Vargnatt

Vargnatt is the debut demo tape by Norwegian black metal band Ulver, issued in 1993 independently. The cassette was limited to 200 hand-numbered copies.^[1] The demo was self-produced by Ulver, and recorded in the Norwegian trollforest, between 15 and 17 October 1993.

Their music and style was consistent with the early Norwegian black metal subculture during the early 1990s.^[2][3] However some have noted the avant-garde, jazz, rock and gothic influences that would later shape the band's sound.^[4] The archaic Dano-Norwegian lyrics were greatly influenced by Scandinavian folktales and inspired by Baroque poets such as Ludvig Holberg and the hymn-writer Thomas Kingo.^[5]

Summing up the demo, webzine, Avantgarde Metal, concluded: “Vargnatt is the primeval quintessance of Ulver's Trilogie; the satanic energy, haunting yet calm beauty and romantic melancholy of the mighty Norwegian Forests, and those who dwell there in. An inspiring soundtrack for a solemn and hateful stroll through the woods at dusk.”^[6]

In 2003 the demo was significantly remastered, and reissued through Infinite Vinyl in 10” white vinyl format, and limited to 1000 hand-numbered copies. The release included additional photos & artwork as well as sleeve notes from Chris Bruni.

The demo was later included in Ulver’s Trolsk Sortmetall 1993-1997 - a retrospective box set, issued in 2014 via Century Media. Limited to 5000 copies, the set collects Ulver's first demo Vargnatt, together with their first three full-length albums, Bergtatt, Kveldssanger and Nattens madrigal with a bonus 4-track rehearsal of songs from Nattens madrigal, recorded in the summer of 1995.^[7]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
AvantgardeMetal	favourable
Sputnikmusic	[8]

Vargnatt generally received critical reviews, especially focusing on the low quality recording.

SputnikMusic commented: “Musically, there’s nothing interesting except for “Trollskogen,” which is an acoustic instrumental, so the sound is pretty bearable. Everything else is beyond average black metal. It’s hard to see how a promoter saw potential in this band, but thank god he did, because Ulver’s future is nothing but quality.”^[9]

Webzine, Lunar Hypnosis, noted: “Even re-mastered 'Vargnatt' is quite raw and its one of those recordings that really just forces you to turn the volume up loudly so you don't miss anything, and that's just one of the things that makes it so interesting, because so much is happening in these songs. I wouldn't go so far as to call it essential listening, because its very irregular artistry, but it surely is interesting hearing what is most likely the first black metal recording to feature an underlining folk presence.”^[10]

Metal Soundscapes added: “It has a great variety in its music styles. Raw black metal, acoustic songs in vein of “Kveldssanger”, avant-garde parts, jazz, rock and gothic influences, are all put together in a very primitive and direct approach. Of course, compared to their future releases, this album is of much lower quality, but it’s the first sign of what’s to come. Full of inspiration, original ideas, and an admiring will to experiment!”^[4]

Track listing

Personnel

• Acoustic guitar : H. Jørgensen
• Bass : Robin
• Design : DYE, Kris
• Drums, percussion : C. Michael
• Engineer : Huldra
• Lead guitar : A. Reza
• Producer : Ulver
• Rhythm guitar : Grellmund
• Voice, arranged by : Kris R.

References