Births on February 11

Varg Vikernes, Norwegian guitarist and songwriter

Varg Vikernes: A Definitive Exploration of His Music, Crimes, and Controversial Ideologies

Louis Cachet, born Kristian Vikernes on 11 February 1973, is globally recognized by his stage name, Varg Vikernes (Norwegian: [ˈvɑrɡ ˈvìːkəɳeːs]). This Norwegian musician and author achieved early notoriety within the nascent black metal scene, primarily through his groundbreaking musical project, Burzum, before his life took a darker turn with a conviction for murder and arson. His unique artistic vision and the subsequent legal entanglements indelibly marked him as one of the most influential yet controversial figures in the history of extreme music.

The Formative Years and Ascent in Black Metal

A native of Bergen, Norway, Vikernes's journey into music began at the tender age of 14, when he first picked up a guitar. By 1989, his early musical endeavors solidified with the formation of his first band, Kalashnikov. However, it was the inception of Burzum that propelled him into the heart of the burgeoning early Norwegian black metal scene, a movement characterized by its raw sound, anti-Christian sentiments, and often, nihilistic philosophies. Burzum's initial four records, released between 1991 and 1994, were pivotal in shaping the genre. These albums, often recorded with a distinctive lo-fi production, showcased Vikernes's innovative approach to black metal, blending harsh vocals with atmospheric, repetitive guitar riffs and often bleak, melancholic keyboards. This distinctive sound, which incorporated elements of dark ambient music into black metal, deeply influenced countless bands that followed, cementing his status as a visionary composer despite the later controversies.

Involvement in the Norwegian Black Metal Scene and Notorious Events

During the early 1990s, the Norwegian black metal scene was not only a musical phenomenon but also a cultural flashpoint, rife with extremism and anti-establishment sentiment. Vikernes became a central, albeit polarizing, figure within this environment. In 1992, he, alongside several other prominent members of the scene, faced suspicion in connection with a series of arsons targeting four historic Christian churches across Norway. While Vikernes consistently denied direct involvement in these acts of arson, he openly expressed his ideological support for them, viewing them as retaliatory strikes against Christianity's historical imposition on pagan Nordic beliefs. These church burnings sent shockwaves through Norwegian society and brought the black metal subculture under intense scrutiny from both the public and law enforcement agencies.

Beyond his solo work with Burzum, Vikernes also contributed to one of black metal's most iconic and infamous albums. Between 1992 and 1993, he recorded the bass tracks for Mayhem's debut full-length album, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas. This collaboration placed him directly within the orbit of Mayhem's guitarist, Øystein Aarseth, better known as Euronymous, a central figure and co-conspirator within the black metal inner circle, whose relationship with Vikernes would tragically escalate.

The Murder of Euronymous and Subsequent Incarceration

The simmering tensions within the Norwegian black metal scene reached a boiling point in August 1993. Vikernes fatally stabbed Euronymous during an altercation at the latter's apartment in Oslo. The circumstances surrounding the murder remain a subject of debate, with Vikernes claiming self-defense against an alleged plan by Euronymous to torture and kill him. Arrested shortly after the incident, Vikernes faced a high-profile trial that captivated both local and international media. In May 1994, he was convicted of first-degree murder, several counts of church arson, and possession of explosives. Despite his plea of self-defense and an unsuccessful argument for the charge to be reduced to voluntary manslaughter, he was sentenced to 21 years in prison, which at the time was the maximum fixed-term penalty under Norwegian law.

His incarceration, however, did not halt his creative or ideological pursuits. During his 15-year prison sentence, Vikernes remained remarkably active. He founded the Norwegian Heathen Front, an organization promoting neo-pagan and nationalist ideologies. He also authored two books, including Vargsmål, which outlined his philosophical and political views. Musically, he continued to release albums under the Burzum moniker, albeit with a significant shift in style. Eschewing the raw black metal sound, he released two ambient albums, Dauði Baldrs (1997) and Hliðskjálf (1999), composed entirely on synthesizers as he was prohibited from using other instruments in prison. These works further diversified Burzum's discography and showcased a different facet of his musical talent.

Release, Relocation, and Evolving Ideologies

In 2009, Varg Vikernes was released on parole after serving 15 years of his 21-year sentence. Following his release, he relocated to France with his wife and children, seeking to establish a new life away from Norway. In France, he continued his creative output, releasing new Burzum albums that returned to a black metal sound, alongside writing and publishing further books and articles. He also became an active video blogger, sharing his thoughts and perspectives on his YouTube channel, ThuleanPerspective, which garnered a significant following before being deleted by the platform due to violations of its terms of service.

Even decades later, Vikernes remains a deeply controversial figure, a sentiment encapsulated by Sam Dunn's description of him as "the most notorious metal musician of all time." This notoriety stems not only from his criminal past but also from his complex and often inflammatory political and religious views. Early in his public life, Vikernes openly embraced Nazism during the mid-to-late 1990s, promoting views that merged Odinism (a modern heathen religion based on ancient Norse paganism) with Esoteric Nazism. While he has since publicly disavowed the term "Nazism" and its associated movements, arguing that his views have evolved beyond that specific political label, critics and observers frequently continue to categorize his ideology as far-right due to its strong ethno-nationalist and anti-egalitarian components. Vikernes himself refers to his beliefs as "Odalism," a term he uses to advocate for a "pre-industrial European pagan society." This ideology is characterized by a strong opposition to what he perceives as the corrupting influences of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, capitalism, socialism, and materialism, emphasizing instead a return to what he believes are ancestral European values and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Varg Vikernes

What is Burzum's musical style?

Burzum is primarily known for its raw, atmospheric black metal, characterized by lo-fi production, repetitive guitar riffs, harsh vocals, and often the integration of dark ambient or synth-driven passages. During his incarceration, Vikernes also released two ambient albums under the Burzum name.

Why was Varg Vikernes convicted of murder?

Varg Vikernes was convicted of the first-degree murder of Mayhem guitarist Euronymous (Øystein Aarseth) in August 1993. He claimed the killing was an act of self-defense during an altercation at Euronymous's apartment, but this defense was not accepted by the court.

What were the church arsons associated with the Norwegian black metal scene?

A series of arsons targeting historic Christian churches occurred in Norway in the early 1990s. While Varg Vikernes denied direct involvement, he publicly supported these acts, viewing them as a retaliation against the historical suppression of pagan traditions by Christianity in Norway.

What is "Odalism" as espoused by Varg Vikernes?

Odalism, as defined by Varg Vikernes, represents his ideology advocating for a "pre-industrial European pagan society." It is characterized by strong opposition to Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism), as well as modern political and economic systems like capitalism and socialism, and materialism, emphasizing a return to perceived ancestral European pagan values.

Has Varg Vikernes continued to make music since his release from prison?

Yes, Varg Vikernes has continued to release music under the Burzum name since his parole in 2009, including albums that returned to his signature black metal style. He has also remained active as a writer and content creator, though his YouTube channel was eventually removed.