# Burzum

> Norwegian black metal project

**Wikidata**: [Q193172](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193172)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burzum)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/burzum

## Summary
Burzum is a Norwegian black metal project founded in 1991 by musician Varg Vikernes. It became one of the most influential acts in the early black metal scene, known for its raw sound, atmospheric compositions, and controversial legacy. The project's albums, including *Burzum* (1992) and *Filosofem* (1996), helped define the genre's aesthetic and musical direction.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1991 by Varg Vikernes (Kristian Larsson Vikernes) in Norway.
- **Genre**: Black metal, with elements of dark ambient and neofolk.
- **Notable Albums**: *Burzum* (1992), *Filosofem* (1996).
- **Record Label**: Deathlike Silence Productions (founded by Vikernes in 1990).
- **Work Period**: Active from 1991 to 2018.
- **Associated Acts**: Mayhem, Old Funeral.
- **Country of Origin**: Norway.
- **Website**: [burzum.org](http://www.burzum.org/).
- **Wikidata Sitelinks**: 60.
- **Subgenre Influence**: Pioneered the extreme subgenre of black metal, incorporating dark ambient and neofolk elements.

## FAQs
**What is Burzum known for?**
Burzum is known for pioneering the early black metal sound, characterized by raw production, atmospheric compositions, and lyrical themes rooted in darkness and Norse mythology. Its influence extends to subgenres like dark ambient and neofolk.

**Who founded Burzum?**
Burzum was founded in 1991 by Varg Vikernes, a Norwegian musician also known by his alias "Count Grishnackh." Vikernes was the sole member and creative force behind the project.

**What record label released Burzum's music?**
Burzum's music was released through Deathlike Silence Productions, an independent record label founded by Varg Vikernes in 1990. The label also released early black metal and dark ambient music.

**What are Burzum's most influential albums?**
Burzum's most influential albums include *Burzum* (1992) and *Filosofem* (1996). These releases helped shape the black metal genre with their raw sound and atmospheric depth.

**How did Burzum influence the black metal scene?**
Burzum influenced the black metal scene by defining its early sound and aesthetic. The project's use of lo-fi production, repetitive riffs, and thematic darkness became hallmarks of the genre, inspiring countless subsequent artists.

**What other bands was Varg Vikernes involved with?**
Varg Vikernes was involved with Old Funeral (formed in 1988) and collaborated with the Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, contributing to their early releases and sound.

**When did Burzum stop releasing music?**
Burzum's active work period ended around 2018, though its legacy continues to influence the black metal and underground music scenes.

## Why It Matters
Burzum is significant for its foundational role in shaping the black metal genre. Its raw, atmospheric sound and thematic depth set a template for subsequent artists, while its controversial legacy sparked debates about the boundaries of art and ideology. The project's influence extends beyond music, impacting underground culture and inspiring a generation of musicians to explore extreme and experimental sounds. Burzum's work remains a touchstone for discussions about the evolution of black metal and its cultural impact.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering Black Metal**: One of the most influential early black metal projects, defining the genre's sound and aesthetic.
- **Atmospheric Innovation**: Incorporated dark ambient and neofolk elements, expanding the genre's musical palette.
- **Controversial Legacy**: Associated with Varg Vikernes' controversial public persona, adding to its notoriety.
- **Independent Label**: Founded Deathlike Silence Productions, a key platform for early black metal and dark ambient music.
- **Cultural Impact**: Inspired a generation of musicians and shaped the underground music scene.
- **Lyrical Themes**: Explored themes of darkness, Norse mythology, and existentialism, influencing the genre's lyrical direction.

## Body

### History and Founding
Burzum was founded in 1991 by Varg Vikernes in Norway. Vikernes, born Kristian Larsson Vikernes on February 11, 1973, in Oslo, was the sole member and creative force behind the project. He adopted the alias "Count Grishnackh," which became synonymous with the project's extreme and controversial image. Burzum's early work was characterized by raw production, repetitive riffs, and atmospheric depth, setting it apart from other metal acts of the time.

### Musical Style and Influence
Burzum's music is primarily classified as black metal, but it also incorporates elements of dark ambient and neofolk. The project's sound is marked by lo-fi production, haunting melodies, and lyrical themes rooted in darkness, Norse mythology, and existentialism. Albums like *Burzum* (1992) and *Filosofem* (1996) are considered seminal works in the genre, influencing countless subsequent artists. The project's innovative use of atmosphere and repetition helped define the early black metal aesthetic.

### Record Label and Collaborations
In 1990, Varg Vikernes founded Deathlike Silence Productions, an independent record label that released Burzum's music as well as early black metal and dark ambient works by other artists. The label played a crucial role in the development of the underground music scene. Vikernes also collaborated with the Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, contributing to their early releases and influencing their sound. Additionally, he was involved with Old Funeral, a Norwegian metal band formed in 1988, which laid the groundwork for his later contributions to black metal.

### Controversies and Legacy
Burzum's legacy is intertwined with Varg Vikernes' controversial public persona. His extreme views and actions have sparked debates about the boundaries of art and ideology, adding to the project's notoriety. Despite these controversies, Burzum's musical innovations and influence on the black metal genre remain undeniable. The project's work continues to inspire musicians and shape the underground music scene, making it a pivotal figure in the history of extreme music.

### Discography and Impact
Burzum's discography includes several influential albums, such as *Burzum* (1992), *Det som engang var* (1993), *Hvis lyset tar oss* (1994), and *Filosofem* (1996). These releases are celebrated for their raw sound, atmospheric depth, and lyrical themes. The project's impact extends beyond music, influencing the broader underground culture and inspiring a generation of artists to explore extreme and experimental sounds. Burzum's work remains a touchstone for discussions about the evolution of black metal and its cultural significance.

### Related Projects and Associations
Burzum is associated with several other notable entities in the black metal scene. Varg Vikernes' involvement with Mayhem and Old Funeral, as well as his founding of Deathlike Silence Productions, highlights his central role in the genre's development. The project's connections to these acts and labels underscore its influence on the broader black metal and underground music communities. Burzum's legacy continues to be studied and debated, reflecting its enduring impact on the genre and its cultural context.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. MusicBrainz
3. Quora