Ulver is here brought to you by Nordic Vision. It may not be the most known band around, but you will soon hear from them when their m-LP/CD will be released by H.N.F. Forget about their demo. That is not representable for Ulver anymore. Gram answered in August 1994. Judge for yourself and take a walk with the wolves.

You have had the usual line-up problems. Who is now playing in Ulver? Will this line-up be steady?
- The serious line-up difficulties that have been "ornamental" to Ulver isnīt what Garm would call usual...Strange that it has been such a struggle finding truly reflected and determined musicians in a "scene" with such a large audience! Guess that tells you quite a bit about how embarrassing it really is being a night-time person nowadays... I have consistently searched those of a distinct individuality. And by sticking to my previous members they would have been quite some hindrance in that... Anyway, after much lugging and tugging I eventually got it right. Finally we are: Garm, AwarikiaR, Skoll, Haavard and recently we also came across a rhythm guitarist named Tykje. I am not capable of predicting the future, but it certainly looks as if they are all here to stay!

Why the name Ulver?
- Ulver translates as wolves, and the name basically represents our lycanthropic nature... The name in itself is a personification of night and the sinister aspects of Norwegian folklore. We have isolated us from the modernised everyday society and focus all our attention at the fruitfulness of the dark. Wolves are wrapped in mystery, so the name is rather appropriate, I believe...

Is there a special concept behind Ulver?
- Ulver convey their listeners to a musical and lyrical expedition into the era of the old country and the vanished times that for many went into oblivion... A couple of years ago I noticed that the spellbinding Norway and its superstitions alone was an enormous supply for me as a writer, and I consistently write on the basis of exceedingly old traditions and beliefs that dominate my life today... "Bergtatt" bring to mind a country and an age when the subterraneans like the trolls, nøcks, huldras, gnomes and elfs inhabited our villain forests... As the darkness became denser people feared these more than anything else. Creatures of the native Norwegian soil... "Bergtatt" in english would be "spirited off into the mountain" and refers to an old Norwegian superstition: a belief in that young maidens who disappeared without any explanation was abducted by the small people of the underworld to live in their chambers inside the mountains. The opus will in this particular case deal with one of these chosen ones, and in the form of a fairytale through five chapters she experiences a fateful end trying to localise a seductive and unnaturally beautiful voice she had heard in between the dim forest where she was walking about in the drizzle...

How would you categorise your music?
- I wouldnīt... Our music has a strength of character and a distinctively Norwegian impression that can be described with the adjective trolsk! Apart from that one should find it melodic, sad/melancholic, utterly spellbinding, and last but not least overflowing with longing harmonies and emotions. We still make known our position as black metallers because of the dark emotional conformity...

You are now a famous TV person...does people recognise you on the street?
- It may well be that people do, but Garm seldom walks about the streets in the hustle and bustle of the big town so he wouldnīt know for sure...

Are you a proper member of Arcturus? What ambitions does Arcturus have? Are they signed? Could we expect a release soon?
- Yes, I have been singing in Arcturus as a permanent member for some months now. I received an inquiry from drummer Hellhammer which he obtained my consent to as he knows I was very enthusiastic about their way of expressing profound atmospheres... There are several labels interested in releasing our album. Only time shall reveal which one we eventually will sign to. Hopefully Century Media/Century Black or Candlelight Records. The material for the album is finished so to speak... Only a little lyrical prose from my side remains. We will in all likelihood record the ghostly sounds before the commencement of the new year 1995 E.V.

You have got a deal with Head Not Found. Will there be a split CD with Gehenna or will there be separate releases?
- "Bergtatt" is a concept album consisting of autocratic creations, and for this reason I reckon it would be better suited on its own, even though the Gehenna split was the original idea!

When will you record material and when will it be released?
- We will record it when the 10th month of this year carries into effect, and Metalion will hopefully do his best to issue it just before 1995 E.V.

What do you think about H.N.F.īs two first releases and what about Gehenna?
- The Alastis LP was a bit deceptive compared to their "Black Wedding" demo from 1990 E.V. which was a real classic! The reason for this is mainly because of a miserable sound and a restrictive musical advancement. However, in the event of H.N.F.īs second release (The 3rd & the Mortal) I am simply astonished... Kari Rueslaattenīs vocals really make me reflect deeply, so their "Sorrow" Mcd has been going through close study from me, I have to admit. Soon the Gehenna Mcd will also be released, and that one is approximately brilliant! A positive thing about Head Not Found is that they focus their attention at characteristic art with a difference, as I personally have fairly all-round interests when it comes to grief-stricken, dark music in general. I listen to a lot of folk, classical, progressive rock, dark-wave symphonies, synth, underground techno, industrial/machine music etc. Iīm not into stylised and narrow way of life... If things move me emotionally that is rewarding enough to justify the time spent...

Do you think (that) being a band from Norway gives you more publicity and meets more interest from the audience than an equal band from for instance Switzerland?
- The question is perhaps a little inaccurate, but I comprehend... And the fact that we both in and outside of Norway are infested with myriads of naive people lacking the quality of percepting makes it even more perplex. Without speaking too much about the subject Iīd like to call attention to your readers. A lot of the Norwegian black metal is obviously of very high quality, but the point of resemblance between people and music musnīt be overestimated by anyone! Neither inside nor outside. There are tons of pipsqueaks everywhere. Thatīs the tendency (such is humanity)...

What merchandise can we get from you?
- Hardly anything as my previous contact address is defunct... Write to Head Not Found for information and costs!

Will there be some concerts concerning your release?
- Ulver refuse to play live in clubs and other types of public establishments as we favour being by ourselves. To play live with Ulver would be inconsistent with our mysterious concept! Anyway it is probable that Iīll play with Arcturus...Still waters run deep...




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