How would you describe the musical evolution from Belus to Fallen?
Varg Vikernes: The latter is more varied and thorough, the pace is a bit faster and the sound is better.
How long was your songwriting and recording process?
It took about a year to finish the album for recording, and then I spent two weeks in studio to record it.
Is there a lyrical theme to the album, or are all the songs standing alone?
The theme is “the fallen”, basically, as suggested by the title. The lyrics for each track stand alone, but they all deal with the same theme.
Your lyrics are in Norwegian, but you publish translations in many different languages on your website. Is it simply so fans can get an idea of your lyrical subjects, or are there other reasons as well?
Actually, burzum.org publishes these translations. I don't. Anyway, I embrace this because I don't see why we shouldn't do it. There is no need for all of us to speak the same language.
You seem to work very quickly. Do you ever experience writers block or a lack of musical ideas?
Not really. I experience a shift in interests at times, meaning I do other things than make music for some time in my working hours, and then I return to making music.
How did you select the cover art for Fallen?
I spent a long time of searching for the right one... online, I may add.
After Belus you said you weren't sure if you would do more albums. Now with another one finished, do you anticipate a regular musical output going forward?
It's hard to predict anything in this context, especially in these times. I aim to produce more albums, possibly one each year, but time shall tell what happens. I have no deadlines or anything, so I will take my time. If it's done in a year, you'll see another one next year. If it's not done in a year... then you won't.
You've said negative things about the modern Norwegian black metal scene. What issues do you have with it?
You mean apart from them being either rats or friends with rats? They are a parody of what black metal was supposed to be! How can I not detest them? Oh, and why is nobody making fun of Satyricon's drummer? I mean; when was having a nose job okay for “oh-so-damn-tough-I-am” black metal artists? I am sorry to say so, but these guys makes me feel ashamed of being Norwegian. Hey, just have a look at any Immortal video on YouTube and you will feel ashamed of being of the same species as these guys.
Do you have any interest in any musical collaborations with other artists?
Nah. I would have to compromise, socialize with musicians and so forth, and that's just not my cup of tea. I can do everything I need to do musically myself. Or if I ever need a female vocal I'll just ask my daughter to help me out.
How would you describe Burzum's influence and place in musical history?
I'll leave that for others to decide.
Anything else you'd like to mention or promote?
Sure, we are working to publish Sorcery and Religion in Ancient Scandinavia these days, a book I wrote a few years ago (and just finished translating into English), and I will encourage all those interested in our European culture to keep their eyes open for that. You can also expect a Burzum compilation album, From the Depths of Darkness, to be released next September. It is made up of re-recorded tracks from the début album and Det som engang var.
