Composed for and recorded with the Tromso Chamber Orchestra, Messe I.X-VI.X was the brooding 2013 released electro-Classical crossover release from Ulver.

 

A fitting testament to the incredible evolution of Ulver over its two decade existence, Messe I.X-VI.X was a gloriously ambitious and atmospheric follow up to 2011's acclaimed Wars Of The Roses, taking in Ambient, Contemporary Classical and Avant-Rock influences. 

 

Commissioned in 2012 by the Tromso Culture House in Norway, the music was first performed live by Ulver, alongside the Tromso Chamber Orchestra on September 21 2012. 

 

The band subsequently took the recordings back to Oslo and spent until Spring 2013 in post-production, honing the material for its studio release.

 

The six compositions were written, produced, recorded and mixed by Ulver - this time consisting of Ole Alexander Halstensgard, Kristoffer Rygg, Jorn H. Svaeren and Tore Ylwizaker - with additional aid and advice from composer Martin Romberg, who also arranged the music for the 21 members of the Chamber Orchestra. The album also features the extraordinary talents of contemporary composers/musicians Ole-Henrik Moe and Kari Ronnekleiv.

 

In a short message to their fans, the band named some of their influences for Messe I.X-VI.X:

 

"Gorecki's No. 3: Symphony of Sorrowful Songs has haunted us for years and probably always will. The Gustavs Mahler and Holst. Sound collages from When or Nurse With Wound. 1970's kraut and synth (Ash Ra and Autobahn). 1980's pop scores (John Carpenter and Tin Drum). Terry Riley, again and again and again. Saint John of the Cross." - Ulver, Summer 2013

 

Jewel case edition.