My only real complaint about this album is that it begs for some more acoustic interludes like in the first track, Wolf and Fear. I'm okay with the raw black metal production, I just wish they tried to make it a LITTLE more folk.

Raw Black Metal. Perfect album.

I would've really enjoyed this album had the production not been so raw and ear-piercing.

Written by Averus on 26.03.2011 at 20:11

My only real complaint about this album is that it begs for some more acoustic interludes like in the first track, Wolf and Fear. I'm okay with the raw black metal production, I just wish they tried to make it a LITTLE more folk.

I agree wholeheartedly, Their first effort was so good. I mean, this album is a good listen, but I don't feel they're applying themselves as much. They were capable of so much more.

Written by Guest on 26.03.2012 at 00:51

I would've really enjoyed this album had the production not been so raw and ear-piercing.

TBH I think this album would not have half the effect it does if it used a less raw production job, This album just sounds better this way.

Written by @gent_-_orange on 06.04.2012 at 22:11
This album just sounds better this way.

We've all seen the effects of a "properly" produced black metal album (Burzum, Gorgoroth), and I think it's safe to say if it ain't broke... don't fix it.

Written by Guest on 07.04.2012 at 06:06
if the world is flat, don't fix it?

What?

Written by Troy Killjoy on 07.04.2012 at 03:53


We've all seen the effects of a "properly" produced black metal album (Burzum, Gorgoroth), and I think it's safe to say if it ain't broke... don't fix it.

I would go further and say that this problem extends beyond black metal, Any genre of extreme metal (and Doom as well if you count it as extreme metal) suffers when you give it an overtly "glossy" production, It just makes the music sound soulless.

This album is as it is, No re-recordings or remasters necessary. I believe music is a statement of how the artist is feeling at the time and any tempering with it now would just fuck it up.

Written by Troy Killjoy on 07.04.2012 at 03:53

I think it's safe to say if it ain't broke... don't fix it.

When it comes to metal albums, I think they should be enjoyed for what they were originally. I mean, with the original production. If you can't enjoy an album in its true form, just listen to something else.

Written by RavenKing on 06.05.2012 at 20:38


When it comes to metal albums, I think they should be enjoyed for what they were originally. I mean, with the original production. If you can't enjoy an album in its true form, just listen to something else.

Not true because albums occasionally get released without the production the band wanted. A good example is Nevermore's Enemies of Reality. The original was a total botch job of a shambles and was virtually unlistenable. Albums should be listened to how the creator originally intended which quite often is out of the creator's hands.

Written by Guest on 06.05.2012 at 20:40

Not true because albums occasionally get released without the production the band wanted. A good example is Nevermore's Enemies of Reality. The original was a total botch job of a shambles and was virtually unlistenable. Albums should be listened to how the creator originally intended which quite often is out of the creator's hands.

Sure, there can be some exceptions but I must say I'm usually against re-masters.

Written by RavenKing on 06.05.2012 at 20:42


Sure, there can be some exceptions but I must say I'm usually against re-masters.

I'm against anything that needlessly adds shine to something that was ok. Sigh's 'Gallows Gallery' and Benighted's 'Insane Cephalic Production' are a couple of examples I can think of.

Written by Guest on 06.05.2012 at 20:45

I'm against anything that needlessly adds shine to something that was ok.

Here, we agree.
In case of a botched job from an engineer or producer, it's a different matter. I'm just against polishing albums in order to make them more accessible.

Written by RavenKing on 06.05.2012 at 20:48
I'm just against polishing albums in order to make them more accessible.

Same. Reminds me of Burzum and Gorgoroth's recent compilations...

I enjoy it, production and all.

Very good album, it is real black metal.

I would like to know what Marcel Hubregtse has to say about the rumors behind the production of this album.

Written by Unhealer on 14.10.2013 at 06:26

I would like to know what Marcel Hubregtse has to say about the rumors behind the production of this album.

What rumours beind the production of this album? The band intended it to sound like this, they have such that on numerous occasions in the past and also quite recently.

The album is great. but listening to it can really hurt. I always end up fiddling with the graphic equalizer when I want to listen to the album. I'm sure they wanted it to be so painful. Ulver have always been clever.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 14.10.2013 at 13:12

What rumours beind the production of this album? The band intended it to sound like this, they have such that on numerous occasions in the past and also quite recently.

I meant that rumor that the label gave them money to record the album but they apparently used it to buy suits or a car or cocaine or all of that since their idea for the sound of the album required a minimum budget obviously. It is also said that they recorded this one in a forest with battery powered equipment, Garm denied that however.
I thought you would know if something is actually true about all this

Written by Unhealer on 14.10.2013 at 21:53

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 14.10.2013 at 13:12

What rumours beind the production of this album? The band intended it to sound like this, they have such that on numerous occasions in the past and also quite recently.

I meant that rumor that the label gave them money to record the album but they apparently used it to buy suits or a car or cocaine or all of that since their idea for the sound of the album required a minimum budget obviously. It is also said that they recorded this one in a forest with battery powered equipment, Garm denied that however.
I thought you would know if something is actually true about all this

oh that so-called rumour The onyl spread that as a marketing trick.

I thought so It's a fun thing to spread.

In my opinion, this is the greatest album cover of all time.

This is one of the most gorgeous, emotional, and personal black metal albums ever written. It's raw, and it may take your ears time to adjust; but you will not regret it. 10/10 all the way.

Written by Luneth on 22.04.2011 at 18:22

Raw Black Metal. Perfect album.

Agreed