Metamorphosis (EP)


Metamorphosis is the first EP by Norwegian experimental collective Ulver. Written and produced by Kristoffer Rygg and Tore Ylwizaker, the EP was issued on 27 September 1999 via Jester Records. The EP showcased Ulver's new electronic sound, displaying the changes that would become more readily apparent on the album Perdition City.
In the sleeve notes to Metamorphosis, the group declared:

Background

commented “ was totally electronic, at parts even techno. When we are in the studio, things seem to go their own paths. We never write anything in advance but all is improvised in the studio. Usually we have only a pattern, a loop or a sound we like. Then we just play with that sound until it becomes a song.“

Critical reception

Upon its original release, Metamorphosis received mixed reviews.
SputnikMusic commented, “There’s really not much here but a quick glimpse to the band’s future, especially Perdition City. Ulver needed to release this before they could continue because it was obviously a new change in sound but also a learning experience for them to produce their new sound as well as starting to experiment with how they wanted certain things to sound, or how they wanted to use the mixing board as a rhythm instrument. This is Ulver’s Precambrian.”
John Chedsey, writing for Satan Stole My Teddybear, commented: “Having consistently reinvented themselves on every release, Ulver has made the final transformation into an electronic act in the vein of Future Sound of London or a more resonant and layered Aphex Twin. The EP captures their new sound fairly well. As a preview for their upcoming Perdition City, Metamorphosis is a great teaser.

Track listing

Personnel

;Ulver
;Technical personnel