View source for Ulver

{{Short description|Norwegian experimental/avant-garde band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{about|a Norwegian band|the castle of Cornatel|Priaranza del Bierzo}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name             = Ulver
| background       = group_or_band
| image            = ULVER KRAKÓW.JPG
| image_upright    = 1.2
| caption          = Ulver, 22 February 2010, Kraków
| alias            = 
| origin           = <!--No, not just Oslo.-->[[Norway]]
| genre            = {{flatlist|
* [[Electronic music|Electronic]]
* [[Experimental music|experimental]]
* [[Ambient music|ambient]]
* [[synth-pop]]
* [[black metal]] (early)
}}
| instrument       = 
| years_active     = 1993–present
| label            = {{flatlist|
* [[Kscope]]
* [[Jester Records|Jester]]
* [[The End Records|The End]]
* [[Century Media Records|Century Media]]
* [[Head Not Found]]
* House of Mythology
}}
| website          = [https://www.jester-records.com/ulver jester-records.com/ulver]
| current_members  = <!--Members listed in accordance with Wikipedia guidelines, do not change.-->[[Kristoffer Rygg]]<br/>[[Jørn H. Sværen]]
| past_members     = <!--Members listed in accordance with Wikipedia guidelines, do not change.-->Sigmund Andreas Løkken<br/>Robin Malmberg<br/>[[Carl-Michael Eide]]<br/>[[Stian Thoresen]]<br/>[[Håvard Jørgensen]]<br/>Erik Olivier Lancelot<br/>Torbjørn Heimen Pedersen<br/>[[Hugh Steven James Mingay]]<br/>[[Daniel O'Sullivan (musician)|Daniel O'Sullivan]]<br/>Tore Ylwizaker
}}
'''Ulver''' (Norwegian for "wolves") is a Norwegian [[Experimental electronic music|experimental electronica]] band founded in 1993, by vocalist [[Kristoffer Rygg]]. Their early works, such as debut album ''[[Bergtatt – Et eeventyr i 5 capitler|Bergtatt]]'', were categorised as folklore-influenced [[black metal]], but the band has since evolved a fluid and increasingly eclectic musical style, blending genres such as [[experimental rock]], [[electronica]], [[Ambient music|ambient]], [[trip hop]], [[symphonic music|symphonic]] and [[chamber music|chamber]] traditions, [[noise music|noise]], [[progressive rock|progressive]] and [[experimental music]] into their oeuvre.<ref>{{cite web|last=All Music|title=Ulver Biography|website=[[AllMusic]]|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ulver-mn0000179632/biography|access-date=10 May 2014}}</ref> 1997 marked their international debut with the release of their third album ''[[Nattens madrigal]]'' through German label [[Century Media Records|Century Media]]. However, following discord with the label, Rygg formed his own imprint, [[Jester Records]], in 1998.<ref name="Discogs">{{cite web | url=http://www.discogs.com/label/12795-Jester-Records | title=Jester Records | publisher=Discogs | access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref>

In 1997, Rygg invited composer and multi-instrumentalist Tore Ylwizaker into the band, and together they changed Ulver's musical direction. Their first musical endeavour together, ''[[Themes from William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell]]'', drew from a variety of non-metal sources, including [[Classical music|classical]] and [[Avant-garde music|avant-garde]], and the works of [[William Blake]]. ''[[Metamorphosis (EP)|Metamorphosis]]'' (1999) and ''[[Perdition City]]'' (2000) followed, showcasing further experimentation and explorations into [[electronic music]]. In 2000, author [[Jørn H. Sværen]] joined the band, and since then, the core of Ulver has been Rygg, Ylwizaker and Sværen. In 2009, Ulver expanded their line-up: British multi-instrumentalist [[Daniel O'Sullivan (musician)|Daniel O'Sullivan]] became the fourth core member, and several other musicians were enlisted as supporting and live members; of the latter, Norwegian musician and producer Ole Alexander Halstensgård has since established himself as another prominent member of the band.

Ulver has performed at several prestigious venues, including [[Queen Elizabeth Hall]] (2009), [[Norwegian National Opera and Ballet|the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet]] (2010), [[Teatro Regio (Parma)|Teatro Regio di Parma]] (2013), [[Franco Maria Ricci|Labirinto della Masone di Franco Maria Ricci]] (2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.labirintodifrancomariaricci.it/en/evento/ulver-at-labirinto-della-masone/!eyJtIjoiUDEzNDI0IiwiYyI6IlA5MDQzIn0|title=ULVER at Labirinto della Masone|website=Franco Maria Ricci|language=en-US|access-date=24 January 2020}}</ref> and held artist residency at [[Henie Onstad Kunstsenter]] (2018).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ulver Live at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter 15.04.2018. Clip 1| date=3 December 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV0nlsp2oes|publisher=[[YouTube]]|language=en|access-date=24 January 2020}}</ref>

The band have sold in excess of half a million records, been three nominated for the Norwegian Grammy Awards, [[Spellemannsprisen]], in different categories,<ref name="UlverBloodInsidePR">{{cite web | url=http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/ulver_blood_inside_press_release.html | title=ULVER BLOOD INSIDE | publisher=Jester Records | date=June 2005 | access-date=28 May 2014 | archive-date=11 January 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111215519/http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/ulver_blood_inside_press_release.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> won ''Album of the Year'' at the Oslo Awards for ''[[Shadows of the Sun]]'' in 2008,<ref name="Osloprisen 2007">{{cite web |url=http://pstereo.net/2009/05/04/ulver/ |title=Ulver – PSTEREO |access-date=5 August 2010 |author=Frode Halvorsen |work=pstereo.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724021746/http://pstereo.net/2009/05/04/ulver/ |archive-date=24 July 2011 }}</ref> won the NATT&DAG award for ''Best Live Act'' in 2011,<ref name="Natt&Dag2011">{{cite web | title=Natt & Dag | url=http://www.popsenteret.no/ArticleDetails.aspx?ArtId=298&mid=9 | publisher=Popsenteret | access-date=5 June 2014 | archive-date=14 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714185127/http://www.popsenteret.no/ArticleDetails.aspx?ArtId=298&mid=9 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and earned a global reputation for stylistic unpredictability.<ref name="UlverBiographyAllMusic">{{cite web | last=All Music |title=Ulver Biography |website=[[AllMusic]] |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ulver-mn0000179632/biography|access-date=10 May 2014}}</ref>

Author and musician [[Julian Cope]] has said, "Ulver are cataloguing the death of our culture two decades before anyone else has noticed its inevitable demise."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hughes |first=Rob |date=July 2012 |title=Children of Nuggets |pages=83 |work=[[Prog (magazine)|Prog]]}}</ref>

==History==

===The Black Metal Trilogie (1993–1997)===
The band was founded in 1993 in [[Oslo]] by vocalist [[Kristoffer Rygg]] together with Grellmund, Robin Malmberg, [[Carl-Michael Eide]], [[Håvard Jørgensen]], and A. Reza. Ulver issued their first demo [[Compact Cassette|cassette]], ''[[Vargnatt]]'', in November 1993. Their music and style was consistent with the [[Early Norwegian black metal scene|Norwegian black metal subculture]] of the early 1990s.<ref name="SputnikMusicVargnatt">{{cite web | url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/28519/Ulver-Vargnatt/ | title=Ulver - Vargnatt | publisher=SputnikMusic | date=28 December 2008 | access-date=26 May 2014}}</ref> However some have noted the [[avant-garde]], [[jazz]], [[rock music|rock]] and [[gothic rock|gothic]] influences that would later shape the band's sound.<ref name="MetalSoundScapesVargnatt">{{cite web | url=http://www.metalsoundscapes.com/archives/2162/ulver-vargnatt | title=ULVER – Vargnatt | publisher=Metal Soundscapes | date=18 March 2009 | access-date=26 May 2014 | author=Pfeufer, H.-Peter | archive-date=28 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128090046/http://www.metalsoundscapes.com/archives/2162/ulver-vargnatt | url-status=dead }}</ref> The archaic [[Dano-Norwegian]] lyrics were greatly influenced by [[Scandinavian folklore|Scandinavian folktales]] and inspired by Baroque poets such as [[Ludvig Holberg]] and the hymn-writer [[Thomas Kingo]].<ref name="ModernInvasionMusic">{{cite web | url=http://moderninvasionmusic.com/index.php/artists/ulver/ | title=Ulver (Norway) | publisher=Modern Invasion Music | access-date=26 May 2014 | author=SØDERLIND, DIDRIK | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527212043/http://moderninvasionmusic.com/index.php/artists/ulver/ | archive-date=27 May 2014 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Their debut album, ''[[Bergtatt – Et eeventyr i 5 capitler|Bergtatt]]'', the first part of what has become known as Ulver's "Black Metal Trilogie",<ref name="MetalInjection">{{cite web | url=http://www.metalinjection.net/reviews/essential-black-metal-listening-ulver-nattens-madrigal | title=Essential Black Metal Listening: ULVER Nattens Madrigal | publisher=Metal Injection | date=24 February 2014 | access-date=26 May 2014 }}</ref> was issued in February 1995 through Norwegian label [[Head Not Found]]. The album was met with critical acclaim, and was notable for blending [[black metal]], harsh vocals and blurred, buzzing guitars with quiet, folk-like acoustic passages. It was praised for its unique atmosphere and was described as "mysterious, melancholic, eerie, and oddly tranquil."<ref name="AllMusicBergtatt">{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/bergtatt-mw0000472019 | title=Bergtatt - Ulver - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic | publisher=AllMusic | access-date=26 May 2014 | author=York, William}}</ref>

Prior to their second album, founding member Grellmund committed suicide on New Year’s Day 1996 at the age of 19. ''[[Kveldssanger]]'', issued March 1996 by Head Not Found, Ulver eschewed a typical black metal sound by incorporating [[classical guitar]]s, [[cello]] and choral chamber chants overlaid with subtle orchestral landscapes. The album was a drastic contrast to ''Bergtatt'', whilst still retaining the atmospheric and folk themes. Rygg has since remarked that ''Kveldssanger'', despite strong content, was an "immature attempt at making a classical album".<ref name="metalkult">{{cite web | url = http://www.metalkult.com/videos/ulver-the-metalkult-interview/ | title = ULVER: The MetalKult Interview | date = 12 November 2007 | publisher = MetalKult.com | url-status = usurped | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090913021334/http://www.metalkult.com/videos/ulver-the-metalkult-interview/ | archive-date = 13 September 2009 }}</ref> The album was praised for its atmosphere, evoking a feeling of quiet, eerie solitude.<ref name="AllMusicKveldssanger">{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/kveldssanger-mw0000744795 | title=Kveldssanger - Ulver - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic | publisher=AllMusic | date=16 March 2006 | access-date=26 May 2014 | author=York, William}}</ref>

Following the success of their first two albums, Ulver signed with German label [[Century Media Records|Century Media]] for their third album ''[[Nattens madrigal]]'', issued in March 1997, marking the band's international debut. The album showcases a black metal style similar to ''Bergtatt'', abandoning the acoustic and atmospheric elements of ''Kveldssanger'', with an intentionally [[record producer|underproduced]] sound. The album has been described as "raw and grim black metal at its blackest."<ref name="SputnikMusicNattensMadrigal">{{cite web | url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/3427/Ulver-Nattens-Madrigal/ | title=Ulver - Nattens Madrigal | publisher=SputnikMusic | date=2 September 2005 | access-date=26 May 2014 | author=H., Andrew}}</ref> A common myth about the album is that the band spent the recording budget on [[Giorgio Armani|Armani]] suits, cocaine and a Corvette; and recorded the album outdoors in a Norwegian forest on an [[8-track tape|8-track recorder]].<ref name="AllMusicNattensMadrigal">{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/nattens-madrigal-mw0000051339 | title=Ulver - Nattens Madrigal | publisher=AllMusic | date=2 September 2005 | access-date=26 May 2014 | author=Huey, Steve}}</ref> Rygg, however, has stated that this is not true, and possibly a rumour started by Century Media.<ref name="LykantropenDVD">{{cite AV media | people = Kristoffer Rygg, Jørn H. Sværen | year = 2003 | title = Lyckantropen / Shape Shifting - The 1st Decade of Ulver | medium = DVD | publisher = Vendlus}}</ref><ref name="Kogaionon">{{cite web | url=http://www.kogaionon.com/en/kogaionon-interviews/ulver | title=Ulver Interview - Kogaionon - Underground Music Magazine | publisher=Kogaionon | date=7 December 2005 | access-date=26 May 2014 | author=Vuoti, Sauli | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528010301/http://www.kogaionon.com/en/kogaionon-interviews/ulver | archive-date=28 May 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The album has been described as "so fast and ferocious and the vocals so garbled that it's best just to take the sheer sonic force as reflecting the band's concept, rather than trying to piece it all together."<ref name="AllMusicNattensMadrigal"/>

''Metal Injection'' concluded "''Kveldssanger'' had no electric instruments, ''Nattens madrigal'' had no acoustic instruments, but ''Bergtatt'', has both acoustic and electric instruments; it's like they spliced the elements from ''Bergtatt'' into two separate albums. If that's the case, then ''Nattens madrigal'' really showcases the black metal prowess of the band. The album answers exactly why people were so angered by Ulver's transition away from black metal, and why people are still bitter at their direction today."<ref name="MetalInjectionNattensMadrigal">{{cite web | url=http://www.metalinjection.net/reviews/essential-black-metal-listening-ulver-nattens-madrigal | title=Essential Black Metal Listening: ULVER Nattens Madrigal | publisher=Metal Injection | date=24 February 2014 | access-date=26 May 2014}}</ref>

In 1997, Century Media issued ''[[The Trilogie – Three Journeyes Through the Norwegian Netherworlde]]'', a limited edition collection, containing ''Bergtatt'', ''Kveldssanger'' and ''Nattens madrigal'' in LP Picture Disc format, housed in a cardboard box, with a booklet and bonus posters.

===Beyond black metal (1998–2002)===
In 1997, Rygg invited composer and sound architect Tore Ylwizaker into the collective in order to expand their artistic and musical visions; and together they stepped over the boundaries of black metal aesthetics, creating a genre-defying work in ''[[Themes from William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell]]'', released in December 1998. The album was issued through Rygg's own imprint, [[Jester Records]], a label born out of discord between Ulver and Century Media.<ref name="Discogs"/> Musically, the album blended [[electronic music|electronics]], [[industrial music]] elements, [[progressive metal]] and [[experimental rock]], adding [[ambient music|ambient]] passages. Lyrically, the album incorporates the entire text of [[William Blake]]'s ''[[The Marriage of Heaven and Hell]]'', utilising guest vocalists on several songs. The album received widespread acclaim from critics within both the rock/metal and alternative music press - being awarded "album of the month" in several high-profile magazines such as ''[[Terrorizer (magazine)|Terrorizer]]'', ''[[Metal Hammer]]'', and ''[[Rock Hard (magazine)|Rock Hard]]'' and ranked highly in their end of year's best polls.<!--<ref>See the [http://jester-records.com Jester Records] website for a complete list of reviews to this and other albums.</ref> At least since redesign, the site gives no links to the numerous reviews to TFWBTMOH&H album--> However, the album's transitional nature perhaps alienated many fans of the band's first three albums — causing a backlash from the black metal scene.{{cn|date=May 2022}}

Ulver, now only consisting of Rygg and Ylwizaker, issued an EP, ''[[Metamorphosis (EP)|Metamorphosis]]'', in September 1999. The music moving to the more heavily electronic approach, bridging the gap to the [[film-noir]] ambiance of 2000's full-length album ''[[Perdition City]]''.<ref name="AllMusicMetamorphosis">{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/metamorphosis-mw0000589624 | title=Ulver Metamorphosis | publisher=AllMusic | access-date=28 May 2014 | author=York, William}}</ref>  In the sleeve notes to ''Metamorphosis'', the group declared:
{{cquote|Ulver is obviously not a black metal band and does not wish to be stigmatized as such. We acknowledge the relation of part I & III of the Trilogie (''Bergtatt'' & ''Nattens Madrigal'') to this culture, but stress that these endeavours were written as stepping stones rather than conclusions. We are proud of our former instincts, but wish to liken our association with said genre to that of the snake with Eve. An incentive to further frolic only. If this discourages you in any way, please have the courtesy to refrain from voicing superficial remarks regarding our music and/or personae. We are as unknown to you as we always were.<ref>[http://www.villagevoice.com/2003-05-06/music/werewolves-of-norway/ ]{{dead link|date=October 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
}}

''[[Perdition City]]'', issued in March 2000, was described as moody, atmospheric electronica,<ref name="AllMusicPerditionCity">{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/perdition-city-mw0000965305 | title=Ulver Perdition City | publisher=AllMusic | access-date=28 May 2014 | author=York, William}}</ref> cinematic in scope,<ref name="BrainwashedPerditionCity">{{cite web | url=http://brainwashed.com/weddle/reviews/perdition.html | title=Ulver Perdition City | publisher=AllMusic | access-date=28 May 2014 }}</ref> evoking a soundtrack for an imaginary film. ''[[Kerrang!]]'' praised the album, ranking it top ten that year, noting "This ain't rock 'n roll. This is evolution on such a grand scale that most bands wouldn't even be able to wrap their tiny little minds around it."<ref name="UlverBloodInsidePR"/> Musically, Ulver not only explores new genres, but also shift from extrovert, into more introverted moods, or interior music.<ref name="UlverPerditionCityReview">{{cite web | url=http://jonathanhill.eu/music/ulver-perdition-city-review/ | title=Ulver Perdition City Review | publisher=Johnathan Hill | access-date=29 May 2014 | author=York, William}}</ref>

Later that year, [[Jørn H. Sværen]] joined the band. The band followed up ''Perdition City'' with two [[musical improvisation|improv]]/[[minimalist music|minimalist]]/[[ambient music|ambient]]/[[glitch (music)|glitch]] companion EPs, called ''[[Silence Teaches You How to Sing]]'' and ''[[Silencing the Singing]]'', in September and December 2001, respectively. The material featured here was loosely recorded during the sessions for the ''Perdition City'' album.<ref name="UlverSilenceTeachesYouHowToSing">{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/silence-teaches-you-how-to-sing-mw0000969393 | title=Ulver Silence Teaches You How To Sing | publisher=All Music | access-date=29 May 2014 | author=York, William}}</ref> The style is more [[experimental music|experimental]]/atmospheric and less beat-oriented; rather mood pieces that revolve around the ''Perdition City'' theme.<ref name="PerditionCitySSMT">{{cite web | url=http://www.ssmt-reviews.com/artist/ulver.html | title=Ulver | publisher=Satan Stole My Teddybear | date=November 2001 | access-date=29 May 2014 | author=Chedsey, John | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529165646/http://www.ssmt-reviews.com/artist/ulver.html | archive-date=29 May 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Due to the experimental nature of the music, both ''Silence'' EPs were limited to two thousand, and three thousand copies. However, both EPs were re-released as one disc, under the title ''[[Teachings in Silence]]'', in November 2002.<ref name="UlverOfficialWebsite">{{cite web | url=http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/ulver_history.html | title=New releases scheduled for 2003 to mark ULVER's ten years in metabusiness | publisher=Jester Records | date=15 March 2002 | access-date=29 May 2014}}</ref>

Ulver, now with more confidence in their ambient sensibilities<ref name="UlverSSMT">{{cite web | url=http://www.ssmt-reviews.com/artist/ulver.html | title=Ulver | publisher=Satan Stole My Teddybear | date=December 2002 | access-date=29 May 2014 | author=Chedsey, John | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529165646/http://www.ssmt-reviews.com/artist/ulver.html | archive-date=29 May 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref> descent into the world of film [[soundtrack]]s, producing scores for ''[[Lyckantropen]]'' (issued as ''[[Lyckantropen Themes]]'', in November 2002), ''[[Svidd neger]]'' (issued as ''[[Svidd neger (soundtrack)|Svidd neger]]'', in September 2003) and a joint soundtrack with singer/songwriter [[Tom McRae]] for the multiple award-winning ''[[Uno (2004 film)|Uno]]''. Ulver were praised for their soundtrack work, and their ability to adapt<ref name="LyckantropenThemesAllMusic">{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/lyckantropen-themes-mw0000663371 | title=Ulver Lyckantropen Themes | publisher=AllMusic | date=2002 | access-date=29 May 2014 | author=York, William}}</ref> and providing a sense of continuity to each film.<ref name="LyckantropenThemesCoC">{{cite web | url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles.aspx?id=2-3198 | title=Ulver - _Lyckantropen Themes_ | publisher=Chronicles Of Chaos | date=6 September 2003 | access-date=29 May 2014 | author=Wee, Alan}}</ref> The song "Silence Teaches You How to Sing" was later used in the 2012 [[horror films|supernatural horror]] film ''[[Sinister (film)|Sinister]]''.

Ulver celebrated their ten-year anniversary with a remix album, ''[[1993–2003: 1st Decade in the Machines]]'', issued in April 2003, featuring contributions from [[Matt Elliott (musician)|Third Eye Foundation]], [[Bogdan Raczynski]], [[Fennesz]], [[V/Vm]] and [[Merzbow]] among others.

In 2002, the trio announced that they were working on a string remake of ''Nattens madrigal'', but Rygg later stated that the project "is in a state of total dormancy."<ref>[http://www.headcontrolsystem.com/thesektor/viewtopic.php?t=109]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003431/http://www.headcontrolsystem.com/thesektor/viewtopic.php?t=109|date=27 September 2007}}</ref>

===''Blood Inside'' and ''Shadows of the Sun'' (2003–2008)===
[[File:Ulver London2011-by Christian-Misje.jpg|thumb|Ulver, live in London 2011]]
In August 2003, Ulver issued an EP, ''[[A Quick Fix of Melancholy]]'', essentially a teaser for the forthcoming album, ''[[Blood Inside]]''.<ref name="Ulver - A Quick Fix of Melancholy - SputnikMusic">{{cite web | url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/10538/Ulver-A-Quick-Fix-of-Melancholy/8 | title=Ulver - A Quick Fix of Melancholy | publisher=SputnikMusic | date=2003 | access-date=29 May 2014}}</ref> A delicate marriage of orchestration and electronica<ref name="Ulver - A Quick Fix of Melancholy - Exclaim">{{cite web | url=http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/Metal/ulver-quick_fix_of_melancholy | title=Ulver - A Quick Fix of Melancholy | publisher=Exclaim | date=October 2003 | access-date=29 May 2014 | author=Taylor, Laura}}</ref> the EP features text by Christian Bök and a remix of a song from ''Kveldssanger''.

In 2004, the group collaborated with [[Sami people|Sámi]] vocalist [[Mari Boine]] and percussionist [[Marilyn Mazur]] to score Mona J. Hoel's film ''[[Chlorox, Ammonium and Coffee|Salto, salmiakk og kaffe]]''. The film premiered in August 2004, however, the soundtrack remains unreleased.

Ulver issued ''Blood Inside'' in June 2005, produced together with [[King Crimson]] collaborator Ronan Chris Murphy. The album returns to more classical arrangements and instrumentation,<ref name="BloodInsideAllMusic">{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/blood-inside-red-cover-mw0000345812 | title=Ulver - Blood Inside | publisher=AllMusic| access-date=29 May 2014 | author=Rivadavia, Eduardo}}</ref> described as "a beautifully crafted album of both substance and style. Certainly, ''Blood Inside'' is still not for everyone, but those who choose to indulge in this will find themselves rewarded on every level."<ref name="BloodInsideScenePointBlank">{{cite web | url=http://www.scenepointblank.com/reviews/ulver/blood-inside/ | title=Ulver - Blood Inside | publisher=Scene Point Blank | date=15 November 2005 | access-date=29 May 2014}}</ref> "[''Blood Inside''] is ambiguous and full of intricate layers and influences working to tell a story that is both haunting and mesmerising. Garm's beautiful distorted vocals act as outcries of a desperate man hidden, pushed in the background of the story that the instrumentation tells."<ref name="BloodInsideSputnikMusic">{{cite web | url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/47894/Ulver-Blood-Inside/ | title=Ulver - Blood Inside | publisher=SputnikMusic | date=6 February 2012 | access-date=29 May 2014}}</ref> Webzine Avantgarde-metal.com concludes: "the sound of the album is maybe their most extravagant, extrovert, dynamic and wild, ranging from swing band to danceable hard electronic pop, with a lot of peaceful moments in between so much energy."<ref name="UlverBloodInside">{{cite web | url=http://www.avantgarde-metal.com/content/beyond2.php?id=73 | title=Ulver - Blood Inside | publisher=Avantegarde Metal | date=24 November 2012 | access-date=29 May 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529183658/http://www.avantgarde-metal.com/content/beyond2.php?id=73 | archive-date=29 May 2014 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Ulver and [[drone metal]] band [[Sunn O)))]] collaborated on the fifteen-minute track "CUT WOODeD" - a tribute to the deceased film director [[Ed Wood]],<ref name="SUNNO)))&ULVER">{{cite web | url=http://sunn.southernlord.com/news_posts/view/sunn-o-ulver-terrestrials-press-release | title=SUNN O))) & ULVER "Terrestrials" press release | publisher=Southern Lord | date=18 November 2013 | access-date=29 May 2014 | archive-date=29 May 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529224519/http://sunn.southernlord.com/news_posts/view/sunn-o-ulver-terrestrials-press-release | url-status=dead }}</ref> which later appeared on Sunn O)))'s ''[[WHITEbox]]'' box set, issued in July 2006.

''[[Shadows of the Sun]]'' was issued in October 2007 in Europe<ref name="Low-key">{{cite web |url=http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/ulver_history.html |title=ULVER - HISTORY|access-date=28 September 2008 |author=Ulver |work=jester-records.com }}</ref> and the United States<ref name="TheEnd">{{cite web |url=http://www.theendrecords.com/label/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=975&Itemid=49 |title=THE END RECORDS sets October release date for ULVER's ' Shadows of the Sun' |access-date=4 August 2007 |author=The End Records |work=theendrecords.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926235359/http://www.theendrecords.com/label/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=975&Itemid=49 |archive-date=26 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and would include collaborations with artists [[Pamelia Kurstin]] contributing [[theremin]], [[Mathias Eick]] on [[trumpet]] and [[Christian Fennesz]], adding supplemental shimmer.<ref name=TheEnd/> Rygg described it as "our most personal record to date."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/ulver.html | title = ULVER official site | date = 13 July 2007 | access-date = 13 July 2007}}</ref> Described as "low-key, dark and tragic,"<ref name="Low-key"/> the album received critical acclaim,<ref name="Reviews 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.jester-records.com/releases_sub.php?ID=66#reviews |title=ULVER Shadows of the Sun Reviews|access-date=18 October 2007 |author=Jester Records|work=jester-records.com }}</ref><ref name="Reviews 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.diskusjon.no/index.php?showtopic=808188 |title=Ulver - Shadows of the Sun - Anmeldelser (Reviews)|access-date=18 October 2007 |website=Diskusjon.no |date=4 August 2007 }}</ref> and in February 2008 the album won the Oslo Awards for ''Album of the Year'', in 2008.<ref name="Osloprisen 2007"/> The album was also voted best album of 2007 at the website Sonic Frontiers.<ref name="urlContest: Best Underground Albums of 2007 | SonicFrontiers.net">{{cite web |url=http://www.sonicfrontiers.net/php/2007.php |title=Contest: Best Underground Albums of 2007 |website=SonicFrontiers.net |access-date=27 May 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724074008/http://www.sonicfrontiers.net/php/2007.php |archive-date=24 July 2011 }}</ref>

===Changes in personnel (2009–2012)===
In 2009, Ulver announced it would become a quartet. Its three extant members — Kristoffer Rygg, Tore Ylwizaker and Jørn H. Sværen — enlisted British composer and multi-instrumentalist Daniel O'Sullivan (Æthenor, [[Guapo (band)|Guapo]], Mothlite) into the collective.<ref name="ULVER official site">{{cite web|url=http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/ulver.html|title=ULVER official site|date=26 November 2009|access-date=26 November 2009}}</ref> Ole Alexander Halstensgård was another prominent musician to be included in the live-act.

The band accepted an invitation to appear at the [[Norwegian Festival of Literature]], at Maihaugsalen (part of [[Maihaugen]]) in [[Lillehammer]], Norway on 30 May 2009. The collective were accompanied by guest musicians Lars Pedersen (aka [[When (Pedersen)|When]]) on drums, [[Pamelia Kurstin]] playing [[Theremin]] and Halstensgård (a founding member of Norwegian group [[Paperboys (group)|Paperboys]]). The success of this performance lead to them embarking on a string of other live performances in 2009 and 2010, selling out prestigious venues, such as the [[Queen Elizabeth Hall]] in [[London]], [[Volksbühne]] in [[Berlin]] and [[La Cigale]] in [[Paris]] before they returned to their homeland for their performance at The Norwegian Opera House.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.kscopemusic.com/ulver/thenorwegiannationalopera/ | title=Ulver's 'The Norwegian National Opera' Blu-ray and DVD | publisher=[[Kscope]] | access-date=18 May 2014 | archive-date=31 January 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131041435/http://www.kscopemusic.com/ulver/thenorwegiannationalopera/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> Ulver were the first band outside the established Norwegian music scene to be invited to play at the Opera House.

The first album to feature the quartet is ''[[Wars of the Roses (album)|Wars of the Roses]]'',<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ulver/31166220421 | title = Ulver|publisher=[[Facebook]] | date = 12 February 2011 | access-date = 14 February 2011}}</ref> issued in April 2011 via [[Kscope]], preceded by a single, "February MMX," in February. The album entered the Norwegian National Album Charts at Number 17. SputnikMusic noted, "''Wars of the Roses''<nowiki>'</nowiki> thoughtful conception and execution serves only for a thoughtful listen. After all this time, it still remains a privilege to bear witness to these wolves evolve once again."<ref>{{cite web |title=Ulver - Wars of the Roses (album review) |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/43142/Ulver-Wars-of-the-Roses/|website=Sputnikmusic.com |date=24 April 2011 |access-date=27 November 2012}}</ref> Murat Batmaz, commenting for ''Sea of Tranquility'' webzine, noted, "it amalgamates musical traits from its predecessors while re-shaping them with a more direct approach."<ref name="sea of tranquility">{{cite web |first=Murat |last=Batmaz |title=Ulver: Wars of the Roses |url=http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=10734 |date=2 May 2011|website=Seaoftranquility.org |access-date=1 January 2012}}</ref>

In November 2011, Kscope released ''[[The Norwegian National Opera]],''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ulver-the-norwegian-national-opera-dvd-blu-ray-detailed/ | title=Ulver: 'The Norwegian National Opera' Dvd, Blu Ray Detailed - Blabbermouth.net | publisher=[[Blabbermouth]] | date=23 October 2011 | access-date=18 May 2014}}</ref> a film documenting Ulver's performance at The Norwegian National Opera on 31 July 2010. Described as "mesmerizing and stunningly beautiful"<ref>{{cite web|last=Palmerston |first=Sean |url=http://hellbound.ca/2012/02/ulver-the-norwegian-national-opera-dvd/ |title=Ulver: The Norwegian National Opera DVD |website=Hellbound.ca |date=4 February 2012 |access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref> and "a unique and at times hypnotic live experience; far from a conventional one; more akin to a piece of performance art than a standard concert."

Ulver's next project, ''[[Childhood's End (album)|Childhood's End]]'' came in the form of a collection of covers of "60s psychedelic chestnuts",<ref name=s&v>{{cite web|last=Berk|first=Michael|title=Ulver – Childhood's End|url=http://jester-records.com/ulver/images/ULVER_Sound_and_vision_Nov_2012.pdf|work=[[Sound and Vision (magazine)|Sound and Vision]]|access-date=19 October 2013|date=November 2012}}</ref> issued on Jester Records, under license to Kscope, in May 2012. The album, a reinterpretation of '60s psychedelia, was intended by Ulver as a reflection on lost innocence.<ref name=progrock>{{cite web|last=Hughes|first=Rob|title=Children of Nuggets|url=http://jester-records.com/ulver/images/ULVER_Prog_Magazine_28.pdf|work=Prog Rock Mag|access-date=19 October 2013}}</ref> The album received favourable reviews; Ben Ratliffe, writing for ''[[The New York Times]]'', praised ''Childhood's End'' for its treatment of the original music, commenting that "these cover versions reward the ambition of the original songs, draping them with stateliness." Placing the album in the context of Ulver's discography, Ratliffe noted that ''Childhood's End'' is "the most straight-ahead Ulver record ever, but still strange".<ref name=nyt>{{cite news|last=Ratliffe|first=Ben|title=NEW MUSIC: Another Solstice in an Endless Summer, ULVER "Childhood's End" (Kscope)|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/arts/music/new-releases-from-the-beach-boys-and-alan-jackson.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all&|work=[[NY Times]]|access-date=19 October 2013|date=4 June 2012}}</ref> A music video for "Magic Hollow", directed by [[Justin Oakey]], was released in April 2012.<ref name="MagicHollow">{{cite web | url=http://vimeo.com/41836114 | title=Magic Hollow|website=Vimeo.com|access-date=6 February 2016| date=9 May 2012}}</ref>

In 2012, Roadburn Records issued an installment in their ''Roadburn'' EP series on 7″ vinyl, featuring the songs "I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)" b/w "Reverberation (Doubt)." Limited to 500 copies, of which 100 copies is gold vinyl - the release commemorated Ulver's performance at the [[Roadburn Festival]], 013, Tilburg, in the Netherlands, on 12 April 2012.<ref name="LiveAtRoadburn">{{cite web | url=http://www.thesleepingshaman.com/news/roadburn-records-to-release-ulver-live-at-roadburn-vinyl-in-2013/ | title=Roadburn Records To Release ULVER 'Live At Roadburn' Vinyl In 2013 | publisher=The Sleeping Shaman | date=10 December 2012 | access-date=29 May 2014}}</ref> The full performance at the festival was issued as ''[[Live At Roadburn (Ulver album)|Live at Roadburn]]'' in June 2013 via Roadburn Records. It was the first and only time tracks from ''Childhood's End'' were performed live.

Announcing a new [[DIY]] approach, Ulver released a press statement, ''The Art of Dying'',<ref name="JesterRecordsArtOfDying">{{cite web | url=http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/ulver_history.html | title=The Art Of Dying | publisher=Jester Records | date=5 December 2012 | access-date=29 May 2014}}</ref> an articulated rant about the changes in the record industry.<ref name="MetalSucksArtOfDying">{{cite web | url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2012/12/10/ulver-are-raging-against-the-record-label-machine/ | title=Ulver are Raging Against the Record Label Machine | publisher=Metal Sucks | date=10 December 2012 | access-date=29 May 2014 | author=Neilstein, Vince}}</ref> The band collected some covers and curiosities, and made them available to download as ''Oddities & Rarities#1'', including material from tribute albums and the ''Uno'' soundtrack.

===''Messe I.X–VI.X'' (2012–2015)===
Ulver were commissioned in 2012 by the Tromsø Kulturhus (House of Culture) in Norway,<ref name="KulturHuset">{{cite web | url=http://kulturhuset.tr.no/hovedscenen/program/ulver | title=ULVER! KulturHuset i Tromsø | website=KulturHuset | date=August 2012 | access-date=25 May 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517153306/http://kulturhuset.tr.no/hovedscenen/program/ulver | archive-date=17 May 2014 }}</ref> in a cooperation with the Arctic Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra cultural institution to compose and perform a [[Mass (music)|Mass]]. With additional aid and advice from composer [[Martin Romberg]], and contemporary composers/musicians Ole-Henrik Moe and Kari Rønnekleiv, ''[[Messe I.X–VI.X]]'' was composed and first performed live by Ulver, alongside the Tromsø Chamber Orchestra on 21 September 2012. The band then took the recordings back to Crystal Canyon, Oslo and spent winter and spring in post-production, honing the material for its studio-equivalent. Issued in August 2013, Ulver's tenth studio album received universal critical acclaim, described as "a challenging work and an album of rare beauty".<ref name="TheQuietus">{{cite web | url=http://thequietus.com/articles/14107-ulver-messe-ix-vix-review | title=Ulver Messe I.X–VI.X | website=The Quietus | date=13 December 2013 | access-date=25 May 2014 | author=Franquelli, Alex}}</ref>

In January 2014, Ulver collaborated with Norway's [[National Theatre (Oslo)|National Theatre]], providing the soundtrack to ''Demoner 2014'' (translated ''Demons 2014''); based on a text by Geir Gulliksen, in turn freely based on the [[Fyodor Dostoevsky|Dostoyevsky]] novel ''[[Demons (Dostoevsky novel)|Demons]]'' (also known as ''The Possessed''),<ref name="MetalInjectionDemons">{{cite web | url=http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/ulver-working-on-soundtrack-to-a-play | title=ULVER Working On Soundtrack To A Play | publisher=Metal Injection | date=20 January 2014 | access-date=30 May 2014 | author=Kennelty, Greg}}</ref> the play premiered on 8 February 2014.

On 2 January 2014, Ulver announced an 11-date European tour, "the February dates will consist of partly new and improv-based material, likely to revolve around motifs already familiar to our familiars. We are looking forward to get out there, and hope for some interesting music to be born those evenings and nights. We also aim to document some of it for those of you who cannot come."<ref name="KscopeTour2014">{{cite web|url=http://vimeo.com/41836114 |title=Ulver - Magic Hollow (from Childhood's End) on Vimeo |website=Vimeo.com |date=9 May 2012 |access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref>

Ulver released a collaboration album with Sunn O))), entitled ''[[Terrestrials (album)|Terrestrials]]'', issued in February 2014 via [[Southern Lord Records|Southern Lord]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.self-titledmag.com/2013/11/18/sunn-o-ulver-ready-terrestrials-album-for-february-release/ |title=Sunn O))), Ulver Ready 'Terrestrials' Album For February Release |website=Self-titledmag.com |date=18 November 2013 |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-date=29 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042507/http://www.self-titledmag.com/2013/11/18/sunn-o-ulver-ready-terrestrials-album-for-february-release/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.factmag.com/2013/11/19/sunn-o-and-ulver-announce-joint-lp-terrestrials/ | title=Sunn O))) and Ulver announce joint LP, Terrestrials | publisher=[[Fact (UK magazine)|Fact]] | date=19 November 2013 | access-date=4 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="stereo">{{cite web | url=http://www.stereogum.com/1596651/sunn-o-ulver-eternal-return-excerpt/mp3s/ | title=Sunn O))) & Ulver – "Eternal Return" (Excerpt) | publisher=[[Stereogum]] | date=10 December 2013 | access-date=4 February 2014 | author=Nelson, Michael}}</ref> Produced by Rygg and [[Stephen O'Malley]], it has been described as "three live improvisation pieces".<ref name=quietus12122013>Tuffrey, Laurie (12 December 2013). [http://thequietus.com/articles/14112-sunn-o-ulver-eternal-return-excerpt "Listen: Sunn O))) / Ulver Collab Excerpt"]. [[The Quietus]]. Retrieved 7 March 2013.</ref> On 10 December 2013, a sample from the closing track, "Eternal Return," was released for streaming.<ref name=quietus12122013/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2013/12/sunn_o_ulver_re.html | title=Sunn O))) & Ulver release clip from upcoming collaborative LP | publisher=[[BrooklynVegan]] | date=10 December 2013 | access-date=4 February 2014 | author=Moore, Doug}}</ref> It was also streamed on [[Pitchfork Media|Pitchfork Advance]] on the day it was released, until 10 February 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pitchfork.com/advance/344-terrestrials/ | title=Sunn O))) & Ulver - Terrestrials | publisher=[[Pitchfork Media|Pitchfork]] | access-date=4 February 2014 | archive-date=7 February 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207082943/http://pitchfork.com/advance/344-terrestrials/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

In April 2014, Century Media announced ''[[Trolsk Sortmetall 1993-1997]]'', collecting together the albums ''Bergtatt'', ''Kveldssanger'' and ''Nattens madrigal'', as well as the band's original demo cassette, ''Vargnatt'', and other rarities.<ref name="CenturyMediaTrolskSortmetall">{{cite web | url=http://www.centurymedia.com/newsdetailed.aspx?IdNews=14246&IdCompany=3 | title=ULVER - "Trolsk Sortmetall 1993 - 1997" box set announced | publisher=Century Media | date=11 April 2014 | access-date=30 May 2014 | archive-date=14 April 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414111810/http://www.centurymedia.com/newsdetailed.aspx?IdNews=14246&IdCompany=3 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

In July 2014, Ulver contributed a cover of [[Shirley Collins]]' "[[Poor Murdered Woman]]" in support of Burning Bridges & Fifth Column Film's project ''The Ballad of Shirley Collins''. A film, book and tribute album honouring the life and work of this musical pioneer and folk legend.<ref name="TheBalladofShirleyCollins">{{cite web |author=Burning Bridges & Fifth Column Films |title=The Ballad of Shirley Collins|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shirleycollins/the-ballad-of-shirley-collins |publisher=[[Kickstarter]] |date=22 June 2014 |access-date=23 February 2015}}</ref>

On 3 June 2015 on the band's official website, in a statement titled ''Only Theatre of Pain,'' Ulver announce a number of forthcoming projects; including ''Messe in Concert'' at the distinguished Teatro Regio, Parma, Italy, 16 November 2013, with the Mg_Inc Orchestra. A live document of their concert featuring Pamelia Kurstin, including 15 minutes of new music written and performed specifically for the scene and topped up with full orchestra versions of "Little Blue Bird" and "Eos". They continue to announce their newest works, tentatively titled ''The Assassination of Julius Caesar'', with texts and themes in development.<ref name="Ulver">{{cite web | url=http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/ulver_history.html | title=Only Theatre of Pain | publisher=Ulver | date=3 June 2015 | access-date=29 October 2015 | author=Ulver}}</ref>

===''ATGCLVLSSCAP'', ''Riverhead'' and ''The Assassination of Julius Caesar'' (2015–2019)===
On 15 October 2015, in an interview with website ''Steel for Brains'', Ulver announced ''[[ATGCLVLSSCAP]]'', a double album with over 80 minutes worth of material, consisting of multitracked and studio-enhanced live, mostly improvisational, rock and electronic soundscapes, 2/3 of which had never been heard before.<ref name="SteelforBrains">{{cite web | url=http://steelforbrains.com/post/131223153507/wolf-at-the-door-a-conversation-with-kristoffer | title=Wolf At The Door: A Conversation With Kristoffer Rygg | publisher=Steel for Brains | date=15 October 2015 | access-date=29 May 2015 | author=Dick, Jonathan K. | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105131105/http://steelforbrains.com/post/131223153507/wolf-at-the-door-a-conversation-with-kristoffer | archive-date=5 November 2015 }}</ref> Announcing further details on 28 October, the album was released on 22 January 2016 on Vinyl and CD formats via newly formed, London-based label House of Mythology. The basis for the album – which the band worked on under the moniker ''12'' – arrives from recordings made at twelve different live shows that Ulver performed in February 2014, in which the band played a set improvisatory "free rock" performances. Band member Daniel O'Sullivan took the multitrack recordings, sculpting and editing hours of material in his North London home, before Anders Møller, Kristoffer Rygg and Tore Ylwizaker got involved, completing the recordings at Subsonic Society and Oak Hill Studios, Oslo.<ref name="LouderThanWar">{{cite web | url=http://louderthanwar.com/ulver-to-release-new-album/ | title=Ulver to release new album | publisher=Louder Than War | date=28 October 2015 | access-date=28 October 2015 }}</ref>

In 2016, the band composed [[Riverhead (soundtrack)|the score]] for the Canadian drama film ''[[Riverhead (film)|Riverhead]]''.<ref>[http://teamrock.com/news/2016-11-30/ulver-to-release-riverhead-movie-soundtrack "Ulver to release Riverhead movie soundtrack"]. ''Team Rock'', 30 November 2016.</ref> In October, a new studio album, ''[[The Assassination of Julius Caesar (album)|The Assassination of Julius Caesar]]'' was announced to be released on 7 April as well as a performance at the 2017 edition of Roadburn Festival. A string of festival dates were subsequently added.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2017/02/27/ulver-the-assassination-of-julius-caesar-release/ |title=ULVER Confirm April 7 Release for 'The Assassination of Julius Caesar' |website=The Obelisk |date=27 February 2017 |access-date=27 May 2017}}</ref> The album showed the band switching directions in terms of musical styles once again, focusing on a sound that was described by [[AllMusic]] critic Thom Jurek as "drenched in moody '80s [[Synth-pop|synth pop]]."<ref>{{Citation|title=The Assassination of Julius Caesar - Ulver {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-assassination-of-julius-caesar-mw0003030095|language=en-us|access-date=12 October 2020}}</ref> On 11 November 2017, Ulver released ''Sic Transit Gloria Mundi'', a 3-track EP with two songs taken from ''The Assassination of Julius Caesar'' recording sessions, and a [[Frankie Goes to Hollywood]] cover, "The Power of Love".

===''Drone Activity'', ''Flowers of Evil'', and ''Scary Muzak'' (2019–present)===
On 1 March, Ulver shared a short excerpt of music, titled "Blood, Fire, Woods, Diamonds", on their Facebook page. Two days later, they announced a new live album, titled ''Drone Activity'', consisting of four new pieces of live music edited in studio following a process reminiscent of the one used of ''ATGCLVLSSCAP''. On 4 April, the band shared a second excerpt from the album, titled "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea". The album was released on 11 May 2019.<ref name="Ulver facebook page">{{cite web|author=ULVER |url=https://www.facebook.com/ulverofficial/ |title=Ulver facebook page |website=facebook.com|access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref>

Ulver announced their plans for 2020 through Norwegian publication ''Ballade'' on 17 October 2019:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ballade.no/sak/ulver-lager-ny-plate-og-bok/|title=Ulver lager ny plate og bok|last=Moen|first=Siri Narverud|date=17 October 2019|website=ballade.no|language=nb-NO|access-date=24 January 2020}}</ref> "Ulver is working on a new album, planned to be released in 2020. (...) The Norwegian cult band is also preparing a retrospective book about the band's history through the 1990s and up until today." A European tour was scheduled for May 2020, however, it was postponed due to [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. In June 2020, ''Flowers of Evil'' was announced and was released on 28 August through House of Mythology. The singles "Russian Doll", "Little Boy" and "Nostalgia" were released in advance. On the same day, ''Wolves Evolve: The Ulver Story'', a limited edition book written by Tore Engelsen Espedal, Phil Alexander, Nile Bowie and Torolf Kroglund and detailing the band's history, was released as well.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://distortedsoundmag.com/ulver-announce-new-album-flowers-of-evil/|title=Ulver announce new album |website=Distorted Sound Magazine |date=12 June 2020 |access-date=30 August 2020}}</ref>

Ulver released their thirteenth album ''[[Scary Muzak]]'' on 31 October 2021. Five of the twelve songs on ''Scary Muzak'' are covers from [[Halloween_(soundtrack)|the soundtrack]] to [[John Carpenter]]'s 1978 ''[[Halloween (1978 film)|Halloween]]''.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://rocknloadmag.com/news/ulver-announce-scary-muzak-the-bone-chilling-70s-and-80s-fuelled-soundtrack-to-your-all-hallows-eve/|title=Ulver announce Scary Muzak. The bone-chilling 70s and 80s fuelled soundtrack to your All Hallow's Eve|date=29 October 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029211928/https://rocknloadmag.com/news/ulver-announce-scary-muzak-the-bone-chilling-70s-and-80s-fuelled-soundtrack-to-your-all-hallows-eve/ | archive-date=October 29, 2021}}</ref>

On 19 August 2024, Ulver announced through their social media that long-time member Tore Ylwizaker had died three days earlier, on 16 August, his 54th birthday.<ref>{{Cite Instagram|user=ulver_official|postid=C-2gg4uKB3Y|date=August 19, 2024|title=It is with black holes in our hearts we have to inform you that our brother for over nearly thirty years, Tore Ylvisaker (Ylwizaker), is dead. He passed on in the night of 16 August, his 54th birthday. It is all too much to take in at the moment. We will return as soon as we have collected ourselves. Rest in peace, dearest friend. We love you, forever. ULVER|access-date=August 19, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/this-is-just-a-tribute/longtime-ulver-keyboardist-tore-ylvisaker-has-died|title=Longtime ULVER Keyboardist TORE YLVISAKER Has Died |website=Metal Injection |date=19 August 2024 |access-date=19 August 2024}}</ref>

== Accolades ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!align=center| Year
! Award
! Category
! Result
|-
| 2002
| [[Spellemannprisen]]
| Best Open Class Album for ''Lyckantropen Themes'' 
| {{nominated}}
|-
| 2003
| Spellemannprisen
| Best Electronic Album for ''Teachings in Silence ''
| {{nominated}}
|-
| 2007
| Oslo Awards
| Album of the Year for ''Shadows of the Sun''
| {{won}}
|-
| |2011
| NATT&DAG
| Best Live Act
| {{won}}
|-
| 2022
| Spellemannprisen
| Best Open Class Album for ''Scary Muzak'' 
| {{nominated}}
|}

==Live appearances==
===At the Norwegian Festival of Literature===
On 30 May 2009 Ulver performed live for the first time in 15 years at Maihaugsalen (part of [[Maihaugen]]) in Lillehammer, Norway. The concert was a part of the [[Norwegian Festival of Literature]]. The three band members were accompanied by guest musicians: Lars Pedersen (aka [[When (Pedersen)|When]]) on drums, Daniel O'Sullivan (also in Æthenor, [[Guapo (band)|Guapo]], Mothlite) on guitar and bass, [[Pamelia Kurstin]] playing [[theremin]] and Ole Aleksander Halstensgård (from [[Paperboys (group)|Paperboys]]).

Subsequently, the only live appearances outside Norway were held at the Brutal Assault Festival in the Czech Republic on 7 August and at the Gagarin205 club in Athens, Greece (16 November). More festival appearances in Norway were announced: ''[[Øyafestivalen]]'' at Middelalderparken, Oslo (11 August), ''Møllafestivalen'' in Gjerstad (14 August), ''Pstereo '09'' at Marinen, Trondheim (21 August) and London's Queen Elizabeth Hall (9 October).

===Ulver at the Opera===
On 31 July 2010 Ulver performed live at the [[Norwegian National Opera and Ballet]] with [[Christian Fennesz]] and the performance artist Ian Johnstone.<ref name="Jester Records">{{cite web|author=ULVER |url=http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/ulver.html |title=Ulver Official Homepage |website=Jester-records.com |date=31 August 1997 |access-date=27 May 2017}}</ref>

===''Wars of the Roses'' Tour===
From 22 March 2011 to 21 April, Ulver played in several European countries to support their 2011 album ''Wars of the Roses''. On this tour they performed said album in its entirety, and also added some abstract/improvised passages. [[Zweizz]] supported these shows.

===''Messe I.X–VI.X'' performances===
Following its original performance at Tromsø Kulturhus in Tromsø, Norway, with Tromsø Chamber Orchestra, on 21 September 2012, Ulver have performed ''Messe I.X–VI.X'' in its entirety a further three times: On 20 May 2013 at [[Wave-Gotik-Treffen]], Leipzig, Germany with the Stüba Philharmonie, Volkspalast and on 16 November 2013 at Teatro Regio, Parma, Italy with the MG_INC Orchestra and at the Dark MOFO festival, 17 June 2017, in Hobart, Australia, the orchestras being conducted by composer [[Martin Romberg]].

===''The Assassination of Julius Caesar'' performances===
In the wake of the release of ''The Assassination of Julius Caesar'', Ulver played a few concerts in Europe, and gave their first two shows in Australia. In November, they toured Europe, playing their last album in its entirety, only adding a few songs from their ''Sic Transit Gloria Mundi'' EP released shortly before the beginning of the tour. [[Stian Westerhus]] was their opening act, promoting its solo album ''Amputation'', and supporting Ulver on stage as a guitarist during some songs he played on the last Ulver's release.

===First North American performances===
On 21 and 22 March 2019, Ulver played at Irving Plaza in New York City, their first North American shows ever. It was described by ''Kerrang!'' as "New York's ultimate goth night". A return to the United States was cancelled when Ulver announced that pre-sale tickets were "too modest" up against the "big risk" of touring with their production in the US.<ref name="Brooklyn vegan">{{cite web|author=Hatfield, Amanda |url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/ulver-cancel-west-coast-tour-say-presales-are-too-modest/ |title=Ulver cancel West Coast tour, say "pre-sales are too modest" |website=brooklynvegan.com|access-date=9 May 2019}}</ref>

==Members==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Current members===
* [[Kristoffer Rygg]] – vocals, additional [[programming (music)|programming]], e-percussion {{small|(1993–present)}}
* [[Jørn H. Sværen]] – miscellaneous {{small|(2000–present)}}
* Ole Aleksander Halstensgård – electronics, e-percussion {{small|(2017–present; live musician 2009–2017)}}

===Supporting members===
* Lars Pedersen – drums, percussion {{small|(2009–present)}} 
* Pamelia Kurstin – theremin {{small|(2009–present)}}
* Ivar Thormodsæter – drums {{small|(2015–present)}}
* Anders Møller – percussion {{small|(2016–present)}}
* [[Stian Westerhus]] – guitar {{small|(2017–present)}}
{{col-2}}

===Former members===

'''Guitars'''
* Sigmund Andreas "Grellmund" Løkken {{small|(1993; died 1996)}}
* [[Håvard Jørgensen|Håvard "Lemarchand" Jørgensen]] {{small|(1993–1999)}}
* [[Shagrath|Stian "Shagrath" Thoresen]] {{small|(1994)}}
* Torbjørn Heimen Pedersen (Aismal) {{small|(1994–1997)}}
* [[Knut Magne Valle]] {{small|(1998)}}
* [[Daniel O'Sullivan (musician)|Daniel O'Sullivan]] – guitar, bass, keyboards {{small|(core member 2009–2016, supporting member 2016–2017)}}

'''Bass guitar'''
* Robin "Mean" Malmberg {{small|(1993)}}
* [[Hugh Mingay|Hugh Steven James Mingay]] {{small|(1994–1998)}}

'''Drums'''
* [[Carl-Michael Eide|Carl-Michael "Czral" Eide]] {{small|(1993)}}
* Erik Olivier "AiwarikiaR" Lancelot {{small|(1994–1998)}}

'''Keyboards'''
* [[Håvard Jørgensen|Håvard "Lemarchand" Jørgensen]] {{small|(1993–1999)}}
* Torbjørn "Aismal" Pedersen {{small|(1994–1997)}}
* Tore Ylwizaker – keyboards, programming {{small|(1998–2024; died 2024)}}

'''Flute'''
* Erik Olivier "AiwarikiaR" Lancelot {{small|(1994–1998)}}
{{col-end}}

===Timeline===
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize  = width:950 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea   = left:160 bottom:100 top:5 right:10
Alignbars  = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period     = from:01/01/1993 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}
TimeAxis   = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1993
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1993
Legend     = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4

Colors =
 id:vocals  value:red       legend:Vocals
 id:guitar    value:green     legend:Guitar
 id:keys    value:purple    legend:Keyboards
 id:bass    value:blue      legend:Bass
 id:drums   value:orange    legend:Drums
 id:perc  value:claret   legend:Percussion
 id:programming value:lavender  legend:Programming
 id:misc    value:yellow  legend:Various_instruments
 id:studio   value:black     legend:Studio_album
 id:other   value:gray(0.7) legend:Other_release
 id:bars    value:gray(0.95)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

LineData =
 at:11/05/1993 color:other layer:back
 at:11/05/1993 color:other layer:back
 at:02/01/1995 color:black layer:back
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 at:12/07/1998 color:black layer:back
 at:09/27/1999 color:other layer:back
 at:03/26/2000 color:black layer:back
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 bar:Kristoffer  text:"Kristoffer Rygg"
 bar:Sigmund  text:"Sigmund Andreas Løkken"
 bar:Havard     text:"Håvard Jørgensen"
 bar:Torbjorn  text:"Torbjørn Pedersen"
 bar:Knut        text:"Knut Magne Valle"
 bar:Daniel     text:"Daniel O'Sullivan"
 bar:Tore        text:"Tore Ylwizaker"
 bar:Ole        text:"Ole Aleksander Halstensgård"
 bar:Robin      text:"Robin Malmberg"
 bar:Hugh       text:"Hugh Steven James Mingay"
 bar:Carl         text:"Carl-Michael Eide"
 bar:Erik         text:"Erik Olivier Lancelot"
 bar:Jorn         text:"Jørn H. Sværen"

PlotData =
 width:11
 bar:Kristoffer  from:01/01/1993 till:end  color:vocals
 bar:Kristoffer  from:10/01/1998 till:07/01/2000 color:programming width:3
 bar:Kristoffer  from:07/01/2000 till:end  color:programming width:7
 bar:Kristoffer  from:07/01/2000 till:end  color:perc width:3
 bar:Sigmund  from:01/01/1993 till:11/01/1993  color:guitar
 bar:Torbjorn  from:07/01/1994 till:07/01/1997  color:guitar
 bar:Torbjorn  from:07/01/1994 till:07/01/1997  color:keys width:3
 bar:Havard     from:01/01/1993 till:07/27/1999  color:guitar
 bar:Havard     from:01/01/1993 till:12/20/1998  color:keys width:3
 bar:Knut        from:10/01/1998 till:12/20/1998  color:guitar
 bar:Knut        from:10/01/1998 till:12/20/1998  color:programming width:3
 bar:Robin      from:01/01/1993 till:11/01/1993  color:bass
 bar:Hugh       from:07/01/1994 till:12/20/1998  color:bass
 bar:Daniel     from:05/30/2009 till:01/22/2016  color:guitar
 bar:Daniel     from:05/30/2009 till:01/22/2016  color:bass width:3
 bar:Daniel     from:05/30/2009 till:01/22/2016  color:keys width:7
 bar:Tore        from:06/01/1998 till:08/16/2024  color:keys
 bar:Tore        from:06/01/1998 till:08/16/2024  color:programming width:3
 bar:Ole        from:04/07/2017 till:end  color:programming 
 bar:Ole        from:04/07/2017 till:end  color:perc width:3
 bar:Jorn         from:07/01/2000 till:end  color:misc
 bar:Carl         from:01/01/1993 till:11/01/1993  color:drums
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 bar:Erik         from:07/01/1994 till:12/20/1998  color:drums
 bar:Erik         from:07/01/1994 till:12/20/1998  color:perc width:3
 }}

=== Supporting members timeline ===
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize  = width:950 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea   = left:160 bottom:100 top:5 right:10
Alignbars  = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period     = from:01/01/1993 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}
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Legend     = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4

Colors =
 id:guitar    value:green     legend:Guitar
 id:keys    value:purple    legend:Keyboards
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 id:theremin value:dullyellow  legend:Theremin
 id:viola   value:drabgreen      legend:Viola
 id:studio   value:black     legend:Studio_album
 id:other   value:gray(0.7) legend:Other_release
 id:bars    value:gray(0.95)

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 at:11/05/1993 color:other layer:back
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 at:10/20/2003 color:other layer:back
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 at:10/01/2007 color:black layer:back
 at:04/25/2011 color:black layer:back
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 at:08/01/2013 color:black layer:back
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 at:04/07/2017 color:black layer:back
 at:08/28/2020 color:black layer:back
 at:11/29/2024 color:black layer:back
BarData =
 bar:Pamela  text:"Pamelia Kurstin"
 bar:Daniel  text:"Daniel O'Sullivan"
 bar:Stian    text:"Stian Westerhus"
 bar:Ole  text:"Ole Aleksander Halstensgård"
 bar:Lars       text:"Lars Pedersen"
 bar:Tomas      text:"Tomas Pettersen"
 bar:Ivar       text:"Ivar Thormodsæter"
 bar:Anders         text:"Anders Møller"
 bar:Luca         text:"Luca Difato"

PlotData =
 width:11
 bar:Pamela     from:05/30/2009 till:end color:theremin
 bar:Daniel     from:01/22/2016 till:04/01/2017  color:guitar
 bar:Daniel     from:01/22/2016 till:04/01/2017  color:bass width:3
 bar:Daniel     from:01/22/2016 till:04/01/2017  color:keys width:7
 bar:Stian      from:04/01/2017 till:end  color:guitar
 bar:Ole        from:05/30/2009 till:04/01/2017 color:programming
 bar:Lars       from:05/30/2009 till:01/01/2010 color:drums
 bar:Tomas      from:01/01/2010 till:05/01/2014 color:drums
 bar:Tomas      from:01/01/2010 till:05/01/2014 color:perc width:3
 bar:Ivar       from:05/01/2014 till:end color:drums
 bar:Ivar       from:05/01/2014 till:end color:perc width:3
 bar:Anders     from:01/22/2016 till:end  color:perc
 bar:Luca       from:01/01/2013 till:12/31/2013 color:viola
}}

== Discography ==
{{Main|Ulver discography}}
* ''[[Bergtatt – Et eeventyr i 5 capitler]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Kveldssanger]]'' (1996)
* ''[[Nattens madrigal]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Themes from William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell]]'' (1998)
* ''[[Perdition City]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Blood Inside]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Shadows of the Sun]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Wars of the Roses (album)|Wars of the Roses]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Messe I.X–VI.X]]'' (2013)
* ''[[ATGCLVLSSCAP]]'' (2016)
* ''[[The Assassination of Julius Caesar (album)|The Assassination of Julius Caesar]]'' (2017)
* ''[[Flowers of Evil (Ulver album)|Flowers of Evil]]'' (2020)
* ''[[Scary Muzak]]'' (2021)
* ''Liminal Animals'' (2024)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons}}
* {{Official website|http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/}}
* {{discogs artist|Ulver}}
* {{imdb name|1364712}}

{{Ulver}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Norwegian black metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Norwegian avant-garde metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Norwegian experimental musical groups]]
[[Category:Norwegian ambient music groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1993]]
[[Category:1993 establishments in Norway]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Norway with local place of origin missing]]
[[Category:Norwegian synth-pop groups]]
[[Category:Norwegian electronic music groups]]
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