Varg Vikernes, known for his role in the Norwegian black metal scene, became infamous in the early ’90s, not only for his music but also for his involvement in the church burnings that shocked Norway. His story didn’t end with the flames of those churches; it continued with legal battles, prison time, and a life immersed in controversial views.
The Church Burnings
Vikernes was a key figure in the early days of black metal. His connection to the infamous church burnings started in 1992 when several churches in Norway were set on fire. Vikernes, under his stage name ‘Count Grishnackh,’ was convicted for the burning of Åsane Church in Bergen. These acts were seen as a symbolic rejection of Christianity and a move to reconnect with Norse paganism.
Vikernes was arrested in 1994 and sentenced to 21 years in prison for the church burnings and the 1993 murder of Mayhem’s Øystein ‘Euronymous’ Aarseth.
Life After Prison
Vikernes was released from prison in 2009 after serving 16 years. His release sparked both support and backlash.
After his release, Vikernes moved to France, where he lived with his wife and children on a remote farm. It was during this period that he began to share his controversial views more openly in interviews, on social media and on his YouTube channel.
A Life in Extremism and Controversy
After his release, Vikernes embraced a variety of extremist beliefs, including a return to his Norse pagan roots, a critique of modern society, and an opposition to immigration, often aligning with far-right rhetoric.
In 2013, Vikernes was arrested in France under suspicion of planning a terrorist attack. Authorities later released him, though he continued to express far-right views on his platforms.
What Is He Doing Now?
In late 2019, Varg Vikernes announced his plans to release a final album under the Burzum name in a since-deleted social media post. Titled ‘Thulêan Mysteries,’ it was released in March 2020.
However, in 2024, he began releasing singles in his old black metal style under the name ‘Burzum (NEW).’ These singles are intended to make up an album called ‘The Land of Thule.’ The latest single, ‘Memories In The Mist,’ came out in May 22 of last year, but Vikernes still hasn’t released the entire record.
Varg Vikernes is an enigmatic figure in the history of black metal. While his music, particularly his solo project Burzum, is still revered by many for its influence on the genre, his personal life and beliefs continue to overshadow his musical career.
