Ulver - Liminal Animals (2024)

Mostly first released over the last year as singles, “Liminal Animals” marks Ulver’s latest opus, filled with their usual catchiness with a flair of darkness. Dedicated to the late Tore Ylvisaker, this release sees the band continue their dreamy/catchy endeavors of the last two releases, and also push forward with more somber and experimental elements thrown into the mix. Masterfully structured, this album makes all previously released singles come to life and showcase a different side to themselves, so be prepared for some aural exploration.

Opening with the superbly dreamy “Ghost Entry”, the band sets a very glamorous and ethereal vibe, similar to their last few albums: catchy AF. The transition into “A City in the Skies” and “Forgive Us” are masterful as the percussion and electronics set a very futuristic mood. We have always been huge fans of Kristoffer Rygg’s vocals and the way they blend with the atmospherics of the music and the choir arrangements is just magical. Providing some nice change of pace, “Nocturne #1” has a great cinematic feeling, while the second part further explores more dynamic atmospherics.

The absolute banger of this release has to be the crushing “Hollywood Babylon” and its insanely catchy nature. It also has that weird Miami Vice vibe, particularly thanks to some of its epic lyrics and just overall playful nature. This is definitely one of the best songs the band has ever released. Bringing a certain Noir-esque vibe, “The Red Light” is sultry and sexy to no end, showcasing the massive versatility of the band. The second stand out piece has to be the somber “Helian” an 11-minute beast with a slow burn and a very hypnotic narration by Jørn H. Sværen, creating a very martial and engaging vibe.

Overall, “Liminal Animals” is yet another brilliant release from Ulver. Filled with catchiness, magical atmospherics, and dreamlike passages, this release hit all the notes from the band’s last years of work. This release also shows a bit of a forward movement in to more experimental rhythms and darker territories, so hopefully the wolves continue in that path and we see this expand in the future. If you liked anything from the band since their “The Assassination of Julius Caesar” release, you will certainly love this album.

Label: House of Mythology

Release: November 29th, 2024

Genre: Dark Wave/Synthpop

Country: Norway