Burzum – Belus - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Norway

Genre : Black Metal / Ambient

Release : 2010

Album downloads only available to members

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The release of “Belus” in 2010 marked a significant, albeit controversial, return for Varg Vikernes under the Burzum moniker. Emerging from the shadow of his long imprisonment, “Belus” was presented not as a mere continuation of his earlier raw black metal, but as a deliberate exploration of primal sonic landscapes and pagan themes. This album is a stark departure from the lo-fi aggression of his formative years, opting for a more atmospheric, almost hypnotic quality. It’s an album that demands patience, rewarding the listener with a deep dive into a world of ancient forests, smoldering embers, and the untamed spirit of the wild. The production, while still retaining a certain rawness, is significantly clearer than much of Burzum’s discography, allowing the intricate layers of sound to breathe and resonate.

Track Analysis:
“The Ways of Yore” opens the album with a melancholic, clean guitar melody, a haunting introduction that immediately sets a somber and introspective tone. This is not the blast beat barrage of yesteryear, but a slow-burning, almost shamanistic incantation. The clean guitars are layered with a subtle distortion, creating an ethereal shimmer that evokes mist-laden dawns.

“Belus, His Awakening” introduces the characteristic Burzum riffing, but it’s a more deliberate, almost trudging affair. The drums are sparse, emphasizing the weighty atmosphere. Vikernes’ vocals are a guttural rasp, more primal than overtly aggressive, conveying a sense of ancient power awakening. The song builds slowly, with repetitive but effective guitar passages that become increasingly hypnotic.

“Sverddans” (Sword Dance) is one of the more energetic tracks, featuring a driving, mid-paced rhythm. The riffs are sharp and biting, hinting at the metallic aggression of earlier works, but still contained within the album’s broader atmospheric framework. The guitar solos are not flashy but serve to punctuate the melodic lines, adding a touch of raw emotion.

“Kaimadalthas’ Return” is a sprawling epic, characterized by its extended instrumental passages. The music ebbs and flows, shifting between moments of intense, distorted riffing and passages of clean, contemplative guitar work. The sense of narrative is palpable, as if charting a journey through treacherous terrain.

“Ensomhetens Vei” (The Path of Loneliness) is a starkly beautiful track, dominated by clean, mournful guitar melodies. The atmosphere here is one of profound isolation and quiet contemplation. The vocals are used sparingly, adding to the sense of desolation.

“De dødes rike” (The Realm of the Dead) returns to a more traditional black metal sound, albeit with the album’s characteristic atmospheric sensibility. The blast beats are present but not overwhelming, and the riffs are sharp and venomous. This track feels like a more direct confrontation with the darker, more aggressive elements of the Burzum sound.

“Felag Under Sorg” (Companions Under Sorrow) is another atmospheric piece, characterized by its cyclical, repeating guitar patterns. The mood is one of grim determination and enduring hardship. The vocals are buried deep in the mix, adding to the sense of primal struggle.

“Galgdrage” (Gallows Song) is a powerful, mid-tempo track that showcases a more accessible side of Burzum, while still retaining its dark heart. The riffs are memorable and the drumming provides a steady, driving force.

“Dødsferd” (Journey of Death) is a fittingly somber conclusion. It’s a slow, crushing dirge that fades out, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of finality and the vastness of the themes explored.

Conclusion:
“Belus” is an album that defies easy categorization. It’s a mature and introspective work that, while undeniably rooted in black metal, transcends its genre limitations. Vikernes here demonstrates a mastery of atmosphere and a keen understanding of how to craft sonic narratives. The album is a testament to his unique artistic vision, offering a journey into a deeply personal and mythologically rich sonic world. It is an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new nuances and emotional depths with each immersion.