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CD: Burzum - Det Som En Gang Var	Released: 1993
Reviewed By: Jeremy Turner (Turner)	Rating: (3.5/5)

So you've got bands like Blind Guardian, with some of the slickest production imaginable, an infinite number of overlaying vocal/guitar tracks on their albums, and then you've got a one-man-show like Burzum. Varg Vikernes plays every instrument on his albums and also controls the vocals. And let me tell you, there's no shiny production techniques here. What I want to know is, how can one man with so much less, create so much more?

Well as far as I can work out, the answer is: Varg believes in his music. Whereas other bands base their music around fantasy concepts(sword & sorcery and such), Vikernes bases his music around his belief in the old Pagan religion that was native to Norway before the arrival of christianity. Vikernes is so determined to bring the "old order" back that, among other things, he has been charged with church burnings. And I think that's the key to the atmosphere he creates with his music. It's an extension of himself.

It's so stripped down, it's "raw"(for want of a better word, I know it's used a lot but it IS the best way to describe it) to the bone, and it's anguished. Varg's vocals convey the pain that he's feeling, at times you can almost imagine him screaming in agony at the microhpone. Not in a nu-metal "my daddy raped me" way, though. There's some pretty interesting riffs here too: the 2nd riff "Key To The Gate" had my head nodding without even realising. Same with most of "Lost Wisdom".

The drumming is nothing wonderful, although you have to give him points for playing them. As I mentioned, it's a one-man show. He holds a steady beat, anyhow.

One all-synth track, "Han Som Reiste" is one of my favourites. It's not the same as the "Final Fantasy soundtrack" albums he's made while in gaol. It kinda reminds me of the soundtrack to the "Terminator" movies, it's really depressing, yet impressive at the same time.

Some recommended tracks:
Key To The Gate
Lost Wisdom
Han Som Reiste
Snu Mikrokosomos Tegn

Overall: an excellent example of how if you set your mind on it, you can create a mood with even the simplest of equipment.