What makes Silencing the Singing by Ulver notable?

This album is significant for its innovative fusion of genres, contributing to Ulver's reputation as pioneers in the experimental music scene. Though it did not chart extensively, its critical reception established a cult following and influenced numerous artists within avant-garde and metal circles. Released in December 2001, Silencing the Singing was Ulver's fifth studio album and marked a departure from their earlier black metal roots. Following the acclaimed album Perdition City, this record further pushed their exploration into avant-garde territories, showcasing a more atmospheric and complex approach to composition.

How many songs are on Silencing the Singing?

Silencing the Singing has 3 tracks, running approximately 28 minutes.

Silencing the Singing

Ulver · 2001

28 min · 3 tracks · black metal

A haunting blend of ambient soundscapes and dissonant textures that challenge the boundaries of metal and experimental music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Darling Didn’t We Kill You? — The opening track captivates with its intricate layering of sounds and stark emotional depth, setting the tone for the album's exploration of existential themes.
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Speak Dead Speaker — This track features an unsettling mix of spoken word and ethereal melodies, illustrating Ulver's willingness to experiment with narrative elements in music.
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Not Saved — Concluding the album, this piece envelops listeners in a climactic blend of tension and release, encapsulating the overarching themes of despair and introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

69 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

This EP showcases a unique blend of ambient and metal elements, pushing genre boundaries while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a slow build of ambient textures that gradually introduce dissonant elements, creating an unsettling atmosphere.
Each track features extended instrumental sections where the sound evolves slowly, often shifting from melodic to chaotic without traditional song structures.
The final track incorporates spoken word elements layered over a minimalistic soundscape, contrasting with the more aggressive tones of earlier tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a departure from earlier black metal roots, exploring new soundscapes.
Themes: ambient soundscapes· narrative experimentation
Career context: Released in December 2001, Silencing the Singing was Ulver's fifth studio album and marked a departure from their earlier black metal roots. Following the acclaimed album Perdition City, this record further pushed their exploration into avant-garde territories, showcasing a more atmospheric and complex approach to composition.
Stylistic neighbors: Arcturus· Opeth· Borknagar