

Their subsequent albums, Metamorphosis (1999) and Perdition City (2000), expanded Ulver's sonic boundaries into electronic music. In 2000, author Jørn H. Sværen joined the band, solidifying the core lineup alongside Rygg and Ylwizaker. In 2009, British multi-instrumentalist Daniel O'Sullivan became a core member, further diversifying the band’s sound, with Norwegian musician Ole Alexander Halstensgård also joining as a significant collaborator.

Ulver has performed at prestigious venues like Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Norwegian National Opera, and Teatro Regio di Parma, and their live performances are legendary. With over half a million records sold, multiple Spellemannsprisen nominations, and global recognition for their stylistic versatility, Ulver continues to challenge and redefine the boundaries of contemporary music. Author Julian Cope has even described their work as "cataloguing the death of our culture two decades before anyone else has noticed."