Burzum Essentials

Burzum is the musical output of one infamous man, Varg Vikernes. Alongside bands like Mayhem and Emperor, Burzum was a staple of Norwegian black metal with early releases considered essential examples of the characteristically bleak approach. Burzum's artistic significance is clouded by his troubling life: in '94, he was sentenced to Norway's maximum 21 years in prison for the brutal murder of Mayhem vocalist Euronymous and participating in the burning of several historic Norwegian churches. He served 15 years, and his most recent releases indicate an ideological shift from Satanism to Nazism.