| The second full-length by Varg Vikernes' famous one-man band, and one which sees him desperately trying to forge a new sound for his own expression out of the ashes ('Aske') of the EP and album before this. As such, it tends to revert every now and then back to his black metal roots, but for the most part this is a much slower, heavier Burzum, with a style that can easily be compared to mid-period Celtic Frost, albeit with the usual warped, utterly idiosyncratic/independent sensibilities that Varg can never hide. As usual, this album is filled with enough pure darkness to make the less courageous of you run for cover, and Varg's truly horrifying shrieks, moans, and garbled screams are never absent. Ultimately the ideas just starting to germinate here would reach full flower on the succeeding record, 'Hvis Lyset Tar Oss' (his masterpiece), but this record is no less essential to listen to, as it features some of the best Norwegian black metal ever put on tape. A historical album, and essential to have in one's collection. Comes in great Digipak format. |
