Burzum – From The Depths Of Darkness - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Norway

Genre : Black Metal / Ambient

Release : 2011

Album downloads only available to members

Album Info / Review

Intro:
Varg Vikernes’ “From The Depths Of Darkness,” released in 2000, is not merely an album; it’s a sonic excavation. Emerging from the self-imposed isolation of his prison sentence, this collection of re-recorded early Burzum material acts as a spectral echo from the nascent days of Norwegian black metal, filtered through the stark realities of incarceration. Far from a polished retrospective, “From The Depths Of Darkness” is raw, unvarnished, and steeped in a palpable sense of melancholic isolation, a testament to Vikernes’ singular, often controversial, artistic vision. The production is intentionally lo-fi, echoing the primitive aesthetics of his 90s output, yet possesses a clarity that allows the grim atmosphere to seep through with unnerving precision. This is not an album for casual listening; it demands an immersion into its desolate soundscapes.

Track Analysis:
“From The Depths Of Darkness” presents a curated selection of re-recordings, primarily drawing from the “Burzum” (often referred to as “Aske” or “Immortal”) and “Det som engang var” sessions.

“War” (originally from *Burzum*) is reborn with a slightly more defined, albeit still cavernous, production. The iconic tremolo-picked riff retains its hypnotic, almost dazed quality, but the bassline, while still rudimentary, has a more prominent, rumbling presence. The drumming, programmed and deliberately simplistic, reinforces the relentless, marching tempo, evoking the feeling of an inevitable, grim march.

“The Crying Orc” (originally from *Det som engang var*) is presented with a chilling, almost childlike simplicity in its melody. The re-recording highlights the underlying dissonance, the melody twisting and contorting like a dying lament. The sparse instrumentation, primarily guitar and programmed drums, creates an unsettling sense of vast emptiness.

“Once Emperor” (originally from *Burzum*) feels like a spectral manifestation of its original form. The guitar tone is sharper, more biting, cutting through the ambient textures like shards of ice. The vocal performance, a guttural rasp, is less raw than some of Vikernes’ earlier work, but carries a profound weariness, a lament for a lost kingdom.

“Lost Wisdom” (originally from *Det som engang var*) is arguably one of the album’s most potent tracks. The re-recording amplifies the inherent bleakness of the original. The main riff, a slow, crushing descent, is delivered with a deliberate, almost agonizing pace. The programmed drums, while still basic, feel more impactful, each strike a hammer blow against the listener’s sanity. The layers of distorted guitar create a suffocating sonic blanket.

“Han som reiste” (originally from *Det som engang var*) showcases a slightly more melodic, yet still profoundly melancholic, side. The guitar lines weave a tapestry of sorrow, punctuated by the stark rhythm section. This track feels like a solitary journey through a desolate, frozen landscape.

“Svarte kulde” (originally from *Det som engang var*) embodies the album’s namesake. The coldness is not just thematic; it’s etched into the very fabric of the sound. The tremolo picking is relentless, creating a blizzard of sound, while the underlying bassline provides a subterranean rumble.

“Jesus’ Tod” (originally from *Burzum*) is a stark, almost brutal reinterpretation. The pacing is deliberate, the riffing heavy and suffocating. The vocal performance is particularly raw and pained here, conveying a sense of utter despair.

“Thulêan Mysteries” (originally from *Det som engang var*) is an instrumental piece that swells with a primal, almost paganistic energy. The guitar melodies are cyclical and hypnotic, building a sense of ritualistic invocation. The production emphasizes the atmospheric qualities, allowing the listener to drift within its sonic embrace.

“Loke” (originally from *Burzum*) closes the album with a sense of grim finality. The riffing is aggressive and driving, yet imbued with a pervasive sense of doom. The programmed drums provide a relentless, almost mechanical pulse, driving the track towards its inevitable conclusion.

Conclusion:
“From The Depths Of Darkness” is a testament to Burzum’s enduring, albeit controversial, artistic legacy. It is a journey back to the foundational elements of the band’s sound, stripped bare and re-presented with a chilling clarity. The album’s strength lies in its unwavering commitment to atmosphere, its raw production, and the palpable sense of isolation that permeates every note. While not a revelation in terms of new material, it offers a potent, distilled essence of Burzum’s early black metal explorations, a grim and compelling listen for those drawn to the darker, more introspective corners of extreme music. It is an album that reflects the stark confines from which it was born, a sonic testament to the enduring power of creative expression even in the face of profound adversity.