Burzum - Hliðskjálf

After raising the bar so high no other band could follow with Hvis Lyset Tar Oss, Burzum began a logical journey towards a more ambient, minimalist and atmospheric form of black metal on Filosofem. Varg's vision culminated with the release, while its composer was still in prison, of the masterpiece Hliðskjálf. Continuing its arc of growth started with Hvis Lyset Tar Oss, Burzum accelerates its development to a form of mellow but austerely ancient 'atmospheric soundscape' music that must be understood at an abstract level to appreciate its real beauty.

There's a definite mystique to Burzum's music, regardless of whatever era it comes from. Something which transcends the mere notion of music, and is closer to a 'listening experience' of intense atmospheric spell-craft, something Varg Vikernes has hinted towards himself. The more exposed and simplistic the presentation, the more magical the results tend to be. While most would confess an obvious preference to the 1990-1994 black metal era of Burzum's repertoire, many are right to give attention to this very odd album that was recorded and released during Varg's incarceration. Hliðskjálf is seen by the majority as being one of the strongest ambient concoctions ever recorded, mostly for the superior quality of songwriting that was employed on this album.

A must-own, if only for its historical importance.

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