Released 32 years ago this November
Bergtatt – Et eeventyr i 5 capitler
Ulver · 1994
34 min · 5 tracks · black metal
A haunting blend of atmospheric black metal and Norwegian folk music, weaving tales of nature and mythology through evocative soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Capitel I: I Troldskog faren vild Start here — This track opens the album with an immersive atmospheric introduction that seamlessly blends ethereal vocals with rich instrumentation, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Capitel II: Soelen gaaer bag Aase need — The second track features a powerful juxtaposition of melodic clean vocals and harsh black metal elements, highlighting the band's innovative approach to genre blending.
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Capitel V: Bergtatt - ind i Fjeldkamrene — Closing the album, this track encapsulates the epic nature of the journey presented throughout the record, combining intense instrumentals with lyrical storytelling rooted in folklore.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Bergtatt blends black metal with folk influences, showcasing innovative compositions and strong cohesion throughout its atmospheric journey.
What we noticed
- The album features long tracks, with each piece averaging over six minutes, allowing for gradual build-ups and atmospheric shifts.
- Folk instruments like flutes and acoustic guitars are interwoven with traditional black metal elements, creating a unique soundscape.
- The vocals alternate between harsh black metal screams and clean, melodic singing, enhancing the contrast between aggression and serenity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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9/10
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
- steady progression through chapters
- immersive storytelling experience
- haunting atmosphere for reflection
- nature-inspired sonic exploration
- thoughtful listening in solitude
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Ulver's reputation and influence in black metal and neofolk genres.
- Themes
- Norwegian folklore· mythical landscapes· nature's haunting beauty
- Career context
- Released on November 30, 1994, Ulver's debut album marked their entry into the music scene while they were still a nascent band, having formed just two years earlier. The album established them as innovators within the black metal genre, showcasing a unique fusion of traditional folk elements with heavy metal influences.
Tracklist
- 1 Capitel I: I Troldskog faren vild Start here 7:51
- 2 Capitel II: Soelen gaaer bag Aase need 6:34
- 3 Capitel III: Graablick blev hun vaer 7:44
- 4 Capitel IV: Een Stemme locker 4:01
- 5 Capitel V: Bergtatt - ind i Fjeldkamrene 8:06
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
A Wintersunset...
Empyrium
Merges dark atmospheric elements with folk influences, evoking nature and mythic landscapes.
The Mantle
Agalloch
Shares a haunting atmosphere and lyrical themes of nature and folklore, blending metal with acoustic passages.
Kauan
Tenhi
Explores similar themes of nature and mythology through a mix of dark folk and atmospheric soundscapes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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