Burzum – Belus

Burzum is probably the most controversial black metal artist in existence – in Norway, he most certainly is. Having spent nearly 16 years in prison for murder, this is his first album in 11 years, and first black metal album in 14 years.

I grew up too late to really care about the things Varg Vikernes (the sole member of Burzum) has done, but I’ve never been a very big Burzum fan, although his music is quite good. It’s not been quite my style, I suppose. However, Belus is a really, really convincing album on its own. The style can without a doubt be called classic and old-school as far as black metal goes, but there is certainly a lot of originality to be found here.

I’m not sure if I can explain this one. I have a weak spot for music that sticks to the bare basics of music-making but still manages to transcend into something more than that. That type of music is a very good reminder that you don’t need a lot of special effects and your own unique distortion to stick out, even in today’s broad array of metal music.

This album is one of those albums. With very little use of other things than the basic building blocks of metal – drums, distorted guitars and vocals – Burzum have created something new that will appeal to old-school black metal enthusiasts. This album sounds like it might as well have been made 15 years ago – that’s something that’s very rare today.

Belus very successfully creates an enchanting soundscape of droning guitars, as well as mixing in some parts that have memorable, even catchy melodies or rhythms to them. The blend is an atmospheric and sinister metal album that stands very well on its own.

I don’t think the appeal of Burzum is going to broaden with this album. In fact, it’s quite amazing how unchanged this guy’s style has remained for the past 14 years. If you’re not into black metal, this album probably won’t sell you on the genre – but if you’re into other old-school bands like Immortal, Emperor or Mayhem but haven’t checked out Burzum yet, this album should be a very good introduction.

For any metal fan whatsoever, this album is worth a listen just to marvel at how old-school yet fresh it’s possible to be in the year of 2010. I, for one, hope it inspires other bands to try the same path.