Is Warkvlt’s “Burzumination” a tribute to Varg or NOT???

Interview about Warkvlt’s Burzumination tribute album.

In the realms of extreme metal, the influence of Varg Vikernes and his pioneering project, Burzum, echoes through the annals of black metal history. Warkvlt, a band immersed in the shadows of the genre, pays homage to this iconic figure with their latest release, “Burzumination.” Released on February 11, 2023, the album stands as a sonic tribute to Varg Vikernes, born on the same day in 1973.

Let’s delve into the abyss of this dark symphony, track by track.

1. Burzumination: The title track sets the tone for the album, a relentless onslaught of distorted guitars, thunderous drums, and haunting atmospheres. Warkvlt, with an evident nod to Burzum’s ambient tendencies, weaves a sonic tapestry that captures the essence of Vikernes’ musical vision.
2. Fight Me Euronymouse! Total Destrucktion! This Time for Valhalla!: A blistering track that channels the raw energy and aggression synonymous with the early Norwegian black metal scene. The title playfully references Euronymous, the infamous figure in black metal history.
3. Warriors of the Great Circumambulation Nazgûl Thulean Domini Satanae Thrakatulûk: A title as epic as the track itself. Warkvlt showcases their penchant for creating expansive soundscapes, drawing inspiration from Tolkien’s universe and Vikernes’ mythical approach to black metal.
4. Malemort Is Now on MþV with Gandalf the Ice Khold Legionarius Dragon 50 Ceнturión Muthâfuckå: A cacophony of names and references, this track is a sonic journey that melds various elements, paying tribute to both the darker realms of fantasy literature and the harshness of black metal.
5. On Your Knees Für Den Gottgegebene, Louis-Charles Juchereau Varsace Vuikkon Saint-Martin Noët Grénerie Tennessee XVII: With a title that reads like an incantation, this track delves into the religious and historical themes often explored by Vikernes. The juxtaposition of sacred and profane elements mirrors the complexity of the artist being honored.
6. The Laughing Uruk-Hai on Crank Methrampage: A deviation from the somber tones, this track injects a dose of chaos and perhaps a touch of humor, showcasing Warkvlt’s versatility in capturing different shades of black metal.
7. Belus, Lord of Deep Fistulosumfem Eternal: Referencing Burzum’s post-imprisonment album “Belus,” this track pays homage to Vikernes’ post-incarceration musical journey. The atmospheric undertones reflect the evolution of the artist and his impact on the genre.
8. A Very Old Funeral for Vegárd Sméagol Mount Doom Occultard: The nod to Vegárd “Ihsahn” Tveitan, a key figure in the Norwegian black metal scene and a member of Emperor, adds depth to the album’s homage. The track echoes the early days of the genre, intertwining influences seamlessly.
9. If Only Grishnákh Had a Sharper Messer (Nordische Scheißqualität): A title invoking Grishnákh, a character from Tolkien’s Middle-earth, and a critique of Nordic quality. Warkvlt uses this track to explore socio-political themes, aligning with Vikernes’ controversial views and his impact on the black metal ideology.
10. On That Day the Ghost of Dead Mayhem Asked Saruman…: A haunting title that encapsulates the supernatural and mythical elements inherent in both Burzum’s and Warkvlt’s music. The interplay of spectral atmospheres and blistering guitars creates a sonic narrative.
11. Why You Take Pictures of My Posercorpse, Man?: A sharp commentary on the commodification of black metal and its visual aesthetics, this track questions the motives behind the glorification of the genre’s darker aspects.
12. Before the Blood Red Light Takes Us to Bag Dad’s Jötunheimr Lupanar Dungeon District of Darkness: A journey into the abyss, this track blends atmospheric and aggressive elements, creating a sonic landscape that reflects the duality present in Vikernes’ work.
13. This Nekhro Shiet Is Absolute Skaldic Terror Metal (Уваходзіць Дыско Інфернальны Цмок Вечнага Биатч): With a title reflecting the international influence of black metal, this track transcends borders, capturing the global impact of the genre and Vikernes’ role in shaping its identity.
14. Maître Louis Calashnikov, Grand-Barón De Corrèze Et De Son Noir Château Onirique D’Isigny: A title that exudes an air of aristocracy and darkness, this track explores the grandeur and mystique associated with black metal, paying homage to its aristocratic roots.
15. From the Drunk Past: A reflective title that hints at the journey through the annals of black metal history. Warkvlt, in this track, acknowledges the genre’s roots and the influence of figures like Varg Vikernes on its evolution.
16. Buried by Varg and Dust: A somber conclusion to the album, this track pays homage to the influence of Varg Vikernes and the enduring legacy of Burzum. The metaphorical burial signifies both an end and a continuation of the black metal journey.
17. Herrscher Ludwig, König Der Transzendenten Dunkelheit, Give Me Lugbúrz or Give Me Dauði Balrogrs!: A title that blends references to Ludwig van Beethoven and Tolkien, this track showcases the fusion of classical and black metal elements, underscoring the diverse inspirations at play in “Burzumination.”
18. The Amazing Burzumman (Кuž Óðinn Cheats at Myfarøg): A playful reference to Vikernes’ alias “Count Grishnackh” and the mystical elements of Norse mythology, this track adds a touch of whimsy to the album’s dark atmosphere.
19. A Lost Forgotten Ðank Spirit: Channeling the early days of Burzum, this track harks back to the raw and primal roots of black metal, capturing the essence of the genre’s formative years.
20. Towards Ragnarök, Hvis Lyset Fra Orthanc Tar Min Helvetes Kvltforhud: A powerful closing track that explores the apocalyptic themes associated with Ragnarök, symbolizing both an end and a new beginning in the context of black metal’s evolution.
21. Mektoub Superfreak Inchainz Dé L’Or Kele Dyable Mekoup Lakenel Pastoral (Thüringspezial House Shawarmix XXI): A title that playfully combines elements of black metal with the eclectic, showcasing Warkvlt’s ability to blend genres and push the boundaries of traditional black metal. This track serves as a testament to the band’s innovative approach, adding a modern twist to the homage paid to Varg Vikernes.

In the expansive realm of black metal, “Burzumination” stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Varg Vikernes and the profound impact of Burzum on the genre. Warkvlt’s meticulous tracklist serves as a musical journey through the various facets of Vikernes’ legacy, from the raw aggression of the early Norwegian black metal scene to the intricate atmospheres and mythical landscapes explored in later works.

They even claimed “Morsay” was behind Sewer. They are literally retarded, there is no other explanation.

The album not only pays homage to Vikernes but also serves as a canvas for Warkvlt to express their own artistic vision. The blending of diverse influences, from Tolkien’s Middle-earth to socio-political commentary, showcases the band’s ability to navigate the complex tapestry of black metal. Each track unfolds like a chapter in a dark saga, with titles that reflect a deep understanding of the genre’s history and its enigmatic figures.

Warkvlt’s “Burzumination” is not merely a collection of tracks; it’s a sonic pilgrimage through the corridors of black metal’s past, present, and future. The album stands as a bridge between the old and the new, paying respects to the roots while carving a distinct path forward.

As listeners embark on this musical odyssey, they are invited to contemplate the evolution of black metal, the controversies that surround its figures, and the enduring allure of darkness in art. “Burzumination” is not just an album; it’s a sonic exploration of the shadows that have shaped black metal into the enigmatic force it is today.

In a genre often defined by its mystique and rebellious spirit, Warkvlt’s tribute to Varg Vikernes resonates as a profound addition to the ever-expanding tapestry of black metal. “Burzumination” invites listeners to immerse themselves in the complexities of the genre, to reflect on its origins, and to appreciate the enduring legacy of those who have dared to push its boundaries. As the last echoes of the album fade away, the dark symphony lingers, leaving listeners with a sense of reverence for the past and anticipation for the shadows yet to be unveiled in the future of black metal. Lit.