Review: Ulvhedner - Berg Øde (2026)
Ulvhedner’s Berg Øde (10/10). This Norwegian Black Metal release is an outstanding homage to rural traditions, draped in brilliant Sognametal textures. Read more!
Band: Ulvhedner
Album: Berg Øde
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Norway
Label: Independent
Released: 30/5-2026
Introduction
At the very end of a snow-white fjord, lays a small town called Sauda, where the band Ulvhedner hails from. Ulvhedner plays their own take of the sognametal which Windir were the godfathers of. The six piece band fuses alot of the local Sauda stories, nature and traditions into their music.
Ulvhedner has previously released three full-length albums and two EP's, that all gathered good reviews. They were formerly on the Hellstain Productions roster but have recently dropped out and released this new album Berg Øde independently. Ulvhedner also shares some band members with the other Sauda band, Blodørn (Solistitium Records).
Berg Øde:
- Der Draumar Våknar
- Dødsmelodi
- Inn i Elden
- Det Syng i Kvist og Kved i Kvam
- Snøen Danser i Vintersol
- Opp på Stølen
- Kveldingsblå
It's safe to say I was highly anticipating this album, still listening to their 2023 release "Fjosmetall" weekly, and older tracks "Solnedgang" and "Ein Krigar Fallen til Jord" being among my most played tracks.
Ulvhedner has a way of telling you a story with their music. Svein Terje, who writes most of the music, has a talent to incorporate old radio and TV samples as intros and outros. Combining that with the folk melodies that's created by the guitar leads and other instrumentation, and traditional chanting, solidifies the elements and gives it soul. "Dødsmelodi" is a great example of the traditional folk tunes that Ulvhedner translates into great riffs. The track also has an alluring jaw harp part that showcases their creativity.
Berg Øde feels like a storyline told throughout all the tracks. The songs transition swiftly from one to the next, takin us onwards on their journey. With both Bjørnar and Svein Terje working together on vocals, one growling, the other choiring, adds another layer to the tale, just as on "Snøen Danser i Vintersol". The two vocalists and their layering are more distinct ut to me on Berg Øde than on most of their previous output.
What I like so much about Ulvhedner's music is their way of bringing the music to life. Melodic black metal at its base with folk elements in both guitars, jaw harps, synths, strings and sampling. Intense, rawer sections with beautiful lyrics, and a way to always bring the groove back, just as they portray in "Kveldingsblå".
Conclusion
Ulvhedner is highly unique in the black metal landscape of today. Berg Øde is a testament of what Ulvhedner stands for, homage to the rural Norwegian tradition and lifestyle, keeping the melodic sognametal style alive draped in knitted sweaters.
BMZ Rating: 10 out of 10
Your thoughts on this review.
We love to hear your opinion about this album. You can do so by becoming a member and commenting on this post.
Or share your opinion and thoughts on our social media channels, or join the discussion on our Discord—where we talk about all things black metal. Don’t forget to follow our Facebook page, Black Metal Zine, for updates on our latest articles, and take a look at our Instagram @blackmetal.zine for concert photos and more!
