Burzum

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Burzum
Origin Bergen, Norway
Genre(s) Black metal
Dark ambient
Years active 1991–1999, 2009–present
Label(s) Deathlike Silence
Cymophane
Misanthropy
Associated acts Mayhem
Old Funeral
Darkthrone
Website burzum.org
Members
Count Grishnackh (Varg Vikernes)

Burzum is the musical project by Varg Vikernes (under the pseudonym "Count Grishnackh"). It began during 1991 in Bergen, Norway and quickly became prominent within the early Norwegian black metal scene.[1] During 1992 and 1993, Burzum recorded four albums; however, in 1993 Vikernes was convicted and imprisoned for the murder of guitarist Øystein "Euronymous" Aarseth and the arson of several churches. While imprisoned, Vikernes has recorded two albums in the dark ambient style.

Contents

[edit] History

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[edit] Early years (1991–1993)

From 1988, Vikernes had been playing in the short lived band Old Funeral which also consisted of members who would later form the band Immortal. He played guitar in the band until 1991 when Old Funeral dissolved and then he chose to form his one man band, Burzum. Soon after recording two demo tapes, he became very involved with the Norwegian black metal scene, being both interested in its music and the ideology. With his demo tapes, he had attracted attention from Øystein Aarseth of Mayhem, who had just recently formed Deathlike Silence Productions. Aarseth then signed Burzum to the label, and shortly after, Burzum began to record for his self-titled debut album. According to Vikernes' autobiography on his website, he had intended to record the album in the worst recording quality possible (due to this being a typical trademark of the early Norwegian black metal scene), though still make it sound acceptable. Burzum's eponymous debut album was released in 1992, being one of the first albums released on Deathlike Silence Productions. The song "War" from this album had a guest appearance from Euronymous of Mayhem, playing a guitar solo "just for fun", according to Vikernes.

Vikernes has stated that he had never played any live shows with Burzum, though at one point was interested in it so Samoth of Emperor joined the band as their bassist though only appeared on the Aske EP. Additionally, Erik Lancelot was hired to be the band's drummer, though did not record on any Burzum material, and along with Samoth did not play a live show. Vikernes had by then lost his interest in playing live concerts, and stated that he "didn't even need session musicians anymore". Therefore, Samoth and Lancelot had parted ways with Burzum. Burzum stayed as a solo project until 1993, when Vikernes was arrested for the murder of Euronymous and the burnings of several churches in Norway. Det som engang var was released as Burzum's second album in 1993, recorded in 1992, and was the first of the remaining albums to be released during his incarceration.

[edit] Imprisonment (1993–2009)

Vikernes was in prison for the murder of Euronymous, former guitarist of Mayhem, as well as the arson of several churches in Norway. During his time in prison, Vikernes has recorded two albums in a dark ambient style. They were released as Dauði baldrs (1997) and Hliðskjálf (1999).

[edit] Post-Imprisonment (2009-present)

Vikernes has already written nine new songs for an upcoming Burzum album, which he hopes to release on new years, 2010. Vikernes mentions that several record companies are interested in releasing his first album in eleven years. He has stated about the new album, "I want to take my time, and make it the way I want it. It will be metal, and the fans can expect genuine Burzum."[2]

[edit] Discography

[edit] Main releases

Title Recorded Released
Burzum January 1992 March 1992
Det som engang var April 1992 August 1993
Aske August 1992 March 1993
Hvis lyset tar oss September 1992 May 1994
Filosofem March 1993 January 1996
Dauði Baldrs 1994-1995 (in prison) October 1997
Hliðskjálf 1998 (in prison) April 1999

[edit] Demos/promos

  • Burzum (Demo I) (1991)
  • Burzum (Demo II) (1991)
  • Burzum (Promo) (1992)

[edit] Compilation albums

[edit] Other appearances

[edit] Tributes to Burzum

[edit] Members

[edit] Current members

[edit] Former members

  • Samoth (Tomas Haugen) – bass guitar on Aske (1992)
  • Euronymous (Øystein Aarseth) – guitar solo on "War" from Burzum and gong on "Dungeons of Darkness" (from Burzum)
  • AiwarikiaR (Erik Lancelot) – drums (never recorded, but was in the band for a short time, in an attempt to transform Burzum into a live band. After a few weeks of rehearsals, Vikernes regretted the idea and abandoned it before ever actually performing live. This occurred after the release of the Aske EP).[citation needed]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Vikernes, Varg. "A Burzum Story: Part I". http://www.burzum.org/eng/library/a_burzum_story01.shtml. Retrieved on 2008-06-07. 
  2. ^ «Greven» angrer ingenting (§ 4:Hvem er egentlig denne mannen…, ¶ 7)

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Burzum
Varg Vikernes
Samoth · Euronymous
Studio albums
Demos & EPs
Burzum (Demo I) · Burzum (Demo II) · Burzum (Promo) · Aske
Compilation Albums
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burzum"
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