“In 1991, when Satanel disbanded, Vikernes revived his solo project, changing the name to Burzum (which translates to “darkness” in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Black Speech, which is spoken by orcs and other creatures of Mordor). Handling all instruments and vocals by himself, he recorded Burzum’s first four full-length albums in a span of just over one year. In addition to all that, he joined Mayhem on bass, as well.” (Encyclopedia Metallum).
Varg Vikernes of Burzum became notorious for his church burnings and murder of Mayhem’s leader Euronymous in 1993. He served 21 years in jail for these actions, but is now free today.
While his views are controversial, the music of Buruzm, like much great old school black metal, is gritty, unpolished, ambient and evokes an era of ancient, primeval pagan magic.
“Flesh” is the newest song to be released by Huntress. The song comes from their album “Static,” which is scheduled to be released on September 25th. Vocalist Jill Janus (who has been awesome enough to talk with me on more than one occasion) has said that Static channels the “crone” aspect of The Goddess (in terms of the whole Maiden/Mother/Crone archetype). And from what I can see, it’s gonna be a dirty, lusty, nasty old crone indeed.
The song itself is about a female serial killer who transforms into a demon seamstress and preys upon women. She desires their flesh for fashion (like a demonic, lesbian, Buffalo Bill if you will).
Musically, it’s a fun, catchy, hard rock song.
Starbound Beast was such a killer album that it’s really going to be hard for them to top it, but I’m still looking forward to seeing what they can do nevertheless.
In an effort spearheaded by the Ukrainian band Drudkh, eight different Folk Metal bands have come together to produce a compilation album. I’ve included a list of the eight bands below:
Drudkh (Ukraine)
Ava Inferi (Portugal)
Primordial (Ireland)
KAMPFAR official (Norway)
Winterfylleth (England)
Häive (Finland)
HIMINBJORG OFFICIAL (France)
Mondvolland (Netherlands)
Each band listed above has used music as way to link the listener back to their culture’s respective folk traditions and history. In this album, you’ll find that these bands have created their own unique way to represent traditional folk songs as well as the melodies from their musical heritage.
The Irish band Primordial has recently released a preview of their Dark Horse on The Wind on Metal Hammer (a song that will appear on the One and All, Together For Home album). Dark Horse on The Wind is a folk classic that is an ode to the pain of Ireland’s Civil War. Enjoy!
Metal Gaia 