Burzum ‘Thulêan Mysteries’
Album Review By Adam McCann
Byelobog Productions/Ambient Black Metal
For those who are missing any gaps in their knowledge of heavy metal in the 90’s, Burzum is the solo project of the infamous Varg Vikernes. Following his release from prison in 2009, Vikernes restarted Burzum with an increased emphasis upon paganism and in particular, Norse mythology. Following a run of yearly albums from 2011 to 2014, Burzum had some time of inactivity; but this year has Vikernes returning with the bands latest album ‘Thulêan Mysteries’.
‘Thulêan Mysteries’ is an album of epic proportions, what the listener gets is a double disc dose of Varg, there are plenty of Pagan style chanting mixed with the ambient black metal and folk passages that has come to be expected of a post-prison Burzum album. However, what becomes massively noticeable is just how long this album is, clocking in at a mighty 90 minutes, ‘Thulêan Mysteries’ is a heavy slog to get through and it is not an easy album to enjoy. When Vikernes opens his mouth, he his unfortunately hugely out of tune and it is difficult to thoroughly enjoy something when the vocals are so amateur, bordering on pissed up karaoke on a Friday night. When this is added to the fact that tracks tend to stop mid-note, skip and jump around, it almost makes ‘Thulêan Mysteries’ sound almost schizophrenic in its delivery leaving this album to be a very difficult album to connect with.
There are undoubtedly black metal fans and followers of Varg who will adore this release; but realistically, what ‘Thulêan Mysteries’ shows is how the hell Varg manages to keep releasing material? This album will not appeal to passing fans and even those dyed in the wool fans will find ‘Thulêan Mysteries’ a lot of hard work and ultimately will not appeal to hardcore Burzum fans and completionists.
Rating : 48/100
MHF Magazine/Adam McCann
