BURZUM

Burzum’s latest album, ‘Umskiptar’, his third in as many years (as well as one album of re-recorded early tracks), is based on ‘Voluspå’, an old Norse poem that tells of the creation of the world and its coming end. The significance of this poem to Vikernes is apparent as unlike his previous works, his voice takes precedence in the mix, foregrounding the poem and, inadvertently, overshadowing the music. Gone are the tortured “black metal” screams of the past and in their place is a mix of spoken word, breathy whispers, chants, and the occasional melodic phrase tinted with a gentle vibrato, all of which make for an intriguing listen, albeit briefly. Why? Because the album sounds flat and rigid, the endless repetition of the simplest of passages soon becomes tiresome instead of as powerfully hypnotic and engaging as Burzum was once renowned for. After a promising start, ‘Umskiptar’ soon loses momentum. The first two tracks provide something that is engaging, even compelling on occasion, but with the melody to ‘Alfadanz’ (and later, ‘Galgviðr’) sounding like ‘Scarborough Fair’, the image of Simon & Garfunkel singing along makes for an, ahem, ‘interesting’ listen. From track four onward, the album slowly deteriorates and interest wanes. The excellent ‘Valgaldr’ promises much and almost saves the album, but the remaining tracks do little more than drag ‘Umskiptar’ reluctantly over the finishing line. Maybe Burzum should take a little longer between releases…

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Byelobog

Album

UMSKIPTAR

Review by Jason Guest

RUNNING TIME:

65:56

RELEASE DATE:

21st May 2012

TRACK LISTING

1) Blóðstokkinn
2) Jóln
3) Alfadanz
4) Hit helga Tré
5) Æra
6) Heiðr
7) Valgaldr
8) Galgviðr
9) Surtr Sunnan
10) Gullaldr
11) Níðhöggr

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Norway

"After a promising start, ‘Umskiptar’ soon loses momentum."