"Det Som Engang Var" by BURZUM, released in 1993 during the tumultuous era of Norwegian Black Metal, epitomizes the genre's raw and aggressive sound. Led by Varg Vikernes, the album's lo-fi production and controversial themes contributed to its historical significance. With enduring influence, multiple releases, and collector's appeal, it remains a seminal work, symbolizing a rebellious moment in extreme metal history..
In the world of Black Metal history, the album "Det Som Engang Var" stands as a seminal work, encapsulating the essence of the Norwegian Black Metal movement. Released by the enigmatic project BURZUM, led by the controversial figure Varg Vikernes, this album is a testament to a turbulent era in the early 1990s.
The time period in which "Det Som Engang Var" emerged was marked by a surge in the Black Metal subculture, characterized by its raw and aggressive sound, as well as its often provocative and anti-establishment ideologies. Norway, in particular, became a breeding ground for this musical rebellion, with bands like BURZUM playing a pivotal role in shaping the genre.
The year of the album's original release, 1993, was a tumultuous time for Black Metal musicians and enthusiasts. It was a period where the genre's aesthetic and thematic elements were reaching their zenith, with artists exploring the darker realms of human experience and embracing a visceral, lo-fi production style that became a hallmark of the genre.
"Det Som Engang Var" is notable not only for its musical content but also for its historical significance within the Black Metal milieu. Varg Vikernes, the mastermind behind BURZUM, became a controversial figure, not only for his musical contributions but also for his involvement in the infamous church burnings and the murder of fellow musician Øystein Aarseth.
The production of the album reflects the raw, unpolished nature of the Black Metal movement during this period. The lo-fi recording techniques and primitive sound quality became distinctive features, contributing to the authenticity and underground appeal of the genre. The European Black Metal scene, including BURZUM, sought to distance itself from mainstream conventions, embracing a DIY ethos that resonated with a subculture seeking to defy societal norms.
"Det Som Engang Var" has seen multiple releases over the years, attesting to its enduring influence on subsequent generations of Black Metal artists and fans. The album's initial scarcity and the subsequent reissues have contributed to its mystique and collector's appeal, making it a coveted piece for enthusiasts of extreme metal.
Digipak Edition, Misanthropy Records Amazon 002, Cymophane EYE 001
Black/Death/Thrash Metal
Burzum is a Norwegian black metal band that was formed by musician and songwriter Varg Vikernes in 1991. Despite its relatively short career, Burzum has left a lasting impact on the black metal scene and has become one of the most influential and controversial bands in the genre.
Burzum's early music was characterized by raw and atmospheric production, with an emphasis on unconventional song structures and unconventional instrumentation. The band's lyrics often dealt with themes of nature, heathenism, and anti-Christianity, and were often written in a pseudo-medieval style that reflected Vikernes' interest in Norse mythology and paganism. This blend of musical and lyrical elements helped establish Burzum as one of the pioneers of the second wave of black metal, along with other influential bands such as Mayhem and Darkthrone.
However, despite its musical influence, Burzum is perhaps best known for its association with the wave of church burnings and murders that took place in Norway in the early 1990s. Vikernes was sentenced to 21 years in prison for the murder of Mayhem guitarist Øystein "Euronymous" Aarseth, as well as for his role in the arson of several churches. These events have cast a long shadow over Burzum's legacy, and many black metal fans and musicians continue to debate the merits of Vikernes' music and ideologies.
Despite this controversy, Burzum has continued to release music from prison, with several albums appearing in the years following Vikernes' incarceration. These releases have continued to reflect Vikernes' fascination with nature and heathenism, as well as his antipathy towards Christianity and modern society. In recent years, Vikernes has also become a controversial figure in the far-right, white nationalist movement, and his views and beliefs have drawn criticism from many quarters.