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| by Cosmo Lee |
I got this email yesterday.
This is too good an opportunity to pass up.
So, let’s put our heads together.
What questions do you have for Mr. Vikernes?
For reference, here is an excerpt from the new album’s one-sheet.
It’s been eleven long years and now the world will finally see the return of Burzum. Belus is not a religious album, or even an anti-religious album. It is not a political statement or means to provoke. It is simply an attempt to explore the myths about the ancient indo-aryan solar deity of light and innocence and unveil the oldest roots of European cultural heritage. The album deals with the death of Belus, his sombre journey through the realm of death and his magnificent return. In essence, the story of Belus is meant to be an entertaining story about something that once upon a time played a major role in the forming and shaping of Europe.
Belus has been recorded in a professional recording studio with the highest quality equipment available but has been made according to the musician?s heart and soul. The music can best be compared to the music of some of the earlier Burzum albums; in particular the ground breaking Hvis Lyset tar Oss and the atmospheric brilliances of Filosofem. However the ambient parts present on these albums has been almost completely ommitted. There is no special reason for this other than mere coincidence.
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I seem to remember this album originally being called "The White God" a few months back. In my opinion, Varg changed the name after the shitstorm of flak he received via the internet claiming the title, (and probably the motives behind the entire record), was blatantly racist. I won't refute or defend those assumptions. It might be interesting to get his take on that. Also, Varg always claims to hate the current black metal scene. But it seems like insular one-man black metal projects are almost as common as full band lineups these days, (especially in the US). How do you think he'll try to stay relevant in a saturated scene that has had over a decade to rewrite the rules he helped set down? (Although, I wouldn't be surprised if his answer to that question went something along the lines of, "I don't give a shit.")
How much of this music is ALL NEW music written specifically for this album? Is any of it culled from leftover takes from early Burzum or music written while in prison?
Does he keep in touch with any of his former friends from the black metal scene?
If he does not listent to current metal or black metal, what does he listen to? Does he think this music influence his own at all?
What inspired him to write a new album of metal after all these years? Is it a way of reaching out and attempting to influence others with? Self-gratification/fulfillment?
Are live performances completely out of the question?
re: The first post, he's already covered why he changed the name of the album over at burzum.org.
Wow, talk about a "get"
I feel like asking him anything in relation to "black metal" will elicit only scorn.
Honestly, I'm most curious about how he's living and what he's listening to these days.
"Why don't you go fuck yourself?"
Here's a series of questions,
On the description of Vikerness of his music as metal:
Burzum got started as part of a reaction against what was considered a 'trendification' of death metal. If some objections to death metal were about its ethos or spirit (as often suggested by accusations of it becoming 'life metal') was then the resulting music of Burzum a return to a different set of principles, or an invention of completely new ones?
Furthermore where did the formative inspiration come from? Can there be traced a lineage from Vikernes' favorite bands of old to what Burzum where attempting back then? And if so, does that lineage carry over to what Vikernes is attempting musically today?
Finally, if what Burzum today is doing is to be called some sort of metal (as mentioned on the Burzum website), what does Vikerness consider metal to be? Besides the relative sonic description (i.e. there is double bass drumming and distorted riffs) I'm interested in thoughts on its philosophy and aesthetics.
Cos, this is awesome! You are going to be great in this "interrogation."
I would like to see the answers to Helm & Monarch's questions.
My question(s) would be as follows:
What are your thoughts on Atheism and the sort of public Atheism supported by some philosophers and scientists today? Many would say that this "New Atheism" has been the largest cultural push in the West against Christianity as a result of the Scientific community defending itself (especially in matters of Evolution) against theological encroachment. Is this the best method to attack Christianity (and Islam for that matter)? Is there anything lacking in this approach? By that I mean, does Atheism lack something that is required to construct a new society after Christianity/Islam?
I'm also interested to know what Varg thinks of his past albums. Is he still proud of them? Regrets? They were made so long ago and when he was so young…does he feel this album is significantly better? Why?
Why has he chosen to record this album in "a professional studio with the highest quality equipment available", when, for example, Filosofem was recorded on shitty gear and a headset mic?
This interrogation should be interesting!
I guess my question may have been answered elsewhere, but I'd like to know: what did he do whilst in prison?
Did he plan escapes, either for real or as a pastime? Did he develop new skills or pursue intellectual diversions? Did he create music which he was unable or unwilling to record/release? Did he plan extensively for his life after release?
I'm with dschalek. If you're interviewing Burzum, why not interview the guy from Grom? Why not have a regular NSBM weekly or monthly update? Fuck this guy and fuck his music. I will not be covering the new Burzum album for any outlet I write for.
I'm just psyched for the album.
I really don't care about his beliefs or former deeds of mischief – but I do care for his musical outlet a great deal.
Fuck politics.
I see it hurts some people's feelings that a politically incorrect person will be interviewed about his new music. If you're gonna be that immature on the subject, why even bother commenting?
My question to V.V. would be: "Why not release your music digitally through your website instead of CDs? It could be cheaper for the consumer and possibly mean a bigger profit for you."
I second that Probe.
is it common for bands to limit discussions in advance? where i come from we call that prior restraint and my only question would be "why don't you go choke to death on a bag of frozen rat dicks?"
mr. bad ass black metal guy can't take a few unscripted questions?
My only questions would be about production values, studio techniques, where he's recording, who he got to help him, etc. I also wonder if he's going to take this new material out on the road…or try to assemble a full band…
@Phil Freeman:
LOL at "press blackouts" of people you don't agree with. You take yourself WAY too seriously. No one cares…if you have something legitimate to say, say it. Otherwise just get out of the way. Any "stand" you take is meaningless.
I'm with dschalek…
"Why don't you go fuck yourself?"
Also, I'm puzzled how anyone can ignore the politic of this nutbag? Maybe you've been lucky enough to have never been effected, or known someone, who has been effected by his sort of hate? I suppose ignorance is bliss…
I don't know why everyone doesn't just ignore this scum bag. He made a few good albums…that forgives his hateful, murderous ways?
No one is saying that his beliefs is fucking right. His past music is good though, shit, I'm curious to know if the new one is going to be good too. The man is a sensational, interesting guy to read about. I for one am interested in hearing it if for no other reason to be entertained by a good read-even if his statements may be total bullshit.
http://www.burzum.org/eng/library/interview04.shtml
I would ask one question to Varg Vikernes: who taught you English?
What does the first part of the email mean? That his music is "limited"?
It would be also interesting to ask something about "indo-aryan heritage": is he turning hindu?
It's all well and good to show us how adamantly moral you are by insulting someone who isn't even listening to you do it, but whether you approve of that person or not shouldn't be that relevant to whether there are worthwhile questions to ask them. If you could interview Mao Tse Tung or Pol Pot would you also default to 'why don't you fuck yourself?'.
Come on Helm, clearly no one wants to literally say that.
If you want to be a mouthpiece or vessel for Vikernes' ideas and message, go for it. I suppose the interview could be used to confront his issues head on…but it just gives him more press.
I'm not telling anyone what to do, there are millions of websites and everyone can create content how they see fit. And I respect that. I'm just always amazed how people ignore his views and acts simply because he recorded an interesting record.
But I suppose there have always been those, "Hey, I don't listen to the message of Skewdriver, just the music" people. I just find that impossible to do.
Matt Vogt said…
I guess my question may have been answered elsewhere, but I'd like to know: what did he do whilst in prison?
A: Dudes
what was the most massive poop of your life?
"If you want to be a mouthpiece or vessel for Vikernes' ideas and message, go for it."
I am not sure what you mean here and if it applies to what I want to do, could you explain a little further?
"Will there be brees?"
(No, I can't think of a single "serious" question I'd ask Christian Vikernes and care about the answer he'd give me…)
I would personally be interested in finding out what makes a slimeball like Varg 'tick'. In a nice way, of course, using nice words, that would not aggrevate said slimeball: "Being Varg, how does one maintain even a shred of integrity, dignity and/or credibility these days?" "What kind of mental excercises do you do when get up every morning, to keep yourself positive and away from, say…ending it all?" "Who's your therapist?" "Are you a socialist at heart?" "What's your favorite color?"
Ask him if he was excited about the Saints winning the Super Bowl, and why did they pick the Who to play at halftime? Burzum knows as well as the rest of us that a Lil Wayne/DOWN collabo would have been the best way to do it right. The Fireman/Bury Me In Smoke medley would have been incredible.
Is prison sex really as hot as they say it is?
Does he believe in mystical sky beings that cause lightning, etc. or does he interpret paganism in the post modern/Jungian psychological sense? Does he practice occult ritual magic on that farm of his?
Hitler was an AMAZING orator and cultural strategist! If you don't like it piss off. I don't think it matters that he's talking about killing off entire races of people — what is important is his amazing technical skill!
I want to know why he's even making metal?? Refer to yesterday's post about that first Sabbath record -> super obvious blues roots… so the really great smartass question is:
Why would you make a record exploring the myths of a European deity and the foundations of European culture using a musical style with it's roots in a VERY non-European culture? Wouldn't it have been more authentic to manufacture and use extremistly traditional instrumentation to evoke the Euro-undertones? Is his use of music rooted in non-European cultural traditions (particularly with poly-rhythmic structures not found in early European cultures) an expression of juxtapositions or an exploration of opposites? Maybe using ancient African musical techniques to invoke spiritual connections to nature and intertwining it with ancient European myths about connections to nature is his way of showing how all humans — at core — are good and pure beings and if we can just get back to "heathen" or pre-nasty organized religion then the world will just be good and awesome!?!
I'm only kind of being a smartass. I really am curious how he reconciles the irrefutable African cultural influence on "Metal."
Cosmo, this is awesome!
My questions:
-Despite your very outspoken political and social views, many of your most "sensitive" topics — particularly those dealing with race — have not entered into Burzum's lyrics. Because of this, your music is appreciated by a much wider audience than it would be otherwise. Is this separation of art and controversial topics deliberate? If so, why? What do you think about those who you deem of "lesser stock" appreciating your work?
-Did your experience in prison affect your worldview? How would you compare your perspective and behavior now as to when you were incarcerated?
Why were the planned tracks "Bes
speaking as someone who was at one point involved in antifascist organizing, and still identifies as an antifascist, i'm interested in what varg has to say. i think a lot of his politics are pretty unfortunate, but he does raise some interesting points and i usually walk away from watching or reading an interview with him with something to think about.
also, i think he's much more of a dilletante than a serious organizer. the people i've know personally who he most reminds me of are not the people who plan things well or have a lot of follow through. not knowing him through anything other than some interview footage and writing, i could be very wrong, but that's just how he strikes me. he doesn't really put out a plan of action or act like he's trying to lead people towards anything.
also, grom sucks, and ian stuart's only musical accomplishment was in being in a better than average oi band that had shitty politics. varg's musical contributions are a lot more significant than that.
i dunno, i can't really endorse burzum, and i'll never pay for one of their albums, but given the chance to interview him, i'd probably do it.