Origin : Norway
Genre : Black Metal / Ambient
Release : 2014
Album downloads only available to members
Album Info / Review
Intro:
Varg Vikernes, the architect of Burzum, returns with “The Ways of Yore,” an album that eschews the raw, primal aggression of his earlier works for a more introspective and melancholic sonic landscape. Released in 2014, this offering sees Vikernes delving deeper into the atmospheric and folk-infused territories he has been exploring in his post-prison material. “The Ways of Yore” is not an album for those seeking blast beats and guttural shrieks; instead, it presents a carefully curated collection of brooding soundscapes, echoing with the weight of ancient myth and personal reflection. The production is cleaner than many of Burzum’s earlier releases, allowing the intricate layers of instrumentation to breathe and resonate.
Track Analysis:
“The Ways of Yore” opens with the titular track, a somber acoustic piece that immediately sets the album’s introspective tone. The clean guitar melody is sparse and evocative, painting a picture of windswept landscapes and forgotten lore. The song gradually builds with a subtle synth pad, creating a haunting, almost ethereal atmosphere. “City of the Sun” shifts gears slightly, introducing a more pronounced, albeit still restrained, rhythmic element. The guitar work here exhibits a melancholic grandeur, with interwoven melodic lines that feel both ancient and strangely modern. The vocals, when they appear, are more spoken-word or chanted than screamed, adding to the narrative feel of the music.
“The Eyes of the Night” is a standout, showcasing Vikernes’ ability to craft truly captivating atmospheres. The track unfolds with a hypnotic, repetitive guitar riff that anchors the listener before layers of atmospheric synths and subtle percussion begin to swirl around it. There’s a palpable sense of yearning and desolation within its 6-minute runtime. “Heidra” is a more overtly folk-inspired piece. The acoustic guitar is central, accompanied by what sounds like a hurdy-gurdy or similar traditional instrument, lending it an authentic, almost medieval feel. The track is less about overt metal aggression and more about conjuring a specific time and place.
“The Lord of the Rings” is, predictably, a conceptual piece. It’s a slow-burning, atmospheric track that utilizes echoing clean guitars and a prominent, almost tribal drum beat. The vocal delivery is deep and resonant, evoking a sense of epic narrative, though without the bombast one might expect from the title. “You Are the Way” is another exploration of melancholic clean guitar melodies, this time with a more pronounced bassline providing a grounding presence. The track feels like a journey through a dark, ancient forest, with moments of subtle tension and release.
“The Light of the Evening” returns to the more ambient and synth-driven soundscapes. It’s a purely atmospheric piece, devoid of traditional metal instrumentation, focusing on creating a mood of quiet contemplation and fading light. “The Night of the Falling Stars” offers a slightly more aggressive edge, with a driving, yet still melodic, guitar riff. The drumming is more prominent here, providing a steady pulse, and the vocals are delivered with a more pronounced sense of melancholy. The track manages to be both engaging and deeply atmospheric. “The Sound of Silence” is a stark and beautiful rendition of the Simon & Garfunkel classic. Vikernes strips the song down to its emotional core, utilizing acoustic guitar and his distinctive vocal delivery to imbue it with a profound sense of loneliness and reflection. The arrangement is minimalist but incredibly effective.
Conclusion:
“The Ways of Yore” is a testament to Varg Vikernes’ evolving artistic vision. It is an album that demands patience and a willingness to immerse oneself in its carefully constructed sonic tapestry. While it may disappoint those expecting the raw fury of early Burzum, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for listeners who appreciate atmospheric black metal, folk influences, and introspective lyricism. The album is a journey through a landscape of ancient myth, personal reflection, and a profound sense of melancholy. It’s a mature and contemplative work that stands as a significant, if often overlooked, entry in the Burzum discography.
Rating: 8/10
Highlight Track: The Eyes of the Night
