documentary review : Until The Light Takes Us (2009)

Rejoice black metalheads! Not many are interested in taking up the black metal scene as a subject on which a documentary/movie can be made, but Until The Light Takes Us is another valuable addition to the short list of black metal documentaries. Released in late-2009, the movie is based in Norway. It has musicians who lived through the early-nineties Norwegian period telling us exactly what happened then. I always repent the fact that I was not present at the right place at the right time. The movie has answered most of the prickly questions that I had accumulated in my mind concerning the scene. And the sources of my answers could not get more authentic.

The opening sequence has Gylve Fenriz (Darkthrone) preparing himself for a shot. And the best part of it is I can already feel the right vibes. The movie traces the entire journey from the roots of Norwegian black metal through the controversies that brought Norway to everyone’s attention back in the early nineties, the reason behind arson, and the truth behind the murder of Euronymous (Mayhem).

from the docu : fenriz

Why this documentary is different from the other documentaries out there? – the movement that we know today as the True Norwegian Black Metal includes a couple of events that we have always been reading about. If I have to summarize the events it would include the church burnings and hatred towards the protectors of cross, Euronymous (Mayhem) opening a records store called Helvete, Dead (Mayhem) committing suicide, the killing of a homosexual man by Faust (Emperor), and Varg murdering Euronymous. Until The Light Takes Us makes the protagonists recall the events. The featured artists are Varg Vikernes (Burzum), Fenriz (Darkthrone), Hellhammer (Mayhem), Abbath (Immortal), Demonaz (Immortal), Garm (Ulver), Frost (Satyricon), Bjarne Melgaard (visual artist).

from the docu : varg

For me this movie is special for a simple reason that Burzum has got maximum footage. We are taken inside the maximum security prison where Varg had been kept until he was released this year. I would want to thank the makers for bringing out the real Varg and most of all his sense of humor. A very pleasant personality his wit makes you want more of him. Moments when you get a chilling doze for your senses include the part where Burzum tells you how it is to stay confined for so long and ofcourse the uncanny silence when he confronts stabbing Euronymous in the skull.

the makers : aaron aites and audrey ewell

The documentary has been well directed by Aaron Aites and Audrey Ewell and has a personal touch to it. The production has also been handled by the duo. Norway has been depicted as we know it to be, absolutely enchanting. Background score has to be fine as we are talking black metal here. The song that appears to be the theme track of the movie is The Ballad of the Broken Birdie Records by Múm. I remember looking for the track after the movie. Enough said, too much of praise tends to spoil the watch. Buy the movie, download it or just steal but it needs to be watched. Well if black metal is your thing then I bet you already have watched this one.

Rating : 4/5

Check out this article on the Flaming Skull E-Zine here : The Flaming Skull E-Zine : August 2010 issue

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category : Album Reviews

album review : Belus (2010) – Burzum

I was probably the only Burzum fan left to hear Belus. It was only on 27th of Feb – 2 days after the leak – that I finally got to hear it. Ever since the album leaked I have spent a couple of restless days and cribbed myself for the kind of job I do. I had heard only good things about the album. But I must add here that even if the reviews were bad I would have got myself the album with the same zeal. That is the kind of belief I have in Burzum’s music.

Returning to his fans after almost 11 years, Burzum has not changed in terms of his definition of black metal. When it comes to this genre there are a couple of names that instantly clog your mind. Burzum undoubtedly being one of them has earned that position not only because he slayed Euronymous but also because he is the wolf behind those genre-defining albums - Burzum, Det Som Engang Var, Hvis Lyset Tar Oss. And now we have Belus.

I was apprehensive about how Belus would sound considering the disappointing trends certains comebacks have set. But Belus is all Burzum. It is an answer to the shoddy music we get nowadays in the name of raw black metal because Belus is raw as fvck. The album which has eight tracks grows on you each time you play it. I would go on to say Belus is very much on the lines of his best work. Or even better.

There is something about the unique ilk of melody that Burzum produces. It gives me that satisfaction I look for in black metal. Be it det som engang var, naar himmelen klarner, my journey to the stars, or the ever-lovable the crying orc. I get that same feeling when I hear tracks on Belus.

The signature repetitive riffs and beats are all present on this comeback. Though I love each track the ones that are an addiction already are belus’ doed, glemselens elv,  kaimadalthas’ nedstigning. The only thing that I am missing on this record are those screams, as Burzum has chosen to be harsher this time.

Burzum has given me a reason to believe that certain things in life can always be depended on. I hold things that are close to my heart in high regard and now Belus is one of them. I always feel I was late in discovering Burzum and ever since I heard him, his creations have meant beyond just music to me. Burzum (the word) doesn’t just mean darkness, he personifies it. A darkness that is so pristine, and fulfilling that it gives the antonym of brightness an altogether new meaning.

Belus is another cult offering, with every element intact. If you look for that wholesomeness in your music, then Belus is your answer, and Burzum – your mentor.

Rating : 4.5/5

also read :

Burzum – Spell Of Frustration

album review : Demonic Resurrection – The Return To Darkness