Artist: Burzum Album: Filosofem

Year: 1996
Duration: 1:04:11

The Dark and Controversial Album: Filosofem by Burzum

Filosofem by Burzum is one of the most controversial, yet influential black metal albums ever created. This album was released in 1996 and is considered a masterpiece of the genre. Burzum is the one-man project of Varg Vikernes, a Norwegian musician, and songwriter. He became infamous for his ties to the church burnings and murder in the early 90s. Despite the controversy surrounding him, his music has gained a cult following among the metal community. Filosofem is a unique and groundbreaking album that pushed the boundaries of black metal. In this review, we will dive deep into the world of Burzum and dissect everything that makes Filosofem a must-listen for any metal fan.

The Music Genre of the Album:

Filosofem is a black metal album that is known for its dark, raw, and atmospheric sound. Black metal is a sub-genre of heavy metal that originated in Norway in the early 90s. It is characterized by its raw and lo-fi production, fast-paced drumming, shrieking vocals, and dark themes. The lyrics of black metal often deal with anti-Christianity, pagan mythology, and the glorification of darkness and death. Filosofem embodies all these elements of black metal and adds its unique touch to it.

The Brief History of Burzum:

Burzum was formed in 1991 by Varg Vikernes, who was only 18 years old at the time. The band's name means darkness in JRR Tolkien's fictional language of Middle-Earth. Burzum quickly became a prominent figure in the Norwegian black metal scene, alongside other bands like Mayhem and Darkthrone. In 1993, Vikernes was arrested for the murder of his bandmate and Euronymous, the founder of the record label that released Burzum's debut album. He was also charged with church burnings that took place in Norway. Vikernes spent 15 years in prison and was released in 2009. He continued to release music under the Burzum name and is considered one of the most controversial figures in metal history.

Best Songs of the Album:

Filosofem is a six-track album that runs for a total of 64 minutes. The album starts with Dunkelheit, which means darkness in German. This song sets the tone for the entire album, with its eerie and atmospheric sound. The next song, Jesus' Tod, is one of the most controversial songs on the album. It translates to the death of Jesus, and it features Vikernes reciting the Lord's Prayer, followed by a distorted guitar solo. Tomhet is the longest song on the album, and it's entirely instrumental. It's a beautiful piece of music that showcases Vikernes' talent for creating an atmospheric and haunting sound. The album ends with Rundgang Um Die Transzendentale Säule Der Singularität, which is a long ambient track that creates a sense of stillness and tranquility.

The Most Innovative Parts of the Album:

Filosofem is known for its innovative use of ambient soundscapes. Vikernes experimented with creating ambient music that was inspired by his love for classical music and nature. This album features some of the most beautiful soundscapes ever created in metal music. Vikernes used a synthesizer to create sounds that mimicked the wind, the waves, and the sound of a heart beating. He also added a distorted guitar sound to create a unique atmosphere that would accompany the black metal sound of the album. This collision of genres has influenced many black metal bands that came after Burzum.

A Critic to the Album:

A Critic to the Album:

While Filosofem is considered a masterpiece by many metal fans, it's not without its faults. One of the drawbacks of the album is its lo-fi production. The album was recorded on a 4-track recorder, which gives it a raw and unpolished sound. While some fans appreciate this raw sound, others find it hard to listen to for an extended period. Another criticism of the album is its controversial themes. Vikernes has been accused of promoting racism and neo-Nazism through his music, and some of the lyrics in this album have been interpreted as such. However, it's up to the listener to decide if they want to separate the artist's personal beliefs from their music.

Filosofem is a groundbreaking album that pushed the boundaries of black metal and created a unique and innovative sound. While Burzum and Varg Vikernes have a controversial history, their music has influenced many metal bands that came after them. The album's use of ambient soundscapes and its dark and eerie atmosphere make it a must-listen for any metal fan. However, the lo-fi production and controversial themes may not be for everyone. In the end, it's up to each listener to decide if they want to explore the world of Burzum and appreciate their music.