Music Review: Burzum – Umskiptar (2012)

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Neither language nor sound has ever posed a hindrance to understanding Burzum‘s music. Varg Vikernes’ in-depth narration of tales you might have never even have heard of, in a language Greek (it’s Norwegian, actually) to us makes the listening even more interesting. His guitar tone on Umskiptar is rounded, at least compared to all his previous works, but there’s absolutely nothing that can take away from the honesty of his music. The distorted vocals have not only clean singing but also soft whispers for company this time. The riffs are even simpler on this album; Varg Vikernes mesmerizes yet again, and this time without repetitive guitar noise. I’m not complaining; I love everything Varg does, and in fact, after a few listens, I wondered how Umskiptar would sound with his typical fuzzy droning. But as all Burzum fans come to realize in good time: Varg knows best. There isn’t one weak moment on the man’s glittering discography. Even Daudi Baldrs, which I earlier thought was a pointless exercise and a joke Varg released during his prison sentence, gets repeated listens and numerous bows from me, so you can imagine how I’m going to gush if we get into the other Burzum albums. Chapters in Black Metal is what the man writes, even if he calls it Skaldic Metal. It’s time for us to accept that there will be a Burzum release every year, to realize that this music doesn’t need reviews or discussions, and to look forward to the annual blessings this man will be sending our way.

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