I am crazy about the songs ‘Dunkelheit’ and ‘Jesus' Tod’ in which only one short single guitar riff or melody is repeated over and over again for more then 7-8 minutes. A trademark that is repeated throughout this piece of music. Even the keyboard sounds in the background are more clearly noticeable but correctly fitted in. After hearing the typical black metal songs of Burzum you won’t believe your ears when you come to the end of the record. The fifth track on the album called ‘Rundgang um die transzendentale Säule der Singularität’ is a 25 minute long keyboard/synthesizer ambient song which is either to be liked or disliked. At first it sounds like a simplistic repetitive pop song but after listening to it again I saw through my first impression and observed a very deep and dark message of loneliness, melancholy and especially real emotions. The fact that Varg Vikernes has spent two years in prison at that time can really be heard on this album. When recently a good friend of mine past away I listened to this music and especially the song ‘Rundgang um die transzendentale Säule der Singularität’ very often. I went outside with my Discman and walked through a dark, black forest in the middle of the night. It was the most perfect music I could find to express the grief and loneliness I felt at the time.

After this album Grishnackh released two pieces ‘Daudi Baldrs’ and ‘Hlidskjalf’ with only keyboard music on it. The mixture of pure obscure black metal and indescribable weird and emotional keyboard sounds really made this a diverse and amazing album. Like my college already said concerning Burzum, regardless from Varg’s actions and political ideas this record is pure and should be given a fair chance.

written by Andrej Van Berlo

Playing time: 64.36