Burzum

Burzum (/ˈbɜrzəm/; ) is a musical project by Varg Vikernes (originally under the pseudonym "Count Grishnackh"). It began during 1988 in Bergen, Norway, under the name Kalashnikov, that was used until 1989; from 1989 to 1990 was renamed into Uruk-Hai, and finally in 1991 was called Burzum. The word "burzum" means "darkness" in novelist J. R. R. Tolkien's doubly artificial language; the Black Speech. The project quickly became prominent within the early Norwegian black metal scene. During 1992 and 1993, Burzum recorded four albums; however, in 1994 Vikernes was convicted and imprisoned for the murder of Mayhem guitarist Øystein "Euronymous" Aarseth and the arson of three churches.

While imprisoned, Vikernes recorded two dark ambient albums using only synthesizers, as he did not have access to drums, guitar, or bass. He has recorded three critically regarded albums since his 2009 release from prison. Burzum is considered one of the most influential acts in black metal; in Metal: A Headbanger's Journey, director Sam Dunn described Vikernes as "the most notorious metal musician of all time". Throughout his career, Vikernes has managed to create and maintain a very distinct sound unique to Burzum.

Read more about Burzum:  Musical Style, Members