Burzum- Anthology (Candlelight Records)
Burzum was one of the
first Black Metal bands that I had heard or come into contact with back in
the early '90's when I started really getting into the more extreme and
underground forms of Metal. All the stigma and drama surrounding him and
the scene definitely drew my attention, and after I had heard my first
Burzum song/album I fell in love with the feel and emotion surrounding Mr.
Varg Vikernes, and the ideals and logic for which he stood for. By now,
most of us, if not all (well, maybe not all of my readers) know something
about the famous Varg, or shall I say "infamous," and his relationship with
the original Norwegian Black Metal scene. We all know he was pretty much
there from the beginning, and his association with the "godfather" of
Norwegian Black Metal, Euronymous. We all also know that he was the one who
murdered Euronymous, and caused a huge stir in the Norwegian Black Metal
society.
Now, still behind bars, after an extremely ridiculous attempt to flee, and
being caught, remaining behind bars, Burzum has released a much anticipated
Anthology. This disc contains 9 tracks of some of his most influential
works of art, as well as some of his later work which strayed completely
away from his originations.
Early Burzum, as portrayed on the first three tracks were very dark, cold
and minimalistic. It, to me, was the very epitome of what Black Metal
originated as. The riff's were a very fast, simple three chord portrayal of
an almost early grungy punk styling, with slightly more distortion. The
screaming done by Varg is an extreme, heart wrenching display, tearing at
your inner being. The screaming seams to be coming from the distance, like
in a desolate cave, and gives you a very hollow/uncomfortable feeling. The
music comes across as being very bombastic, and his vocals sound as though
they are coming from him while being in intense pain. By the third track
though, the riffs seem to get a little more complex, also I would like to
mention that although very simple, the guitar tracks are also very catchy,
and to me, do stand the test of time. Track four is a short nonsensical
ambient song, which I feel starts his departure from the typical Black Metal
scene, there isn't much to it, and really doesn't fit his previous work.
Track 5 opens with another ambient, minimalistic soundscape that lasts for
about 3 minutes, than blasts into the real song, and the keys really add to
the ambience of it making it my favorite track on the entire disc. The
song, to me, makes reference to a very dark and desolate world. About eight
minutes into the track, the guitars and keys match up and compliment each
other very well. Track six, Jesus Tod, starts up extremely fast, the
fastest on the album. Speed picking, extremely fast drumming, and the
vocals have changed slightly, reminding me of perhaps a more industrial
metal style, with a slightly distorted effect on the vocal. Track seven is
another minimalistic soundscape, which may not for some represent Burzums
true potential. Track eight stars off with a somewhat triumphant yet
concerned keyboard passage that at times seems weary, but there is not much
more to it. And lastly, track nine is another soundscape with unfortunately
no real meaning to it.
All in all, I feel this is a good representation of Burzums very long and
apparently fulfilling career. I for one am wishing for the day when Varg
can be free and go back to making hid own "True" form of Black Metal again.
When he finally has the ability to use all of his potential and create a
true form of metal again. This may not be a disc for any metal head, or for
that matter, Black Metal fan to pick up. This is for the "True" Burzum/Varg
fan, but, if that is what you would describe yourself as, than pick this
disc up today.
\m/ Listen or Die \m/
-Sam Nastasuk