Varg Vikernes Norwegian musician, creator and sole member of the black metal band Burzum Date of Birth: 11.02.1973 Country: Norway

1. Biography of Varg Vikernes
2. Formation of Burzum
3. Burzum's Musical Style
4. Controversy and Imprisonment
5. Imprisonment and Future Plans

Biography of Varg Vikernes

Norwegian musician, creator, and sole member of the black metal band Burzum

Varg Vikernes, born Kristian Vikernes, is a Norwegian musician known for being the creator and sole member of the black metal band Burzum. He became interested in metal at the age of 14, starting with bands like Iron Maiden and later delving into European thrash metal. In the late 1980s, Vikernes played in the death metal band Old Funeral alongside future members of Immortal, Abbath, and Demonaz.

Formation of Burzum

In 1989, Vikernes met Øystein Aarseth, also known as Euronymous, who was already playing in the band Mayhem and had his own record label, Deathlike Silence Productions. They formed a close bond, sharing a hatred for Christianity and a desire to destroy it in Norway. Vikernes joined Aarseth's organization, The Inner Black Circle Of Norway, which united members of black metal bands like Emperor and Darkthrone, as well as Satanists. Aarseth played a guitar solo on the debut album of Burzum and the two collaborated on various projects.

Burzum's Musical Style

Burzum is considered one of the most influential bands of the second wave of black metal. Their music featured high speed, screaming vocals, and low-quality production. The albums Hvis Lyset Tar Oss and Filosofem, which incorporated elements of dark ambient music, laid the foundation for the subgenre of depressive black metal. Burzum was strictly a studio project, as Vikernes believed his music was too personal to be performed live.

Controversy and Imprisonment

Vikernes became involved in the Black Circle's criminal activities, including the burning of several churches in Norway. In 1993, a conflict between Vikernes and Aarseth escalated, leading to Aarseth's murder. Vikernes was arrested and convicted for the murder, as well as for his involvement in the church burnings. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison, the maximum sentence in Norway.

Imprisonment and Future Plans

While in prison, Vikernes continued to write music and released albums under the Burzum name. He also wrote books and articles, many of which were published on the official Burzum website. In 2003, Vikernes briefly escaped from prison but was soon apprehended. His sentence was extended by 13 months.

Vikernes is currently serving his sentence in Tromsø, Norway. His request for early release was denied in 2006, but he will have the opportunity to reapply in April 2008. Despite his imprisonment, Vikernes has expressed his intention to continue writing music for Burzum in the style of his early albums.