Burzum

Burzum is the one-man musical project of Varg Vikernes, a notorious Norwegian black metal musician incarcerated for the murder of fellow black metal musician Euronymous of Mayhem and a series of church arsons. The murder and crimes attracted worldwide media attention and have since become a centerpiece of Norwegian black metal lore. Although Vikernes hasn't recorded new material in a decade Burzum is still one of the most well-known black metal bands in the world, largely due to the lurid back-story of murder and church burnings.

Despite the frequent public fixation on the crimes and Vikernes' extreme right-wing political views, Burzum is nonetheless considered one of the cornerstones of Norwegian black metal along with Emperor, Darkthrone and Mayhem. Vikernes has recorded some of the seminal albums and songs of the genre, in particular tracks like “Jesus Tod” and “Det Som En Gang Var.”

Vikernes was part of the band Old Funeral beginning in 1988 with future members of Immortal. He founded Burzum in 1991 and became involved with the central figures of the Norwegian black metal scene, in particular Euronymous (Oystein Aarseth). Prior to his incarceration in 1993 Burzum recorded four albums. Once incarcerated, Vikernes abandoned the traditional black metal sound and wrote ambient pagan music steeped in Nordic folklore. The albums were recorded using only synthesizers. The first album Daudi Baldrs tells the story of Norse god Odin's second son Baldr. Burzum’s final recorded work was Hliðskjálf.

Vikernes was convicted and imprisoned for Aarseth's stabbing death in 1993 and a series of arsons of historic Norwegian churches (a photo of one burnt church was featured on the Burzum album Aske). A motive for the murder has never been determined; rumors suggest it was a struggle over who would lead the black metal scene or an argument about money. Vikernes claimed self-defense.

The events commanded worldwide attention. Vikernes -- who often used the nickname Count Grishnackh -- became known throughout tabloid headlines in Norway as "The Count." The story of the crimes, trial and nationwide panic can be seen in a Norwegian documentary titled “Satan Rides The Media." The book Lords of Chaos, which features extensive interviews by writer and musician Michael Moynihan, features the most comprehensive reporting on the subject. Vikernes has also espoused extreme political and often racist political views in interviews and printed works, including his 1997 book Vargsmal.

Vikernes hasn't recorded new music as Burzum since 1999 although he occasionally makes headlines. In 2003, he was arrested after he didn’t return on time from prison leave and was stopped in a car with guns, knives and military accessories. In a recent interview, he said he plans to retire to a small Norwegian village to raise his family when he is released and has no interest in black metal music.

Emperor, Mayhem, Immortal

Varg Vikernes (1991-present)

1992 Burzum (Deathlike Silence)
1993 Aske (Deathlike Silence)
1993 Det Som En Gang Var (Cymophane)
1994 Hvis lyset tar oss (Misanthropy) 1996 Filosofem (Misanthropy)
1997 Daudi Baldrs (Misanthropy)
1999 Hliðskjálf (Misanthropy)
2008 Anthology compilation (Candlelight)

Anthology (if you are new to Burzum)
Filosofem (experienced listeners)
It's tempting to disregard Burzum's catalog considering Vikernes' crimes, extreme political views and appalling statements about race and eugenics. But the power of his music is undeniable and the work should be judged accordingly. Novices should pick up Anthology, which gives a decent sampling of all of Burzum's work and includes informative liner notes.

Those with more experience should head right for Filsofem, a haunting and often spellbinding collection of songs. Vikernes intentionally tried to make this album sound primitive but that doesn't in any way hide the material, in particular the song “Jesus Tod,” which is one of the most powerful Norwegian black metal songs ever recorded.