Bergtatt, the title of Ulver’s 1995 debut, doesn’t seem to have an exact translation to English. In the album’s liner notes it’s translated as both “Spellbound” and “Mountain-taken” which is the literal translation*. It’s a Norwegian term for people (usually maidens I imagine) that have been lured into the hills by particularly alluring trolls and other assorted faerie folk, never to return! The music is appropriately seductive, alluring and magical: the album is laden with dreamy acoustic guitars, flutes and soothing Gregorian chant singing. There’s excellent, raw black metal throughout as well but, even then, the orchestrated layers of guitar don’t shatter the dreamy allure: Ulver aiming for a panoramic, classical vibe rather than the usual evil aggression. It’s a debut so fully realised that the band immediately moved on from the style but Bergtatt has proven to be inescapably influential. In 1995 this was a unique album but so many bands have followed in its dreamy, progressive footsteps since that, if it was released today, it would be more relevant than ever. It’s ageless rock n troll.
*In English the full album title is Mountain-taken: A Fairy Tale in 5 Chapters
HEAVY METAL OVERLOAD 
Thanks for this introduction. I really like that embedded “chapter.” Is it representative of the whole album? I’m intrigued but a bit of a scaredy-cat based on your mention of “raw black metal throughout.” I can be a big baby when it comes to gruff black-metal vocals. Am I safe?
Also, thanks for the Easter egg! Had never heard of Trollhunter but have been enticed into giving it a viewing in coming days. Looks freaking awesome! I’m on a bit of a Norway kick of late; wearing my Kvelertak shirt as I type and been watching a Norwegian TV series (thoughtful political thriller) called “Occupied.” It is a great show if you haven’t seen it. Really makes me pine for an opportunity to visit Scandinavia.
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Kvelertak! I saw those guys in concert, they were quite good! They were opening for Gojira and Mastodon. What a night!
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Yeah man, I saw that same tour! Mine was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with my son. I’d also seen them opening for High on Fire in Washington D.C. at a smaller place the year before. Great, bouncy Norwegian party metal!
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This track is very representative. There’s gruff BM vocals on other tracks but I didn’t think you’ll mind them here. On their second album they went full-on folk. No gruff vocals at all! But no metal either. It’s a great album too (is called Kveldsangger)
I’d love a Scandinavian visit too. Never been. Was on a Scandi-Crime kick for a while but haven’t heard of Occupied so I’ll need to check that out. Let me know what you make of Troll Hunter. Glad you spotted the link! There’s some bits of it that don’t quite work but it’s great fun… Very playful!
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Went to Spotify and listened to the rest of Bergtatt and you are right, the black metal vocals didn’t put my over-sensitive ears off too much. That said, I went right into Kveldsangger afterwards and dude, it is some beautiful stuff. It transported to vast, snow-capped mountainscapes — mountain-taken indeed; metal in spirit if not in letter. Seems you’ve inadvertently sold my over-sensitive sensibilities on Ulver’s sophomore offering!
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That’s awesome! The sophomore is a great album too! Don’t forget about Bergtatt though… If you’re still feeling over-sensitive you should maybe stay away from their third album though!
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That track you posted is really something. It’s so pretty and uplifting, but then that music underneath has some menace and heaviness to it… Best of both worlds! I can see why this was so influential. Classy and classic!
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It’s very classy! And you hear it in so much modern BM.
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Holy Crap….Mr Books caught these dudes live??? I was here for the History Lesson …cool stuff HMO!
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Nope, not Ulver. I was responding to Victim Of The Fury about seeing Kvelertak in concert. Although I would definitely see Ulver in concert, too!
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Thanks Deke! If you caught this band live now, they don’t sound anything like this!
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This lot sound right good. I’m not surprised you postponed breakfast! Worthy of dropping your porridge for!
I like the idea of those big Trolls luring maidens to the hills … kinda like the big dude in Fraggle Rock. “I caught a fraggle!” (Only it would be a maiden instead of a fraggle). Then the maidens escape and finish up their adventures!
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Woah that’s a vivid Fraggle Rock memory there! Having Fraggle flashbacks… And yes, this album is well worth a postponed porridge!
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That’s an interesting notion – the debut saying all that needed to be said, and so the band moved on to other sounds.
Been a long time since a Rock n’ troll!
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A lot of the BM bands of this era progressed really fast. I think they were all quite keen to not sound like each other…
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Mummy, I’m scared!
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But trolls are FUN
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I’m worried they’re a gateway monster and before I knew it I’d be hanging out with Frost Giants.
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It’s a valid concern. Faerie Grooming, it’s called I think.
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I love Ulver! Their new album is excellent!
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I’ve not really got into their newer stuff to be honest. Always stick with the black metal stuff! Heard good things about the new one though so I’ll definitely check it out at some point.
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