The Notorious Varg Vikernes: A Deeper Dive Into His Life And Legacy

Who is Varg Vikernes?

Varg Vikernes, born Kristian Vikernes, is a Norwegian musician and writer. He is the sole member of the black metal band Burzum and has released 12 studio albums, three live albums, four compilation albums, and one extended play since 1991.

Vikernes is a controversial figure, having been convicted of murder, arson, and other crimes. He has also expressed white supremacist and neo-Nazi views. Nonetheless, he remains a popular figure in the black metal scene and his music has been praised by many critics.

In addition to his music, Vikernes has also written several books, including a two-volume autobiography and a book on Norse mythology. He has also created a video game called Myrkvidr and a clothing line called Thulean Perspective.

Varg Vikernes is a complex and fascinating figure. His music is dark and atmospheric, and his writings are full of insight and wisdom. He is also a controversial figure, but his importance to the black metal scene cannot be denied.

Varg Vikernes

Varg Vikernes is a Norwegian musician, writer, and convicted criminal. He is the sole member of the black metal band Burzum, and has released 12 studio albums, three live albums, four compilation albums, and one extended play since 1991.

• Musician: Vikernes is a talented musician and songwriter. His music is dark and atmospheric, and has been praised by many critics.
• Writer: Vikernes has also written several books, including a two-volume autobiography and a book on Norse mythology.
• Criminal: Vikernes has been convicted of murder, arson, and other crimes. He has also expressed white supremacist and neo-Nazi views.
• Controversial figure: Vikernes is a controversial figure, but his importance to the black metal scene cannot be denied.
• Complex individual: Vikernes is a complex and fascinating individual. His music is full of insight and wisdom, but he is also a convicted criminal.
• Important figure in black metal: Vikernes is an important figure in the black metal scene. His music has inspired many other musicians, and he has helped to shape the genre.

These six key aspects provide a comprehensive overview of Varg Vikernes. He is a talented musician, a prolific writer, a convicted criminal, a controversial figure, a complex individual, and an important figure in black metal. His story is a fascinating one, and his music continues to inspire and challenge listeners to this day.

Musician

Varg Vikernes is a talented and influential musician. His music is dark, atmospheric, and often experimental. He has been praised by many critics for his originality and creativity.

• Originality: Vikernes' music is highly original and innovative. He blends elements of black metal, folk music, and ambient music to create a unique and atmospheric sound.
• Creativity: Vikernes is a prolific songwriter and has released a large number of albums and EPs. His music is constantly evolving and he is always experimenting with new sounds and ideas.
• Influence: Vikernes has been a major influence on the black metal scene. His music has inspired many other musicians and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the genre.

Vikernes' music is not for everyone. It is dark, atmospheric, and often challenging. However, there is no denying his talent and creativity. He is one of the most important and influential figures in black metal.

Writer

Varg Vikernes is a prolific writer in addition to being a musician. He has written several books, including a two-volume autobiography and a book on Norse mythology. His writing is often controversial, but it is also insightful and thought-provoking.

Vikernes' books provide a unique perspective on his life and beliefs. In his autobiography, he writes about his childhood, his involvement in the black metal scene, and his time in prison. His book on Norse mythology is a comprehensive and well-researched work that provides a unique insight into this ancient religion.

Vikernes' writing is not for everyone. It is often dark and disturbing, and it can be difficult to read at times. However, there is no denying that he is a talented writer with a unique perspective on the world. His books are a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in black metal, Norse mythology, or the life of Varg Vikernes.

Criminal

Varg Vikernes has been involved in several criminal activities, including murder, arson, and the expression of white supremacist and neo-Nazi views. These activities have had a significant impact on his life and career.

• Murder
  In 1993, Vikernes was convicted of murdering Mayhem guitarist Euronymous. The murder was particularly brutal, and Vikernes was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
• Arson
  In addition to murder, Vikernes has also been convicted of arson. In 1992, he burned down three churches in Norway. He was sentenced to an additional 16 years in prison for these crimes.
• White supremacy and neo-Nazism
  Vikernes has also expressed white supremacist and neo-Nazi views. He has written several articles and books promoting these views, and he has been involved in several white supremacist organizations.

Vikernes' criminal activities have had a significant impact on his life and career. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison for murder and arson, and he has been banned from entering several countries. His white supremacist and neo-Nazi views have also alienated many fans and supporters.

Controversial figure

Varg Vikernes is a controversial figure in the black metal scene. He has been convicted of murder and arson, and he has expressed white supremacist and neo-Nazi views. However, he is also one of the most important and influential figures in the genre.

• Musical influence
  Vikernes' music has been praised by many critics for its originality and creativity. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the black metal scene, and his music has inspired many other musicians.
• Cultural impact
  Vikernes' music and writings have had a significant impact on the black metal culture. He is seen as a symbol of the genre, and his music has helped to shape the sound and ideology of black metal.
• Historical significance
  Vikernes' trial and imprisonment were a major event in the history of black metal. His case helped to raise awareness of the genre, and it also led to a crackdown on black metal bands and fans.
• Continuing relevance
  Vikernes remains a controversial figure, but his importance to the black metal scene cannot be denied. His music continues to inspire and challenge listeners to this day.

Vikernes' story is a complex and fascinating one. He is a talented musician and a prolific writer, but he is also a convicted criminal. His music and writings have had a significant impact on the black metal scene, and he remains a controversial figure to this day.

Complex individual

Varg Vikernes is a complex and fascinating individual. His music is full of insight and wisdom, but he is also a convicted criminal. This duality is reflected in many aspects of his life and work.

• Musical genius and criminal behavior
  Vikernes is a talented musician and songwriter. His music is dark, atmospheric, and often experimental. He has been praised by many critics for his originality and creativity. However, Vikernes is also a convicted criminal. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison for the murder of Mayhem guitarist Euronymous.
• Philosophical insights and extremist views
  Vikernes' music and writings often contain philosophical insights and wisdom. He has written extensively about Norse mythology, paganism, and the importance of nature. However, Vikernes has also expressed extremist views, including white supremacist and neo-Nazi beliefs.
• Public figure and private person
  Vikernes is a public figure, but he is also a private person. He has been interviewed by many journalists and has written several books about his life and beliefs. However, Vikernes is also a private person who values his privacy. He rarely gives interviews and does not share much about his personal life.

Varg Vikernes is a complex and fascinating individual. He is a talented musician, a prolific writer, and a convicted criminal. His life and work are full of contradictions and complexities. He is a figure who inspires both admiration and revulsion. Vikernes is a reminder that human beings are capable of both good and evil, and that the line between the two is often blurred.

Important figure in black metal

Varg Vikernes is an important figure in the black metal scene for several reasons. First, he is a talented musician and songwriter. His music is dark, atmospheric, and often experimental. He has been praised by many critics for his originality and creativity.

• Originality
  Vikernes' music is highly original and innovative. He blends elements of black metal, folk music, and ambient music to create a unique and atmospheric sound.
• Creativity
  Vikernes is a prolific songwriter and has released a large number of albums and EPs. His music is constantly evolving and he is always experimenting with new sounds and ideas.
• Influence
  Vikernes has been a major influence on the black metal scene. His music has inspired many other musicians and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the genre.
• Musical innovation
  Vikernes' music has helped to shape the sound of black metal. He was one of the first musicians to use keyboards and synthesizers in the genre, and his music is often more experimental and atmospheric than that of other black metal bands.

In addition to his musical contributions, Vikernes has also been a vocal advocate for black metal. He has written several articles and books about the genre, and he has helped to organize several black metal festivals. Vikernes' passion for black metal is evident in everything he does, and he has helped to spread the genre to a wider audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding Varg Vikernes, providing informative answers based on factual information.

Varg Vikernes is a pivotal figure in black metal, known for his innovative and influential music as the sole member of Burzum. His unique blend of atmospheric soundscapes, folk elements, and experimental compositions has left a lasting impact on the genre.

Vikernes' controversial reputation stems from his convictions for murder, arson, and the expression of white supremacist and neo-Nazi views. These actions have overshadowed his musical contributions for some.

Vikernes has expressed a range of beliefs over time, including Odinism, paganism, and environmentalism. He has also espoused racist and anti-Semitic views, which have drawn criticism and condemnation.

Yes, Vikernes continues to release music under the Burzum moniker. Despite his incarceration and subsequent release, he remains a prolific songwriter and has maintained a dedicated fan base.

Varg Vikernes' legacy is complex and multifaceted. While his musical contributions are undeniable, his criminal convictions and extremist views have generated ongoing debate and controversy. His influence on black metal remains significant, but his personal actions have also left an enduring mark.

Whether or not to listen to Varg Vikernes' music is a personal choice. Some argue that his art should be separated from his actions, while others find it difficult to reconcile his music with his beliefs and crimes. Ultimately, each individual must decide for themselves how they feel about supporting an artist with such a controversial history.

Summary: Varg Vikernes is a complex and controversial figure whose legacy continues to be debated. His musical contributions have had a profound impact on black metal, but his personal actions have raised serious ethical concerns. Whether or not to engage with his music is a matter of individual choice and conscience.

Transition to the next article section: To further explore the topic of Varg Vikernes, the following section delves into his early life, musical career, and the events that shaped his controversial persona.

Conclusion

Varg Vikernes, the enigmatic figure at the heart of this exploration, remains a complex and polarizing individual. His musical contributions to black metal are undeniable, yet his criminal convictions and extremist views continue to overshadow his artistic achievements.

The story of Varg Vikernes is a cautionary tale about the duality of human nature. He is a talented musician capable of creating hauntingly beautiful music, but he is also a convicted criminal who has espoused hateful and dangerous ideologies. His legacy is a reminder that even in the darkest corners of human expression, there can be both beauty and ugliness.