This is the sort of recording that could very easily displace the already accomplished works of Kvist from your memory. Filosofem, while released 20 years ago this day, was recorded in March 1993; meanwhile, the first track (“Dunkelheit” or “Burzum” depending upon the pressing) was the first track ever written for Burzum. As part of the initial burst of Burzum’s material, Filosofem sticks to a language of black metal that Varg Vikernes helped define, but is arguably closer in spirit to the pure ambient works that followed it. The internet overflows with discussion of the circumstances surrounding this album, as well as its excursions into a sort of streamlined “Odinpop”, but like its illustrious predecessors, Filosofem‘s influence is immense, even if most who try to imitate the ideas on display here kind of miss the point.
Tags: 1996, anniversary, Black Metal, burzum, Filosofem
I haven’t heard this album yet, because I am waiting until I can hear it in CD sound quality.
But what I have heard from Burzum is the best music that I’ve ever heard, and I’ve heard some good music. I’ve been very affected by Richard Wagner, for example.
Believe the hype. Burzum is not overrated, it is accurately rated as a legend of black metal.
If you haven’t heard it yet, it should be at the top of your list if you have any interest in black metal what so ever.
Try having actually listened to an album before you begin dispensing advice, young Sir.
I was talking about Burzum in general, not this particular album.
Do I have to listen to all of Beethoven’s work to recommend him as a composer?
No, I don’t.
And neither do I need to do that with Vikernes.
Actually this album is more of an industrial ambient noise release. Perty unique stuff really.
nice description, I agree. Also, much better than most “industrial ambient noise” albums
People like to bash on this album due to its popularity, but I believe it to be one of Burzum’s finest works. It blends the same dense atmosphere seen on his ambient albums with proper instrumentation. All an extension, if you will, of the album’s first track.
I can’t help but consider Filosofem a ‘side B’ alongside the first album.
Wrong… wrong.. wrong. It is no ‘B-side’!
To be sure, it is work of Supreme Nordic Art, no more or less than previous works.
Be it the thousand guitar layers of the eponymous first track, the hypnotic trance-like radiance of the second, the jack-boot pounding Z.O.G.-aware rhythms of the third, the abominally depressive humidity of the fourth, the 25 minute ambient jack-off fest of the fifth and the slightly less abominally depressive humidity of the sixth; it was a complete work of brilliance. A ritual, be it known, that makes my pants fit just right.
Anyone unwilling to defend this work, is indeed an enemy of metal, be it pureblood, mud or mixture of both; I will condemn you. Exit this hall as the pathetic SJW you truly are!