The Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 37 competing songs in Eurovision 2024. Next we review Norway, who have chosen Gåte with “Ulveham”.
Are we howling with approval? Read on to find out!
Gåte – “Ulveham” (Norway Eurovision 2024)
Review: Gåte – “Ulveham”
Scarlett: “Ulveham” is everything that makes Eurovision Eurovision. There is nothing else like it this year. It’s traditional, modern, and badass all at once. The folk instrumentals draw you in from the very start, and the dark, mystical energy of the song builds relentlessly. Gunnhild’s vocal technique is impeccable. Even if you don’t understand the Norwegian (specifically, Nynorsk) lyrics – and especially in the parts where in fact there are no lyrics at all – you can feel the song’s raw power enveloping you. This song is three minutes of exhilaration.
Score: 10
Georgia: This song packs a real punch, and Gåte’s powerful vocals deliver it with undeniable intensity. I appreciate Norway’s bold move to send a Norwegian folk song and it’s definitely a significant moment for the country to showcase their culture with Norwegian lyrics. However, while the song’s strength is apparent, it doesn’t quite resonate as pleasantly with my ears as I had hoped. Perhaps it’s the overly intense execution that doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. However, it feels like the kind of song that could grow on you over time.
Score: 2.5
Sebastian: Originality, exemplified. “Ulveham” completely embodies Eurovision’s beauty. Rich cultural tapestry? Check. Haunting, alluring vocals (Gunnhild’s Kvelde) completely unique to the country representing it? Check. An edge-of-your-seat performance? Check. For Gåte’s “Ulveham” to win over myself, one usually only obsessed with the most basic of pop-sluttery, it goes to show that this whole performance can garner the attention of anyone. These guys are consummate professionals, and their unbridled confidence shows. This is the sleeper of 2024 – and this will challenge for the win, so long as Gunnhild can hit the high note flawlessly.
Score: 9
Antranig: I desperately want to close my eyes and let “Ulveham” transport me back to many glorious days spent in the Norwegian fjords, but I think I’ve missed my connecting flight. The problem with this song is that once you’ve heard a minute or so, you’ve heard it all. It doesn’t evolve, it doesn’t grow, it doesn’t develop — it just exists and carries on without taking the listener on a journey. Never have I wanted to like a song more than this one, but it just falls flat every time I try to give it another chance. It has all the right ingredients but it hasn’t quite been cooked right.
Score: 6
Norway Eurovision 2024 ranking
In the Eurovision 2024 Wiwi Jury, we have 17 jurors but only have room for four reviews. The remaining scores are below:
|
Cinan: 7.5 Deban: 7.5 Jonathan: 10 Lucy: 8 Pablo: 9 Ron: 7 Ruxandra: 8 |
Simon: 5.5 Suzanne: 6 Tom: 7 Tomas: 10 William: 7.5 Youyou: 6 |
We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 2.5 and a high of 10.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 7.60/10
What do you think of Norway’s Eurovision 2024 entry? Share your own score and review for Gåte’s “Ulveham” below!
She can sing loud, but what about the lyrics? She sings about becoming wolf drinking the blood of her half-brother?
Very creepy
I don’t like them participating to pre eurovision shows. This is an epic song deserving epic staging. It loses its magic on those parties. Still my number 1 regardless.
You know, as a Norwegian I don’t really care about the result this year. I’m just happy that we’re able to send something cultural and traditional that represents us, and something that many of us Norwegians can stand behind.
10/10 winner!!! Love the song, love it all – wishing for another Top 10 finish for Norway, would be so so so sooooo deserved.
I say this with all the respect. I foresee a new Eaea, and I am Spanish and adored Eaea. Very good song, but for most of the audience is going to be just shouting. Therefore, good jury results, awful televoting result.
This is a rock song, and probably will be the only rock song besides Croatia in the grand final… It is way more appealing to general voters than what a flamenco song is. I loooooved “Eaea”, but the two songs are very different despite having similar roots.
It was close, but thank goodness for a voting system change and the fearlessness of televoters for avoiding a jury-induced national selection disaster in Norway. Because, with “Ulveham”, Norway have selected a song that is so far away from everything that one would expect to find in Eurovision, that these very extremes might have made this the most “Eurovision-y” song of the year. This is a collection of different genres that have never come together on the Eurovision stage before, and somehow the mix is just right in creating what might be the most objectively-accomplished metal song in Eurovision history.… Read more »
This song is practically perfection. Voice is otherworldly and the staging/atmosphere were on point. Just get rid of the fake rock on the spinning turntable. Instead, steal the LED floor from Lithuania’s Rain of Revolution and you will have an uber yah yah moment. And please keep the back bend belting at the end of the number….so effective!! And find a place to hold the mic out to the audience for some crowd participation!!
I can’t fathom how would one would give this song a 2.5/10. As I see it, and looking back and past editions, Norway has a clear chance for a top 5-10 finish. It’s impactful, original and outstanding, topped with superb vocals. Perfect to pick votes from both the jury and the audience. 7.5/10 1. Czechia (8.25/10) 2. Ireland (8/10) 3. Spain (7.75/10) 4. Norway (7.5/10) 5. Belgium (7.25/10) 6. San Marino (7.25/10) 7. Poland (7/10) 8. United Kingdom (7/10) 9. France (6.75/10) 10. Australia (6.75/10) 11. Greece (6.75/10) 12. Azerbaijan (6.75/10) 13. Armenia (6.75/10) 14. Slovenia (6.75/10) 15. Serbia (6.5/10)… Read more »
Amazing piece of pagan pop.
You know, this year I had my top 4 decided fairly quickly, but kept on changing my fav #5 of the year… Now it is locked!
3/12
33/37
Read the ratings and explanations. While this is an easy 10/10 for me and the best song this year, I understand that some people might dislike this but I don’t understand how can Antranig say that this doesn’t take you on the journey. Ulveham is, objectively, the song that takes you on the journey most vivid not only this year, in the last 10 ESC years or so! Or our definition of the journey is completely different. You don’t even have to check the lyrics and know Norwegian, the pure atmosphere they create and musicality of the band creates a… Read more »
My winner this year. Fantastic live performance that captivated me, got me hooked and sent shivers down my spine at first listen at MGP semi finals. No other entry had this effect on me. I’ll be giving all my votes to Norway in the final. 10/10
2nd place – Norway Absolutely magnificent, amazing song! This year I was a bit late to follow the Eurovision songs and when they came out. This was the first song I heard and let me tell you I was so speechless, I knew nothing could top off this. Norway is usually one of the countries I love in Eurovision. They never disappoint, but this year they truly decided to slay and send something soooo different than anything we’ve heard from recent years. The song in itself is so dark and mystic and even though it isn’t in English, it still… Read more »
My winner
It’s without question the best song and performance of the year.
This is easily one of the best songs this year and is vying for my top spot. It’s dark, exciting, exhilarating and they can certainly deliver. Whether the public will agree I don’t know (I loved Spain last year and still do) but for me this is essential eurovision.
10/10
Original song but too much screaming; can’t even hear lyrics
The chorus doesnt have lyrics though. it’s vocalizing
I can understand that for some, this isn’t a sound they like – we saw it with Go_A as well. Not everyone liked the chaotic folktronic sounds of «Shum». So i can understand the view of Georgia, but I disagree completely with Antranig, who claims that the “once you’ve heard a minute or so, you’ve heard it all. It doesn’t evolve, it doesn’t grow, it doesn’t develop — it just exists and carries on without taking the listener on a journey. ” The song definitely does evolve and it can be heard easily in the instrumental progression, I guess one… Read more »
Divisive songs…get televotes. For every one person put off by the vocal style, another will pick up the phone and vote. Sailing through to the final. Top ten finish not out of the question.
Do you really think the public will vote for this song? She screams in an unknown language for 3 minutes. ”Eaea” came last in the public vote last year (Wiwiblog overrated this song and called it top 10 too.) This may be a spoiler for this year for Norway.
Jamala screamed her choruses in an unknown language.
Ok, screaming only came towards the end but still.
Jamala did not scream but sang.
I guess we have different definitions of screaming… she does not “scream” for the entire song. (Also Eaea is probably a less-mainstream song compared to this so I don’t really get the comparison. I love both songs anyway….)
I am completely shocked by the number of people comparing this with Ea Ea. It literally has no similarities whatsoever. This is a progressive rock/metal song with Nordic folk elements, Ea Ea is a completely Spanish folk/flamenco song. Nordic folk and Spanish folk have nothing in common.
“Eaea” came last with the televote (undeservedly IMO) but “Shum” came second. The public can get behind unusual singing styles in an unknown language.
Eaea gave me headaches, this doesn’t.
Totally agree. I just commented the same.
The reason we have ESC… Wonderfully full of wonder.
Sorry Norway but this is three minutes of noise. Same people overrated Fulenn in 2022. 4.5/10
Alvan & Ahez were woefully inadequate live. The studio version of “Fulenn” was and is fab. Gåte are great live and they have a great song. I fully understand that these songs are not everybody’s cup of tea. Personally, I love them.
People should stop comparing this song with “Fulenn” as “Fulenn” was awfully performed live. Alvan looked creepy. The female singers were off vocally, and it all was staged like a high school performance act. Also, the song didn’t feel French at all, or at least not the way people expect a French song to sound like. Norways entry is more comparable with Ukraines Go_A if it is to be compared with anyone. The vocals are much stronger as well compared to “Fulenn,” and the song feels way more authentic to Norway than what “Fulenn” did for France as well.
Breton is an actual place and ‘Fulenn’ captures a large part of it’s identity. France is a very diverse country, although less nuanced people would like to reduce it to garlic and berets.
Indeed! “Fulenn” was sung in Breton, not in French, and it contained strong elements of the Celtic cultural heritage of Breizh/Bretagne.
But the french accent was very harsh….
I absolutely agree !
My absolute favourite. I hope they replicate the national final on stage as it was epic.
I’m living for the big blasts of pagan magic that have been appearing in ESC in recent years. This year we’ve Ireland, Slovenia, but the most primal of all is Norway. 10/10.
Old-myth-folklore-intense privileged and “peaceful” Norway following the contemporaneous painful and hopeful and humane intensity of resilient and dignified Israel <3 Talking about the RO of semifinal 2.
This is an English language forum. Also, Norway is respected around the world in a way that Israfail never will be.
Interesting <3
I was surprised that SVT didn’t put Ireland after my Teresa & Maria.
Comparisons to other songs this reminds me on opening of Norways 1995 winner Nocturne that leads into Evanescence track Bring me to life sung by Bjork! Ulveham is wonderful but again the placing of this song by Bjorkman is the key to its fate. Best folk/rock track of 2024.
I’m not gonna lie, but this is my absolute favorite this year! I’m realistic enough to know that Norway, unfortunately, will probably not win the Eurovision Song Contest…But I keep hoping!!!!
Gold star!
It’s my clear winner this year. There is something so magic and etherical about this song that gives me goosebumps. The performance is great and I love the lyrics originating from Middle Ages. I felt winner vibes in the song and if Norway wins ESC 2024 that would absolutely deserved.
“Ulveham” is a very dark piece of music. When reduced to just notes on a piano, this is enough to make you cry from despair. Warning: Never play this song on piano – You may be haunted by it. In my opinion, the popularity of this song is all about the folk-rock genre and the band itself. Gunnhild is fabulous when she does her vocalisations in the Choruses, and I already heard how strong she was in London, so no sound trickery will be needed there. This is going to be good live, for sure. The 6/8 time of the… Read more »
I made a musical mistake with this review, which I must retract. This song is not in 6/8 time. Apologies for the oversight.
There is a syncopated cross-rhythm happening over 4/4 time, but that is not the same as 6/8 time. I will sink into despair and eat humble pie. (Sorry to Gåte for messing that up.)
I’m sure they’ll forgive you for that, Purple 😛
Thank you for explaining all the layers and genius complexity behind this song which is intrinsically felt by listeners who are enjoying the real music.
It’s very refreshing to see an European rock band singing in their native language. They are another act I want to have a satisfying result in May because it can lead to a bigger diversity of musical styles in the future of the contest, which is very necessary to happen.
It’s so hard to believe they end up 10th-14th in so many rankings, as I’ve never had such a clear winner. The moment they won MGP (we had like 7 songs then) I knew nothing could top them in my ranking and I was right. This is outrageously good, it’s art, it’s unique, powerful, emotional, mindblowing quality in every aspect, it’s a whole experience. Thank you Gåte ???
This will be top 10, probably top 5 in the contest for sure. There is nothing like it. I would be fine with Croatia winning but I will vote for Norway.
One of my absolute favourites, both this year and overall from Norway.
If this song doesn’t end up in the top 10, something is so wrong with Europe!
I’ve been wanting Norway to send something like this for years, and finally we truly have something authentically Norwegian, and the blends of folklore, instrumentation and vocal prowess hits an absolute peak with this entry. I generally find that the 2024 line-up is mostly just ‘good’, but this is one of few songs that has continuously wowed me on every occasion where I see Ulveham performed live. While it is not my winner this year, it is a very, VERY close runner-up.
This is a 10/10 for me. I have no criticisms.
This is such an obvious top 5 result this year. Just like entries such as GO-A they hit different live and will steal peoples hearts. Personally I’m in love with ?
*in love with it!
3RD PLACE: NORWAY: Ethno-modern fusion songs are sometimes a hit or miss for me but this is definitely a hit. The ethnic instrumentation blends well with the modern, rock/metal one, the verses are dark, intriguing and melodical and then the haunting chorus arrives where Gunnhild is just stunning: she performs the traditional singing impeccably every time. The Norwegian language is also a plus and it matches the Scandinavian heart of the song: something that’s rarely included in Eurovision in the last few years. Gåte also have an amazing staging, perhaps the most epic staging of the year, that’s dark and… Read more »
Long overdue Norwegian language and culture recognition, long overdue real music recognition instead of weird face masks and auto tune. Norway is doing everything right this year after doing everything wrong for so long. This should be in the race to win and nothing less. The fact that this won over the most basic bubblegum pop means there’s still hope for MGP after all.
To like something, you don’t need to hate something else
I’ll write my comments however I choose.
I second Antranig’s reviewing. I loved the first moment the first time I heard it, now it irritates me. I really want to like it because they got all this going for them, her voice, the energy, the nostalgia but after just a few seconds it just annoys me rather than moves me.
It’s not one of my favorites but I do appreciate it because it’s different and that it’s in Norwegian. Obvious qualifier
NORWAY – In the last decade, Norway has been in my top 10 more times than not. They tend to find that perfect spot of being fun, instant, and polished at the same time. Ulveham presents the new chapter in the Norwegian excellence textbook. Less mainstream, more gritty, and fully dipped into the old Norse folklore. I love everything about this entry! The lyrics tell the tale of a maiden who’s been controlled by her evil stepmother, and forced to do bad things for her, only to eventually fight back. It’s a story seen in many European fairytales, but told… Read more »
If this song was sent by France, Georgia or San Marino, it would easily end up last in the context. Because it’s Norway, people praise it.
Idk, I just can’t relate to it at all.
I actually wish other countries would send stuff like this, but they sadly don’t.
finally Norway choosing something authentic, best norwegian eurovision entry of all time
10/10
And yet you commented on Slimane’s
French entry that it “would’ve been better if this was in english tbh”. At least be consistent in your odd comments 😉
My winner. Only performance that gives me goosebumps every time i watch it. 10/10
A song like this was long overdue from a Scandinavian country. They might excel at manufactured pop, but there’s much more to their music scenes. Sweden would never dare to something like this, but Norway did a great job, and I expect a three-digit televote score in the final.
By a margin the best nordic act this year.. Norway 9/12
1) Norway – Yeah. There was no way this wasn’t going to be my winner. I’ve gotten through high school listening to music almost exactly like this, and this song just amazes me every time. Gunnhild’s voice is amazing, the background of the lyrics is amazing, the use of kulokk is fantastic, and the stage show? One of the best I’ve seen, and I’m sure they’ll bring up the intensity during the live shows. It gives me chills every time, and I’m so happy that Norway sent this one. My second place came pretty close to winning, but overall this… Read more »
sorry, forgot to add that the kvelde definitely works too. I know some people say that it’s not a sing alongable, but I always mimic it when I can!
Georgia WTFFFFFF
It’s not my cup of tea. This song is too annoying to listen to. 2/10 for me. Good luck Norway.
I love watching the brilliant performance, but something annoys me when listen the track only. I find Norway as a serious contender, although it’s not among my favourites. It’s a quality in many perspectives.
There’s something about this I like and has constantly been in the back of my head. It has grown on me a lot over the last few weeks. It is dramatic and does feel like something different and so gives it a bit of an appeal, Spotify (other streamers are available) suggest it’s lyrical composition to be light and so she might be just making noises for a lot of it, the otherside it could be a very ancient script ????. Solid song, that I’m not sure how the jury’s will react.
Score 7/10