Black Metal's Burzum Trivia Quiz

Answer: Black Speech

Burzum are often considered one of the most influential musical acts in the history of the Black Metal genre. The name of the project derives from a J.R.R. Tolkien fictional language of Black Speech. Black Speech was crafted for the "Lord of the Rings" series of novels and spoken in the evil realm of Mordor.

The word Burzum translates to "darkness", a theme that, along with Norse Mythology, is often used in the lyrics and content of the band. Varg Vikernes, the person behind the Burzum project, has stated that his purpose was not only to create "original and personal music", but to create something new; "a 'darkness' in a far too 'light', safe and boring world".

Answer: Kalashnikov

Kalashnikov were a short lived, three piece band (the other two members have never been named), that existed from 1988-89. They would later change their name to "Uruk Hai", a name also deriving from the "Lord of the Rings" series of books (the Uruk Hai were orc creatures found in the novels).

These bands have often been rumoured to be the first incarnations of the Burzum project. With Uruk Hai, a set of four tracks were later released in 1994 on cassette known as "The Fighting Uruk Hai". In the early 1990s, Varg Vikernes would then leave Uruk Hai and go on to play in a series of Black Metal bands that would include Old Funeral and Satanel.

Answer: Count Grishnįkh

Varg Vikernes has stated in "A Burzum Story: Part 1 - The Origin and Meaning", that prior to forming Burzum, he didn't want to be recognized as "some teenager that would ruin the magic", so he created a pseudonym, Count Grishnįkh, while briefly playing with the Black Metal band Mayhem.

This name derived from the "Lord of the Rings" Orc captain "Grishnįkh". He has stated that using the pseudonym was designed to make Burzum seem "more out of this world, and to confuse people".

Answer: Odalism

Odalism is a form of "heathenry", a modern pagan religion. Many have accused Varg Vikernes as being associated with Nazi beliefs. He has refuted these claims stating that "unlike them I am not socialistic (not even on a national level), I am not materialistic and I believe in (the ancient Scandinavian!) democracy". Odalism is his way of distinguishing the confusion.

He claims that Odalism combines aspects of "Paganism, traditional nationalism, racialism and environmentalism" as a more "inclusive term that can be used by all Europeans" in having a "positive relationship to our homeland".

Answer: The murder of Euronymous

In 1994, Vikernes was arrested and imprisoned for his role in the murder of Black Metal musician Ųystein Aarseth aka Euronymous. Along with this, he was also charged with several church burnings that took place across Norway. Vikernes claimed that he killed Aarseth in self defense, but at the trial, it was claimed that Vikernes, along with two other individuals, had planned the murder.

It is thought that the murder took place as a result of a power struggle or possibly over royalty payments owed by Aarseth. Vikernes was sentenced to 21 years in prison for these crimes of which he served 14 years.

Answer: Filosofem

"Filosofem", was the fourth studio album released by the Burzum project. It was recorded in March of 1993, but not released until January 1996, while Varg Vikernes was in prison. The album gained some hype in North America with the song "Dunkelheit" receiving airtime on MTV, VH1 and Much Music on after hours programming.

It is considered a highly experimental project with no use of guitar amplifiers, instead being recorded on purpose using poor microphones, synthesizers, distorted guitars, fuzz pedals, and an old helicopter headset.

Answer: 2

The albums "Dauši Baldrs" and "Hlišskjįlf" were released in 1996 and 1999 respectively. As Vikernes was not permitted to use any musical instruments while in prison, both albums were created using only a synthesizer and a tape recorder. Some music enthusiasts classify these albums as "dungeon synth" due to their dark ambient sound and minimalism; they generally received poor-to-mid ratings.

Answer: True

According to a 2014 article by New Musical Express (NME), Burzum merchandise had officially been banned on eBay citing that a "history of violence" was the reason following a French court decision that Varg Vikernes had been found guilty of inciting "racial hatred" after publishing a series of blogs that attacked various religious groups.

As eBay's policy states that it does not support the sale of merchandise that may "promote or glorify hatred, violence, racial, sexual, or religious intolerance, or promote organisations with such views", it put a ban on any sales associated with Varg Vikernes or his project Burzum.

Answer: Mythic Fantasy Role Playing Game

"Mythic Fantasy Role Playing Game" (MYFAROG) focuses on personal quests and small-scale adventuring, but expert rules allow for building strongholds, taking over entire realms, and establishing powerful dynasties while trying to take over the Kingdom of Thule. Burzum's album "Thulean Mysteries" is said to be the soundtrack for the game.

Answer: 23

"Thulean Mysteries" is the twelfth official album by Burzum and was released on March 13, 2020. It is the soundtrack for Varg Vikernes' role-playing game "MYFAROG". Vikernes has stated:

"Since my true passion has never been music, but actually tabletop role-playing games, I figured I should make this an album intended for that use; as background music for my own 'MYFAROG (Mythic Fantasy Role-playing Game)'."