BURZUM
Belus LP 2010
Byelobog

As the opening riff of Belus' Doed bursts into the nightsky, two things seem definite. One, the walls have not been able to get the better of Varg Vikernes' abilities as an artist, and, two, BURZUM is back with an unbelievably strong album that follows straight where Hvis Lyset Tar Oss and Filosofem left us off — something that seemed downright impossible just a few years ago.

There's no doubt that much will be written about Belus, but it is, indeed, more than just a sound comeback. The atmosphere of utmost tragedy and melancholy that forever placed the old BURZUM albums in the northern sky is very present on Belus as well. The same goes for monotonousness — another trademark of Vikernes' unique way of composing. The nine tracks (plus intro and outro) flow as if a dream, leading the listener through the tale of Belus, the “White God”, and the events of his life, in a magical way.

Recorded in Grieghallen with Pytten, the sound quality is very much like it was back in the day. That is – perfect for BURZUM. The vocals are very Black Metal, but the voice seems stronger and, in a way, more mature now. The clean and spoken parts fit in nicely as well. In fact, everything fits. Northern wastelands open, shadows play with the sun, and the air is fresh.

Listening to Belus, I now realize how sorely BURZUM was actually missed. This is a monumental album and its greatest merit is that, while listening, it doesn't seem like an album at all. It is more of an entity. A flowing vision. BURZUM.

In this pool of dreams the water truly darkens.ool of dream the water truly darkens. Thank you, Varg.Var
Band contact:
http://www.burzum.org

Label contact:
http://byelobog.wordpress.com