Flowers of Evil cover

Flowers of Evil

Ulver · 2020

37 min · 8 tracks · black metal

A haunting blend of dark synths and atmospheric soundscapes, evoking a sense of nostalgia and existential dread.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    One Last Dance Start here — The opening track sets a somber tone with its blend of atmospheric textures and melancholic melodies, epitomizing the album's reflective nature.
  • →
    Russian Doll — This track showcases intricate layers of sound and shifting rhythms, embodying the album's themes of complexity and introspection.
  • →
    Nostalgia — With its poignant lyrics and haunting arrangements, this song encapsulates the album's exploration of memory and longing.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's atmospheric soundscapes and layered compositions create a unique listening experience within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually introduces layered synths and haunting vocals, setting a dark tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word segments, adding an introspective layer to the music and enhancing its thematic depth.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 mid-tempo progression
  • haunting nostalgic atmosphere
  • thoughtful headphone immersion
  • reflective moments of solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party tracks
  • prefer instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — The album represents a significant sonic departure for Ulver, showcasing their genre-defying style.
Career context
By the release of Flowers of Evil in 2020, Ulver had evolved significantly since their formation in 1993, transitioning from black metal to experimental sounds. This album marked their return after The Assassination of Julius Caesar (2017), showcasing a continued exploration of electronic elements while maintaining their avant-garde essence.
Stylistic neighbors
Arcturus· Opeth· Borknagar

Tracklist

  • 1 One Last Dance Start here 5:43
  • 2 Russian Doll 3:55
  • 3 Machine Guns and Peacock Feathers 3:54
  • 4 Hour of the Wolf 4:26
  • 5 Apocalypse 1993 4:32
  • 6 Little Boy 5:23
  • 7 Nostalgia 5:20
  • 8 A Thousand Cuts 4:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata