In the annals of heavy metal history, few bands have achieved the level of mystique and controversy as Burzum. Hailing from Norway, this black metal outfit, founded by the enigmatic figure Varg Vikernes, has left an indelible mark on the genre since its inception in the early 1990s. With a sound characterized by raw aggression, haunting melodies, and atmospheric compositions, Burzum stands as a cornerstone of the Norwegian black metal scene. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the origins, evolution, and enduring legacy of this iconic band.
Origins of Darkness: The Birth of Burzum
Burzum emerged from the bleak and desolate landscape of early 1990s Norway, a time and place marked by social upheaval, cultural rebellion, and a burgeoning underground music scene. At its helm was Varg Vikernes, a figure shrouded in myth and controversy. Born Kristian Vikernes, he adopted the pseudonym “Count Grishnackh” and later “Varg” as he delved deeper into the realms of black metal.
In 1991, Vikernes released Burzum’s self-titled debut album, a seminal work that would come to define the band’s sound and aesthetic. Characterized by its lo-fi production, scorching guitar riffs, and eerie atmospherics, Burzum laid the groundwork for what would become known as the “Norwegian black metal sound.” Tracks like “Feeble Screams from Forests Unknown” and “Ea, Lord of the Depths” showcased Vikernes’s penchant for blending ferocity with melancholy, crafting a sonic landscape that mirrored the bleakness of the band’s surroundings.
A Blaze in the Northern Sky: The Norwegian Black Metal Movement
Burzum emerged at a pivotal moment in the history of black metal, a genre known for its extreme musical stylings, provocative imagery, and controversial ideologies. Alongside bands like Mayhem, Darkthrone, and Emperor, Burzum spearheaded what would later be dubbed the “Second Wave” of black metal, a movement characterized by its embrace of raw, unfiltered aggression and a fervent rejection of mainstream values.
Central to this movement was the concept of “True Norwegian Black Metal” (TNBM), a term coined by Darkthrone’s Fenriz to describe the fiercely independent and uncompromising ethos of bands like Burzum. Eschewing the theatricality of bands like Venom and Mercyful Fate, these Norwegian musicians sought to create a more visceral and authentic form of black metal, one rooted in the harsh realities of their environment and their own inner darkness.
Controversy and Chaos: The Dark Side of Burzum
Despite its musical contributions, Burzum’s legacy is often overshadowed by controversy and scandal. In 1993, Varg Vikernes was arrested and charged with the murder of his former bandmate, Mayhem guitarist Euronymous. The ensuing trial captivated the media and sent shockwaves through the Norwegian black metal community, exposing the darker underbelly of a scene already infamous for its extremism and violence.
Vikernes’s incarceration did little to quell the controversy surrounding Burzum. From his prison cell, he continued to release albums and espouse his controversial views on race, religion, and society. Songs like “Jesus’ Tod” and “Dunkelheit” became rallying cries for those drawn to Vikernes’s brand of militant paganism and anti-Christian rhetoric, while his association with neo-Nazi and far-right ideologies further fueled the band’s notoriety.
Rebirth and Reinvention: Burzum in the 21st Century
Despite its tumultuous history, Burzum has endured into the 21st century, with Varg Vikernes continuing to record and release music under the band’s name. In recent years, however, Burzum’s sound has undergone a significant evolution, moving away from the blistering aggression of its early works towards a more introspective and experimental direction.
Albums like Filosofem (1996) and Hliðskjálf (1999) saw Vikernes incorporating elements of ambient music and neofolk into Burzum’s sonic palette, resulting in compositions that were at once haunting and ethereal. Tracks like “Rundgang Um Die Transzendentale Säule Der Singularität” and “Tomhet” showcased Vikernes’s newfound interest in creating atmospheric soundscapes, marking a departure from the more conventional black metal sound of his earlier releases.
Legacy of Darkness: Burzum’s Enduring Influence
Despite—or perhaps because of—its controversial legacy, Burzum remains a seminal and influential force within the black metal genre. Its uncompromising sound, provocative imagery, and ideological fervor have inspired countless bands and artists across the globe, shaping the trajectory of extreme metal music for decades to come.
From the icy fjords of Norway to the furthest reaches of the underground metal scene, the name Burzum continues to evoke both reverence and revulsion. As Varg Vikernes himself once proclaimed, “Burzum is not music, Burzum is not art. Burzum is a feeling, a concept, a conviction.” Love it or hate it, there is no denying the enduring power and enigmatic allure of Norway’s most infamous black metal band.
