 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Most music fans know the history surrounding Christian (does anyone else feel the irony in that birthname?) "Vargs" Vikernes, aka Count Grishnackh, aka the guy who allegedly burned down churches in Norway, aka the guy who is in jail for murdering his own bandmate, aka hurry up on the "Lords of Chaos" movie that is rumored to be in the works. Because of these intriguing stories (whether or not you agree with his actions), there is an interest in this man and his music, which has been tough to find and always expensive. This anthology puts together nine of his songs, begging the question: Are they any good?
That answer obviously depends on personal taste. A 13 year old girl who loves Miley Cirus and Fall Out Boy will probably not be too keen on the screaming vocals backed by music that sounds like taking an escalator down to Hell. A 35 year old meathead that thinks Nickelback and Godsmack are heavy as shit might be blown away by the music, but would probably say he doesn't understand why Burzum screams. Metalheads are definitely the target market for Burzum, who does have a knack for writing good black metal songs, probably because he was in the circle while the style was being creative.
The recording is pretty crappy, but good enough to not sound unlistenable. Burzum has a knack for writing real good melodic black metal riffs and arranging music. This album does show a progression that he has made over the course of his career, ranging from the satanic speed and high note riffs of black metal to the more experimental and atmospheric, yet still evil, sounds that don't even need singing to sound interesting ("Gebrechicket"). The back end of the album features piano, violin and synths, which has become more popular in the black metal styles of today.
Vikernes is a pioneer. Whether or not you like him personally, or the things that he's done, its hard to deny his place in black metal, and even music history. Anthology is a small, nine song lesson in what the man has done, and its worth the listen, if this is your style.