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 BURZUM
Hliþskjálf
1999 Amazon 021
33:47
Continuing an established trend, Varg Vikernes takes us further
from his Black Metal roots in his tongue-twisting Hliþskjálf, the
second album of a planned trilogy. The new work is described as a concept
album based on myths surrounding the death of the Norse God Odin, and
was recorded by the Count on keyboard and computer in Trondheim prison,
Norway, where he is serving life for the murder of a fellow musician.
(The full details can be gleaned from Michael Moynihan's exhaustive study
of the Black Metal scene, Lords of Chaos.)
The album is an hypnotic ambient dreamscape, in large parts soft and
mellow, and capable of lulling babes asleep. Despite its synthesised origins
it has a pure, naturalistic quality. 'Die Liebe Nerthus' (track 4) has
a particularly mediaeval/folky sound. I'm not suggesting that this album
lacks gravitas. On the contrary, it's a highly reflective album and a
subtle work of light and shade. An explanatory handout reflects all the
ferocity of Norse myth, but the music is a long way from the violence
and aggression associated with Black Metal, not to mention Varg's own
recent past.
Rik - 9 June 1999
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