Released 10 years ago
ATGCLVLSSCAP
Ulver · 2016
79 min · 12 tracks · black metal
A sprawling sonic landscape weaving together elements of ambient, drone, and experimental rock into an immersive auditory experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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England’s Hidden Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Cromagnosis — This track exemplifies the album’s atmospheric depth with its intricate layering of soundscapes that evoke a sense of timelessness.
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Desert/Dawn — The juxtaposition of serene melodies and industrial textures in this track highlights Ulver's unique ability to create a vast emotional spectrum.
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Gold Beach — Here, Ulver employs contrasting dynamics, crafting a sonic narrative that reflects both tension and resolution within its structure.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's experimental structure and unique sound blend create a compelling listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features long tracks that often exceed six minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes and textures.
- Several pieces incorporate spoken word elements layered over ambient soundscapes, creating a narrative quality.
- The use of unconventional instrumentation, including strings and electronic effects, adds depth and complexity to the overall sound.
- Tracks frequently shift dynamics and tempo, with some sections building to intense crescendos while others retreat into minimalism.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with fluctuations
- dynamic exploration of soundscapes
- immersive journey across two halves
- thoughtful moments of quiet reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a deliberate departure into ambient and drone elements, marking an evolution in sound.
- Themes
- industrial textures· sonic evolution
- Career context
- Released in early 2016, ATGCLVLSSCAP marked Ulver's return to a more experimental sound after their foray into electronic music with 2014's Messe I.X-VI.X. The album reflects the band's continual evolution, showcasing their ability to blend genres and push creative boundaries.
Tracklist
- 1 England’s Hidden Start here 7:39
- 2 Glammer Hammer 4:49
- 3 Moody Stix 6:44
- 4 Cromagnosis 9:48
- 5 The Spirits That Lend Strength Are Invisible 3:16
- 6 Om Hanumate Namah 7:42
- 7 Desert/Dawn 8:34
- 8 D‐Day Drone 9:21
- 9 Gold Beach 4:52
- 10 Nowhere (Sweet Sixteen) 5:56
- 11 Ecclesiastes (A Vernal Catnap) 9:01
- 12 Solaris 2:12
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Both create expansive soundscapes blending post-rock and drone with an emphasis on atmosphere.
To Be Kind
Swans
Shares a dense, immersive sonic approach with industrial textures and evolving themes.
Flood
Boris
Explores experimental rock with heavy ambient influences, creating a sprawling auditory experience.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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