Artist: Burzum Album: Det som engang var

Year: 1993
Duration: 40:14

A Deep Dive into Burzum's Det som engang var

Burzum may not be a household name, but the impact of their music is undeniable. The Norwegian black metal band was formed in 1991 by Varg Vikernes, who not only wrote and performed the music but also handled all of the production. Their second album, Det som engang var, released in 1993, is regarded as one of the defining black metal albums of all time. In this blog post, we will take a critical look at the album, discussing its genre, the history of the artist, the best songs on the album, the most innovative parts, and offering a critic of the album overall.

Black metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music that originated in Norway in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its fast tempos, heavily distorted guitars, and harsh vocal styles. Burzum's Det som engang var is a perfect example of the genre. The album is full of intense, fast-paced songs with lyrics that are often dark and nihilistic. The guitars are heavily distorted, creating a wall of sound that is almost overwhelming at times. The vocals are screamed, adding to the overall feeling of aggression and intensity.

Varg Vikernes, the mastermind behind Burzum, has a controversial history. In 1994, he was convicted of murder and arson and spent over 20 years in prison. Despite this, his music has continued to be influential in the black metal scene. Vikernes has been criticized for his extremist views, and some have argued that his music promotes white supremacy and extremist ideologies. While this may be true of some of his later work, Det som engang var is more focused on themes of darkness and nihilism.

The album features several standout tracks, including Den onde kysten, Lost Wisdom, and Tomhet. Lost Wisdom is a particular highlight, with its catchy guitar riffs and haunting vocals. The song's lyrics are also notable, focusing on the idea of lost wisdom and the futile search for knowledge. Tomhet is another standout track, focused more on atmosphere than melody or lyrics. The song's use of repetition and minimalism is innovative and creates a hypnotic effect.

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Det som engang var is the way in which it blends elements of black metal with ambient music. This blend can be heard clearly in tracks like Hvis lyset tar oss and Key to the Gate. The use of atmospheric sounds and textures creates a sense of space and depth that is not normally found in black metal music. It is clear that Vikernes was experimenting with different sounds and styles on this album, pushing the boundaries of the genre and creating something truly unique.

Despite its many strengths, Det som engang var is not without its flaws. The album can feel a bit one-note at times, with many of the songs featuring a similar structure and sound. The vocals can also be a bit grating, and at times it can be difficult to discern what Vikernes is actually saying. However, these criticisms are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things. Overall, Det som engang var is a masterful work of black metal that is still influential today.

Det som engang var is a classic of the black metal genre, showcasing the best of what the genre has to offer. From its intense guitars and vocals to its atmospheric soundscapes, the album is a true masterpiece of heavy metal music. While the controversy surrounding Burzum and Vikernes cannot be ignored, it is important to appreciate the music itself for what it is - a groundbreaking and innovative work of art that continues to inspire and influence musicians today.

Det som engang var is a classic of the black metal genre, showcasing the best of what the genre has to offer. From its intense guitars and vocals to its atmospheric soundscapes, the album is a true masterpiece of heavy metal music. While the controversy surrounding Burzum and Vikernes cannot be ignored, it is important to appreciate the music itself for what it is - a groundbreaking and innovative work of art that continues to inspire and influence musicians today.