BURZUM „“Anthology””

Music: Ambient Black Metal
Country: Norway
Web site: www.burzum.org/


Cool Songs: Feeble Screams From Forests Unknown, Det Som en Gang Var, Jesus Tod, Stemmen fra Taarment

BURZUM is a name that needs no introduction. The band’s sole member, Varg Vikernes—aka Count Grishnackh—has the type of rap sheet that could rival Charles Manson. Words of his notorious deeds were part of the reason Norwegian black metal made its way west across the Atlantic. Besides having an affinity towards the destructive capabilities fire has on old, wooden churches and murdering band mates, Grishnackh has released six, full-length albums. The grim quality of his early efforts was instrumental in the creation of Norwegian black metal, as well as influencing countless modern bands from all over the globe. A band of such a status deserves a best of album. “Anthology” is that album.

“Anthology” is not a new album. Cymophane / Allgermanic originally released it in 2002. The selling point for the reissue is availability. Candlelight has a much larger distribution base than the above-mentioned labels, and U.S. buyers won’t have to dish out the big bucks for an import. Candlelight has the duty of placing this in the hands of those who missed out the first time. The track list is definitely worthy of the “best of” or “greatest hits” (that sounds so eighties) tag, although it seems slightly short for a compilation spanning six albums. The disc also features a bonus video for “Dunkelheit.”

This compilation not only chronicles some of the best material throughout BURZUM’s career, it also shows his evolving or devolving style. “Feeble Screams From Forests Uknown” and “Stemmen fra Taamet,” taken from his first two, proper albums “Burzum” and “Aske,” are examples of True Norwegian black metal in its infancy. Norwegian greats such as DARKTHRONE and SATYRICON most likely studied these albums. The DARKTHRONE and BURZUM connection is no assumption; Varg wrote half the songs on DARKTHRONE’s classic “Transylvanian Hunger.”

“Lost Wisdom” from “Det Som en Gang Var” continues down the grim path of the first two albums, although the next track “Svart Troner” ends “Det Som en Gang Var” and transitions from fairly conventional, although coarse, metal structures to shadowy atmosphere and grey-colored ambience. Considering this transition, the next track has a most fitting name, “Det Som en Gang Var.” This track beckoned in the “Hvis Lyset Tar Oss” album with a sound that accompanied the gruesome album cover. The guitar fuzz combined with cold-toned keys creates a thick layer that spreads through the air waves like the snow falling around the skeleton on the album cover.

“Jesus Tod” represents the end of BURZUM’s black metal days. Varg’s distant, distorted voice adds some variety, but the continuous programmed beat and excessively distorted guitar played through the second half of the track move in a trance-inducing rhythm. The last tracks were taken from “Daudi Baldrs” and “Hildskjalf.” The BURZUM found on these tracks is not a black metal one. These tracks feature the type of ambient noise suited for a movie soundtrack.

Best of CDs are overlooked by some and valued by others, especially those first getting into a band and wondering which titles are best. “Anthology” contains many of BURZUM’s best tracks, tracks that are representative of the sound on each album. BURZUM was rumored to have released its last album in 1999, so “Anthology” might be the closest one will get to a new release, but don’t surprised if more compilations and tributes appear in the future.

note: 8/10

Tracklist

1. Feeble Screams From Forests Unknown
2. Stemmen fra Taarmet
3. Lost Wisdom
4. Svart Troner
5. Det Som en Gang Var
6. Jesus Tod
7. Gebrechichkeit
8. Balferd Baldrs
9. Dunkelheit (bonus video)
Total Playing Time: 62:05

Line-up

Count Grishnackh: All Instrumentals