Ulver – The Assassination Of Julius Caesar


Ulver has made a career of doing the unexpected and turning it into a sublime musical journey. The uneasy alliance between artist, subject matter, and fans hasn’t always been linear, and certainly never bowing to the obvious. For some just the mere name of the band conjures up a deep well of love for their first-wave black metal releases, some 25-plus years ago. Even back then, they were the most out of the box group of artists from an era where many tried and failed to be unique. They choose to defy categorization, and follow their own pure inspiration. If you really love making or enjoying good music, old scenes don’t dictate what drives you anyway.

That type of spirit continues to push Ulver to new heights on their album The Assassination of Julius Caesar (House Of Mythology). Further away from the psychedelic rock flavors of their recent releases, the band has gone full-on synth pop/new wave; and done it so well, you have to wonder why it took so long. They channeled the sexiest spirit of Low-era Bowie, the wistful depressiveness Joy Division had, drugs from the recording console of early Depeche Mode, all the best bits of other 80s New Romantic classics tossed in, and a lite trace of chill EDM. At the same time these tracks are so immersive and brainy, they are timeless gems more than copies of little pop ditties. The same attention to sonic details and lyrical development shines through. Produced by the band in Oslo, special props need to go out to Martin Glover a.k.a. Youth of Killing Joke and Michael Rendall for their superb mixing job. This album has a crystalline perfection to it when listened to on a proper system.

As for the music, it’s an incredible ride. The opener ‘Nemoralia’ sets the tone for the entire album with is bubbling bass, beautiful crooning vocals, heady lyricism. Second track ‘Rolling Stone’ is easily one of the best songs of the year so far. At over nine minutes long, if the song were a third the length that it is, it would be a sure fire hit at radio right now. However, part of its charm is not only its stunning chorus, and great contributions from backup singers Rikke Normann and Sisi Sumbundu, experimental Jazz guitaristc Stian Westerhus, but the track ends in a fantastic 60’s rave up. This comes complete with Nik Turner of Hawkwind on Saxophone! It’s pretty mind-blowing on repeated listens.

‘So Falls The World’ is another gorgeous track which continues the themes of the album. There are really no weak moments overall, but ‘Southern Gothic’, ‘Angelus Novus’, ‘1969’, and ‘Coming Home’ are bound to stay with you long after you stop playing them.

Through the lens of historical tragedies, soothing synths, and emotive singing, Ulver documents how humans are doomed to repeat ourselves, pitifully. In this way, the band is not as far removed from its roots as you might think. A masterful release.

9.0/10

KEITH CHACHKES