Burzum - From the Depths of Darkness
The Count let the cat out of the bag in an interview where he confirmed his massive financial debt owed to Norwegian authorities. Hence his third release in just under a year. Belus was solid, a damn fine return. Fallen not so much, a little shakier. Perhaps it was a tad rushed? Maybe? Just a smidge? Now we have a re-recorded classics piece focusing on the first two albums, a brand new full-length already in the works, plus we can expect another one of these things with tracks from Hvis Lyset Tar Oss and Filosofem. Man, that’s a whole lotta Burzum in a short amount of time. I’ve said it before, I’m glad to have the man back, and I realize there’s lost time to make up for, but he’s putting out records at a Gucci Mane pace… and that frightens me. That said, it is good to hear these songs again, with highly improved sound and production to boot. Re-recorded oldies have become standard issue for Black Metal’s veteran heavyweights, none more justifiable than this presentation. Obviously the energy and passion of the original records cannot be duplicated, not even by the man himself, but he was wise enough to not change much, if anything. I like knowing nearly two decades later that Varg can still tear through these tunes with the same velocity and fervor, vocally and instrumentally, and that he embraces his past. I despise it when bands shun their beginnings! It’s also nice to finally have songs from Det Som Engang Var on CD, as I own the Necropolis cassette pressing exclusively as only the trve kvlt shall. Unfortunately only “Key to the Gate” and “Turn the Sign of the Microcosm” made it, as the selection of tracks is heavily tilted towards the self-titled debut. If anything you’ll find yourself, as I did, wanting to go back and listen to the original recordings, which is always cause for celebration. I never got to review the first couple records when they came out in the early ’90s. I was busy skipping study hall to go smoke pot and play Marvel Super Heroes at the nearby gas station. Taken for what it is, an autobiographical tribute album, From the Depths of Darkness succeeds on most levels. It’s damn near impossible to find any fault with the actual material itself, proven timeless yet again. I just don’t know how often I’ll reach for it.
(1) Comment(s)
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Stormbreaker said:
Is this Varg embracing his past, or trying to redo it?
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