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Entertainment • Black Metal

Burzum

Burzum is a Norwegian black metal music project founded in 1991 by Varg Vikernes.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Burzum is a Norwegian black metal music project founded in 1991 by Varg Vikernes. It became an influential part of the early Norwegian black metal scene and later also released ambient-related material. The project never performed live and is considered one of the most influential acts in black metal.

Origins

Burzum began in 1991 in Norway as a one-man project by Varg Vikernes. Sources place its origin in Bergen and describe it as part of the second wave of black metal.

Musical style

The project is primarily identified with black metal, but its catalogue also includes dark ambient and related styles. Later releases are often noted for a more ambient direction.

Influence and legacy

Burzum is frequently described as one of the most influential acts in black metal. Its minimalist and atmospheric approach is often cited as important to the genre’s development.

Controversies

Burzum’s public profile is closely tied to Vikernes’ criminal conviction and later controversial public statements. These controversies are commonly noted as overshadowing the project’s musical legacy.

Key facts

  • Burzum was founded in 1991 by Varg Vikernes as a solo music project.
  • It is associated with the early Norwegian black metal scene and is widely described as influential.
  • The project never performed live.
  • Burzum’s releases include black metal as well as dark ambient-oriented recordings.
  • The name is commonly linked to J. R. R. Tolkien’s fictional Black Speech and is said to mean “darkness.”
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Canadian context

Burzum has relevance to Canadian readers through the wider influence of Norwegian black metal on international extreme-metal scenes, including audiences and musicians in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Burzum?
Burzum is a Norwegian solo music project founded by Varg Vikernes in 1991, best known for black metal and ambient releases.
Who started Burzum?
Varg Vikernes founded Burzum and was the project’s sole consistent creative force.
What genre is Burzum?
Burzum is mainly classified as black metal, but sources also list dark ambient, neofolk, and neo-medieval music.
Did Burzum ever play live?
The sources provided say that Burzum never played live performances.
Where did Burzum come from?
Burzum is identified as originating in Bergen, Norway.
Why is Burzum notable?
It is widely described as an influential early black metal act, especially for its role in the Norwegian scene and its atmospheric style.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burzum
    Supports: Founding date, founder, genres, live-performance note, and influence.
  2. Metal Wiki - Fandom — https://metal.fandom.com/wiki/Burzum
    Supports: Origin, years active, genre, and summary of Vikernes’ imprisonment and ambient releases.
  3. Encyclopaedia Metallum — https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/burzum/88
    Supports: Band origin and solo-project framing.
  4. German Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burzum
    Supports: Name origin from Tolkien and meaning 'darkness' in Black Speech.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varg_Vikernes
    Supports: Vikernes as founder, criminal conviction, and influence in early Norwegian black metal.
  6. Metal Underground — https://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=64163
    Supports: Formation after leaving Old Funeral.