Noted Norwegian musician Varg Vikernes, alternatively known as Kristian Vikernes, has left an indelible mark on the world of black metal, his influence and notoriety extending far beyond the boundaries of his native country.
It was in the year 1991 that Vikernes embarked upon his musical journey, establishing the pioneering one-man project Burzum, which swiftly gained widespread recognition and acclaim within the nascent Norwegian black metal scene.
This initial success, fueled by the project's innovative sound and unbridled creativity, ultimately led to Vikernes' membership in the renowned black metal band Mayhem, with the stage name Count Grishnackh becoming synonymous with his artistic persona.
Vikernes's involvement with the Heathen Front, a far-right organization advocating for Germanic neopaganism and white supremacy, escalated during this specific time frame. His written works on these topics were subsequently published, thereby cementing his reputation as a prominent figure within the black metal scene. In the documentary Metal: A Headbanger's Journey, director Sam Dunn aptly referred to Vikernes as "the most notorious metal musician of all time," thus acknowledging the profound influence he wielded on the genre.
Vikernes' life underwent a drastic and unforeseen transformation in the year 1994, marked by a devastating turn of events that would forever alter the course of his existence. It was during this fateful year that he was formally convicted of the heinous crime of murdering his fellow Mayhem bandmate, Øystein Aarseth, also known as Euronymous, a tragic event that would send shockwaves throughout the music world and beyond.
In addition to this senseless act of violence, Vikernes was also found guilty of committing four counts of arson, an act of destruction that would result in the burning of historic churches, leaving a trail of devastation and despair in its wake. The weight of his crimes would ultimately lead to a sentence of 21 years in prison, a lengthy and arduous term that would see him spend almost 16 years behind bars, a testament to the severity of his offenses and the gravity of his actions.
Vikernes, a pivotal figure in the black metal movement, emerged from a lengthy period of incarceration in 2009, marking the culmination of his prison sentence.
