black metal tourism norway

Raising hell: The beginner’s guide to Norwegian black metal

Devil worship, church burning, murder and violence – is that what Norwegian black metal is all about? Or is it an energetic music genre with poignant lyrics and symbolism based on Norse mythology?

Our ultimate guide to Norwegian black metal gets to the root of the subject, suggests some bands and albums to check out, and explores the dark side of Norwegian metal.

What is black metal?

So, black metal is a type of heavy metal music that features shrieking vocals, dissonant guitar riffs and satanic, anti-Christian lyrics. 

It combines extreme metal elements, such as thrash metal and death metal with lyrics that are often based on Viking and Norse mythology with a nihilistic or even apocalyptic world view.

Black metal bands often have a very distinct look, with dramatic make-up featuring macabre corpse images, and band members are usually known by gnarly pseudonyms, such as Cadaver, Dead, Euronymous and Faust.

What is Norwegian black metal music?

Norwegian black metal music is a type of black metal that developed in and around Oslo and Bergen then became popular throughout the rest of Norway. 

The occult and satanism are key parts of the Norwegian black metal scene, with high-pitched vocals and deliberately low-tech production values. 

Compared with more polished progressive metal bands like Tool, whose drummer Danny Carey originally studied jazz music , Norwegian metal can sound pretty rough around the edges.

Swedish black metal vs Norwegian black metal

So what’s the difference between Swedish black metal and Norwegian black metal? Well, hardcore metal fans will tell you that the music which emerged from Sweden is death metal, while the Norwegian sound is black metal. 

Swedish death metal is all about volume, noise and energy with low growly vocals, while Norwegian black metal is more emotional, with poignant lyrics, discordant key changes and high-pitched vocals.

And as for which country has the best black metal? Most metalheads agree that, with a few notable exceptions like the Swedish band Bathory, it’s Norwegian black metal bands that rule the roost. Unless of course, you ask a Finn…

Why is black metal popular in Norway?

So, why do so many Norwegians like black metal in particular? There is clearly something about its pagan message, bleak ideology and Viking roots that appeals to Norwegian sensibilities. 

But also, one of the key features of the Scandinavian black metal sound is its accessibility and authenticity – the idea being that anyone with a guitar can produce their own black metal music.

You don’t need a high-tech studio sound, a huge budget, or even the best instruments. You just need talent and to ‘live’ the scene.

Who invented Norwegian black metal?

Like most musical genres it’s hard to say that it was invented by one particular person or band, but the name black metal actually came from the title of the second album by the English group Venom in 1982.

The first Norwegian black metal band was Mayhem, who released their first album Deathcrush in 1987.

Norwegian black metal history

However, it was the second wave of Norwegian black metal in the early 1990s that really had an impact, with bands such as Burzum and Emperor hitting the headlines – and not just for their music.

In 1991, the singer from Mayhem, Per Yngve Ohlin (whose stage name was Dead), committed suicide. He slit his wrists, then shot himself and his body was found by the band’s guitarist Euronymous (real name Øystein Aarseth). 

Euronymous’s notoriety grew after he rearranged the scene to take photos before calling the police, then allegedly made necklaces from pieces of Dead’s bone.

His behaviour also started rumours of Norwegian black metal cannibalism, with allegations that he made a stew from his dead friend’s brain then ate it.

Shortly after his band mate’s death, Euronymous opened a record shop called Helvete (Hell) and a record company called Deathlike Silence Productions in Oslo.

And it was Helvete that became the focal point for the Norwegian black metal scene, with Euronymous’ satanic, anti-society and anti-religion ideology gaining traction amongst other bands and their followers, who became known as the Black Circle.

Their pagan ideology spread into a cult of Norwegian black metal burning churches, supposedly in revenge for the destruction of Viking temples.

Eight churches in Norway were set alight in 1992 alone, and Count Grishnackh (Varg Vikernes) of Norwegian black metal band Burzum was convicted of three of them.

Faust (Bård Guldvik Eithun) of the band Emperor and Jørn Inge Tunsberg from Immortal were also convicted of further counts of arson.

Norwegian black metal murders

The scene also became known for its Norwegian black metal killings after Count Grishnackh joined Mayhem as a bassist, and then stabbed Euronymous to death in 1993. Count Grishnackh was arrested for murder and arson and served sixteen years in prison.

Faust, the drummer from Emperor, also stabbed a man to death in Lillehammer in 1992, for which he served fourteen years in prison.

For more on the dark side of the scene, the Norwegian black metal documentary Until the Light Takes Us explores the characters behind the disturbing violence, while the controversial book Lords of Chaos: the Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground and its subsequent film adaptation provide insights into the rise of the violent nihilistic doctrine.

And check out this with interview with Gaahl, the Norwegian former frontman of Gorgoroth and Trelldom, for a fascinating insight into his reclusive life in a remote Norwegian valley.

List of Norwegian black metal bands

So if you want to find out more about Norwegian black metal, here’s a list of some of the top Norwegian black metal bands.

• 1349 Black metal band from Oslo named after the year that the Black Death reached Norway, killing almost 70 percent of its population. 
• Bathory Swedish black metal band named after the Hungarian serial killer, Countess Elizabeth Bathory.
• Burzum One of the early and most influential Norwegian black metal bands, founded by Count Grishnackh (Varg Vikernes) in 1991, with its name inspired by JRR Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings .
• Darkthrone Norwegian black metal duo, that was founded in 1991 and are still recording, though they never play live.
• Dauden A metal band from Sarpsborg that started out as a four-piece in 2007, though it’s now only got one permanent member, the original founder, drummer and songwriter Malignant.
• Dimmu Borgir Norwegian band formed in 1993 and named after an Icelandic volcano.
• Emperor Formed in Notodden in 1991, Emperor is one of the earliest Norwegian black metal bands – and also one of the most notorious.
• Gorgoroth A self-cenfessed Satanic metal band from Bergen that was founded in 1992 by the guitarist Infernus.

• Immortal Norwegian black metal band from Bergen, formed in 1991 by Abbath Doom Occulta and Demonaz Doom Occulta.
• Kampfar Black metal band from Fredrikstad in Norway, whose name is an ancient Norse battle cry.
• Mayhem Seminal Norwegian black metal band founded in 1984 and notorious for their provocative stage shows and off-stage scandals.
• Mork Founded by Thomas Eriksen in Halden, Mork is more of a one-man band since Eriksen performs and records accompanied by a variety of black metal guest musicians such as Silenoz from Dimmu Borgir or Malignant.
• Order Founded in 2013, this relatively new band features former Mayhem members including Cadaver and Gluecifer.
• Ragnarok Formed in Sarpsborg in Norway by Jerv and Jontho, Ragnarok is named after the final battle between the Norse gods and the giants .
• Satyricon Formed in Oslo in 1991, Satyricon was the first Norwegian black metal band to be signed by a multi-national mainstream label, EMI.
• Taake Originally named Thule, Taake was formed in Bergen in 1993 by Ulvhedin Hoest, who is now the band’s only permanent member.
• Venon English band from Newcastle who kickstarted the black metal movement with the title of their second album.

The best Norwegian black metal albums 

And if you fancy having a listen to some Norwegian black metal, here are our five favourite Norwegian black metal albums, with Spotify links.

Hordalands doedskvad by Taake

Released in 2005, Hordalands doedskvad is widely considered to be Taaak’s best album, with great guitar riffs, excellent vocals and drumming. 

Filosofem by Burzum

Burzum’s fourth album and arguably its best, Filosofem is more experimental and original than previous albums with a minimalist aesthetic.

At the heart of winter by Immortal

Immortal’s experimental fifth album (released 1999) fuses black metal with thrash metal to great critical acclaim.

Under a funeral moon by Darkthrone

Released in 1993 as a “pure black metal album”, Darkthrone’s third album is considered essential black metal listening, with short, focussed songs and distortion playing a big part in the album’s vibe.

Stormblåst by Dimmu Borgir

Dimmu Borgir’s second album from 1996 has symphonic black metal undertones and was the last album that they sung entirely in their native Norwegian.

See also: Nordic and Viking tattoos The Valkyrie symbol: what is it and what does it mean? Norse gods, goddesses and giants

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Helvete: Norway’s Pioneering Black Metal Hub

Helvete, once a controversial hub in Norway's black metal scene, has evolved into Neseblod Records, a sanctuary that encapsulates a rich history, echoing a journey from fringe status to a nuanced position in the global cultural landscape.

The Epicentre of Norwegian Black Metal

In the early ’90s, nestled in the heart of Oslo, Norway, a pioneering force in the black metal scene emerged – the Helvete shop. As the brainchild of the legendary Øystein “Euronymous” Aarseth , guitarist for the iconic band Mayhem, Helvete carved its name as the first-ever sanctuary where black metal records found a home.

For the enthusiasts who ventured to Schweigaards Gate 56 , it was more than just a store; it was a journey into the soul of black metal, a genre that thrived on raw energy and powerful narratives. The name “Helvete”, a Norwegian term translating to “hell”, and steeped in the depths of Norse mythology as “hell’s punishment”, encapsulated the spirit of the burgeoning scene perfectly.

In the annals of metal history, Euronymous stands as a figure who not only strummed chords but also crafted a culture. His influence stretched far beyond his role in Mayhem, seeding a haven where like-minded individuals could congregate, share, and foster their passion for black metal. The basement of the Helvete store turned into a mecca, a gathering hotspot where Euronymous’ friends and bandmates could immerse themselves in the electrifying current of the black metal wave sweeping through Norway .

As the metal community reminisces about the golden ’90s, the era of Helvete is a chapter that is both fierce and historically significant. It was not just a shop, but a phenomenon, a place where the echoes of electric guitars met the whispers of Norse legends, creating an unparalleled symphony that resonated deeply within the souls of metal enthusiasts.

Helvete’s Reign in the Early ’90s

In the turbulent early ’90s, the Norwegian black metal scene was nothing short of a roaring inferno, with bands like Mayhem , Burzum, and Darkthrone leading the charge, crafting vicious symphonies that echoed through the mountains of Oslo and Bergen. This was a time when even lesser-known bands such as Ildjarn or Strid were carving out their niches, influencing the genre in profound ways.

At the epicentre of this musical upheaval stood Helvete, a shop that opened its doors in June 1991, under the visionary stewardship of Øystein “Euronymous” Aarseth. Much more than a mere store, it was a reflection of Euronymous’ deep-seated involvement in the black metal community and his fervent desire to create a nexus for individuals who embraced the dark and eerie ambience that characterized the genre.

Helvete bore the hallmark of Euronymous’ controversial views and actions, fostering a habitat where the burgeoning Norwegian black metal scene could flourish, pulsate, and evolve. It became the heartbeat of the community, a gathering point that encapsulated the very essence of the early ’90s black metal scene.

Helvete bore the hallmark of Euronymous’ controversial views and actions, fostering a habitat where the burgeoning Norwegian black metal scene could flourish, pulsate, and evolve.

A descent into the basement of Helvete revealed “Deathlike Silence Productions” , a recording studio where countless black metal anthems were born, echoing the raw and unfiltered spirit of the genre. This basement, seemingly more confined than captured in photographs, became the sanctuary for the infamous “Inner Circle” , a group that brought the Norwegian black metal scene to the global forefront, with figures like Varg Vikernes deeply entrenched in its lore.

This “Inner Circle”, a congregation of individuals who were as notorious for their criminal activities as they were for their musical contributions, embraced satanism and paganism as a form of rebellion against Christianity. In the depths of Helvete, plans for infamous activities, including church burnings, were hatched, resonating far beyond the Norwegian borders and capturing significant media attention.

However, the fiery reign of Helvete was not destined to last. In 1993, amidst increasing police scrutiny and the crescendo of controversies surrounding the “Inner Circle”, the doors of Helvete closed, marking the end of an era that had brought the raw and untamed energy of Norwegian black metal to the international stage.

Keeping the Flame of Helvete Alive

In the very place where Helvete once stood as a beacon for the burgeoning black metal scene, a new entity has risen to carry the torch – Neseblod Records . Today, under the stewardship of Kenneth “Neseblod”, the shop has transformed into a living chronicle of black metal’s rich history, housing an extensive collection of paraphernalia that echoes the golden years of the genre.

The basement, which once echoed with the raw and untamed spirit of Helvete’s inner circle, now stands as a makeshift museum.

Venturing into Neseblod Records is akin to stepping into a vibrant museum, a haven where the pulsating energy of black metal’s early years reverberates through the walls. The basement, which once echoed with the raw and untamed spirit of Helvete’s inner circle, now stands as a makeshift museum, housing a plethora of objects that encapsulate the spirit and history of black metal. From vinyl records to cassette tapes, CDs, t-shirts, and flags, the collection is a treasure trove for enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the genre’s rich legacy.

As visitors step into the first room, they are greeted with a spectacle that is nothing short of a heavy metal history lesson. An impressive array of memorabilia adorns the space, featuring artefacts such as a signed copy of “Kill ‘Em All” by Metallica’s classic lineup, props that witnessed Burzum’s iconic photo shoots, and a sheet bearing remnants of Euronymous’s blood, a stark reminder of the intense and often controversial journey of black metal.

Neseblod Records stands not only as a testament to the past but also as a reflection of the evolving landscape of black metal, indicating a shift towards a more “high art” perception of the music. It has morphed into a hub for collectors, distributing music from a myriad of bands that may never grace the live stage, yet continue to influence the genre profoundly.

For black metal aficionados around the globe, a pilgrimage to Oslo seems incomplete without paying homage at Neseblod Records. The shop has become a magnet for “blackpackers”, enthusiasts keen on immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of black metal history. In this modern sanctuary, visitors from around the world gather, united in their passion and eagerness to delve deeper into the black metal culture.

Visiting the shop has evolved into a veritable rite of passage for many, a place where the pulse of black metal continues to throb vigorously, nurturing the collectors and fanatics who find solace in the intense and powerful narrative that black metal crafts.

The Cradle of a Global Phenomenon Amidst National Controversy

In the grand tapestry of Norway’s musical heritage, black metal occupies a unique and somewhat paradoxical space. Despite the perception of metal being “huge” in Norway, black metal remains, to this day, a genre on the fringe, its raw and intense narratives resonating powerfully, yet confined to the outskirts of mainstream acceptance. The shadows of the past, marked by crimes and controversies, linger in the national consciousness, a sombre reminder of a tumultuous era.

Yet, amidst the scrutiny and distaste from mainstream society, the legacy of Helvete stands undiminished, a beacon that illumines the depths of a global cultural phenomenon. The shop, with its infamous basement, has transcended its physical boundaries to carve out a significant place in music history. It serves as a stark reminder of the dichotomy that exists within the black metal scene – a genre that birthed a global culture, yet remains tethered to its controversial roots.

Helvete, once the pulsating heart of the Norwegian Black Metal scene in the ’90s, has left an indelible mark on the world of metal. Its influence stretches far beyond the boundaries of sound, shaping the aesthetics and cultural nuances of a genre that reverberates across the globe. In the face of oppression and societal distaste, Helvete fostered a movement that echoed with raw power and intensity, giving birth to a global culture that continues to thrive and evolve.

As we reflect on the journey from Helvete’s inception to its transformation into Neseblod Records, it is evident that the flame ignited in the early ’90s continues to burn brightly, a beacon in the ever-changing landscape of black metal. The shop stands as a living testament to the resilience of a genre that refuses to bow down, a sanctuary where the spirit of black metal lives on, fierce and undeterred.

As the sun sets on this chapter of our journey into the heart of black metal, we stand at a vantage point where we can appreciate the complex and rich narrative that Helvete has woven into the fabric of metal history. It remains a beacon of raw power and authenticity, a place where the echoes of the past meet the pulsating energy of the present, crafting a melody that resonates deeply within the souls of metal enthusiasts across the globe.

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But Wait, There's More!

In the Shadow of Silence: The Rise, Fall, and Legacy of Deathlike Silence Productions

In the turbulent narrative of Norwegian black metal, Euronymous emerged as a controversial yet pivotal figure, crafting a legacy through Deathlike Silence Productions that still echoes in the dark corners of the genre.

Euronymous: Steering the Violent Symphony of Norwegian Black Metal

A character who not only pioneered the gritty core of black metal but also scripted a turbulent and dark saga in Norway’s music history, intertwined with genius and controversy.

The Inner Circle: The Architects of Norway’s Black Metal Revolution

A group that not only shaped the sound of black metal but also scripted a dark chapter in Norway’s music history, marred by controversy and crime.

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Road to Nowhere: Touring Oslo’s Black Metal Past

In New York, you can take a guided tour of Harlem, Central Park or Museum Mile. In London, you can visit key Beatles-related sights, stepping off a double-decker to stroll down Abbey Lane. And, in Norway, you can see where a handful of Satanic metalheads burned churches in the early ’90s. Before becoming a global phenomenon, black metal first left its hateful paw prints on the city of Oslo, where the scene originated and imploded in 1994 with the murder of its leader, Euronymous, by frenemy Count Grishnackh. If you are lucky enough to be in Oslo in late April for Inferno Fest, Anders Odden, former bassist, will take you around a handful of crucial locations in black metal history. Don’t worry, it’s not scary. Helvete, the record store Euronymous owned, is now a bakery, and Odden has arranged for them to serve free coffee to intrepid tourists.

Click through the pages below for a tour of Oslo's Black Metal landmarks.

1. Holmenkollen Chapel Located at the top of the city, close to another, more prominent Norwegian landmark—the country’s biggest ski jump—Holmenkollen Chapel was burned down by Varg Vierkenes aka Count Grishnackh in 1992. The elevation is a matter of status, and, as a result, when the church burned, you could see the flames from across the city. It’s since been rebuilt and, curiously, painted black.

2. Helvete As a result of the last 15 years of gentrification in Oslo, the street where Helvete, Euronymous’ record store, once stood has become quite charming, and the storefront is now split between a young fashion label and a family-owned bakery. The tour takes a pit stop there for coffee and a shaky trip down to the low-clearance basement, where the “Black Metal” graffiti—still scrawled across the wall—once stood as the backdrop for many a promo shoot.

3. Euronymous murder site Just like the Dakota, the New York building where John Lennon was shot, the plain brick complex where Euronymous was murdered—fleeing his apartment out into the street where he was ultimately stabbed—is simply an anonymous place where something horrifically tragic has taken place.

4. Neseblod Records Depending on your music taste, Neseblod Records may be the best record store in the world. Or it may be a place to buy some really expensive black metal artifacts. Either way, because you’re in Oslo, arguably the friendliest city in the world, even the peddler of billion kroner OG Mayhem T-shirts smiles at you on the way out.

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Inferno Metal Festival in Oslo: black metal tourism and the glorious triumph of four gentlemen (Saturday)

Written by Marleen van de Kerkhof on 27-04-2023 at 20:15.

For years, the Inferno Metal Festival has brought metalheads from all over the world together to celebrate our love for metal. As a true haven, the historic heart of black metal, Oslo, hosts Norway’s largest metal festival. This makes it the perfect place to enjoy bands such as Urgehal , Djevel , Odium, Mork , and Emperor . But it’s not just the heart of the black metal fan that races here: the organizers behind Inferno also book death, industrial, doom, and thrash metal bands, and even progressive acts. There’s something for everyone!

Read the report from Wednesday and Thursday here ! Read the report from Friday here !

On this third day, the organizers of Inferno have something special in store for us: a bus tour of the places that mark the beginning of Norwegian black metal. The tour guide? None other than Anders Odden ( Cadaver , Celtic Frost , Satyricon , Order ), one of the pioneers in the early years. He formed his first black metal band, Slaught , back in 1986, and in 1990 he released the first Norwegian death metal album with Cadaver . Since 2014, Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren has been playing with Cadaver , and we can expect a new album from them this year.

After a brief introduction, Anders tells us that he heard an interview with Mayhem on the radio in 1986. This was his first introduction to the infamous band. Mayhem played Pure Fucking Armageddon but took over the entire radio show and played music until 4 am. Anders was so impressed that he tried to look up Øystein Aarseth (Euronymous) in the phone book. Fortunately, it was a surname that wasn’t very common, so he quickly found the right phone number and they talked for three hours. Euronymous sent two tapes to Anders, including the demo Pure Fucking Armageddon and the recording of Mayhem ‘s first live performance in a youth club. There were also covers, which prompted Anders to tell us how Celtic Frost was his first introduction to metal (the gloomy sound of Danse Macabre ). He was also the guitarist during Celtic Frost ‘s comeback tour in 2006. It became clear that everyone was in their own bubble at the time, but also inspired by each other’s music at the same time. Because in the ’80s there was no distinction between genres, there was only one metal scene. The exchange of cassette tapes was very important in this, and according to Anders, Euronymous played a big role in this.

Then we get to hear a scoop through the speakers of the tour bus. During the pandemic, Anders invited Kjetil Manheim and Necrobutcher of Mayhem to practice old songs once a week. The music on Mayhem’s demo tapes is hardly audible anymore after copy after copy. After forty rehearsals, it started to sound like it used to. In 2021, there are finally good recordings that will be released under the name 1405 Mayhem ( Mayhem ‘s address was Box 75, 1405 Langhus). And how fantastic they sound!

Our first stop is at the Holmenkollen Chapel, which was set on fire by Varg Vikernes, Faust, and Euronymous on August 23, 1992. Three years later, the church was rebuilt, and today it offers a photogenic location for “blackpackers.” Then we travel to the place where Euronymous was murdered by Varg Vikernes. For the outside world, this murder was the beginning of an era, but for the men themselves, it meant the end (they were working on a new album). And although this gruesome crime happened thirty years ago, it remains difficult for Anders because he was so close friends with Euronymous. Anders tells outside the gate of Euronymous’ apartment that he had left a message on Euronymous’ answering machine on the fateful day, and for that reason, he was also one of the people questioned by the police. Personally, I also have some difficulty with this kind of disaster tourism. Why take a group of tourists to the place where your good friend was murdered?

While enjoying Darkthrone ‘s In The Shadow Of The Horns , we are on our way to Neseblod Records, formerly known as Helvete. Euronymous’ record store was the epicenter of Norwegian black metal. Once we have gathered in the world-famous basement, Anders tells us that Euronymous was a “bonafide communist”. He channeled 90 percent of the music’s proceeds to the artist. He also had a monthly food budget of only 200 Norwegian kroner. For 2 kroner, he bought noodles, and for 5 kroner, he bought a loaf of bread every week. The bread toppings cost about 20 kroner. What was left of the budget, Euronymous liked to spend on a bottle of Coca Cola (contrary to what the movie Lords of Chaos made believe, Euronymous never drank or smoked) and at the McDonald’s in Oslo. It’s remarkable for someone who held communist beliefs. According to Anders, Euronymous was an inspiring leader who could speak about everything with immense passion. Anders also takes a moment to remember Pelle Ohlin’s (Dead) death anniversary in this iconic basement. It’s exactly 31 years ago today that the Mayhem singer committed suicide.

On to our last excursion before we get ready for Inferno! The National Library has dedicated a brand new exhibition to Norwegian black metal, undoubtedly cultural heritage. As part of the permanent collection, the LP A Blaze in the Northern Sky by Darkthrone from 1992 is also on display, which is so cool to see framed here! The exhibition, titled “Bad Vibes – Sonic Emotions in Norwegian Black Metal”, takes the visitor back to the origins, themes, and controversies of the genre. I like how it goes beyond just the music and also pays attention to the art and culture of the black metal scene. Some highlights include an original letter from Dead to Metalion of Slayer Magazine, the door of Helvete, the opportunity to listen to early recordings of both Mayhem ( De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas , of course!) and Enslaved from the Grieghallen studios and to remix them yourself on a mixing board. Additionally, because of the dark atmosphere, the beautiful album covers, and the carefully curated sound bites, I find a visit more than worthwhile. It’s free until September 16th of this year, by the way.

Then it’s time for live music on this sunny Saturday: Sakis Tolis is going to perform his solo album Among the Fires of Hell live for the first time. Yesterday , he expressed how exciting this is for him at the Inferno Music Conference. It immediately becomes apparent to everyone that it’s not his brother Themis behind the drum kit. It’s Fotis Benardo from Nightfall ! With great charm, Sakis opens with The Silence, and anticipation grows in the audience when the first notes of My Salvation , the most well-known single, sound. Almost everyone sings along! The Dawn of the New Age makes everyone nod their heads. I notice how good the music sounds live, almost exactly like the album!

Sakis wouldn’t be Sakis if he didn’t warmly thank the audience several times for being there. It can’t be denied that the riffs and compositions seem to resemble those of Rotting Christ (which makes sense), but in my opinion, we should better focus our energy on cherishing Sakis’ passion for making music. Introduced by the message that we are all made of stars, Ad Astra begins. I have to think back to the black metal exhibition in the National Library called “Bad vibes,” because during this performance there are only “good vibes”. People are relaxed and enjoying the music of the most sympathetic Greek. Sakis Tolis certainly deserves top marks!

Immediately after this beautiful live debut, I hurry with some haste to the other room. And afterwards, it turns out that I haven’t noted any remarks about the performance of Vicotnik and company. That’s a good sign. Intensely and captivated, I enjoy the set of Dold Vorde Ens Navn on this early evening. I’ve been looking forward to this, the album Mørkere has been playing on repeat in the Van de Kerkhof household. Dold Vorde Ens Navn is a band, with singer Vicotnik as its centerpiece, born out of friendship and a shared passion for music. That’s how I like my music! It’s truly a supergroup: the men have earned their stripes in bands like Ulver , Satyricon , and Dødheimsgard .

Starting with Er det maneskinn , I’m swaying and headbanging in the midst of the crowd with a silly grin from ear to ear; it’s a peculiar combination of swaying, shuffling, and headbanging hard. The advice for tonight is to not think too much. Let yourself be carried away by leader Vicotnik on an exciting journey to the deepest depths of your soul and the lightness of your existence. The joy of playing of the friendly-looking (bass) guitarists is endearing. So genuine, unaffected, and warm… Their love is truthful, and that makes it even easier to be taken away from the here and now.

Rarely have I experienced such a fiery performance. I’m not ready to call it the highlight of Inferno yet, as Gaerea will play shortly, but the music hits me hard and in a good way. And then those dance moves of Vicotnik; Mick Jagger, pack your bags! He flutters unabashedly and chivalrously in his tight jacket to the blissful music. By the way, they only play Vitnesbyrd from the EP Gjengangere I Hejertets Mørke , and the rest of the setlist is from Mørkere . Definitely not a punishment!

The contemporary black metal with variation as its keyword never bores. Vicotnik delivers the words in an incomparable way, both maniacal and brilliant. The mischievousness of Syke hjerter titillates the senses, and as a listener, you are subsequently kicked down by uncompromising blast beats with Arvesynden . We catch our breath during the quiet moment that the intro of Det falt et lys i men lrke krok offers, and with a lot of fanfare, Victonik announces a “hit” that not only I have apparently been waiting for: Løgnens abstinenser . Please look up this song if you don’t already know it, you won’t regret it. You can always wake me up for this.

You get it, I’m still standing here, enjoying it with that same silly grin from ear to ear. But yeah, then it’s time for the final chords, which are marked by Determinismens paradoks . And that’s not a random choice, because this song has the potential to make us all let loose one last time on a bed of blast beats and riffs that crawl like an earworm. Thank you, Dold Vorde Ens Navn . I will cherish the memory of this performance for a long time.

After a short break, I get ready for Gaerea . After Dold Vorde Ens Navn , the second band of this festival for which I apparently didn’t make any notes purely out of pleasure. I thought arriving half an hour before the start time would give me enough opportunity to get a nice spot at the front of the stage, but no, I am not the only one who has “seen the light”. The venue is already completely full when I arrive, and everyone is waiting in anticipation for the contemporary black metal of these Portuguese musicians. Gaerea is “hot”! As a true fan of the band, I become slightly impatient during the fairly long intro. I feel like I can’t wait a second longer for the first notes of Mantle ! I long for that tormented singing and imminent guitar that illustrates the endless dance with death!

The pounding Deluge is also experienced firsthand by the current frontman Guilherme Henriques as he slams the microphone hard against his chest. With a disturbing necessity, the audience is driven completely insane. It is inevitable, but even with these works of art in black metal, mosh pits are now commonplace. It’s actually a shame because, during Salve , I have to fend off aggressively hopping concertgoers. And all the while, I’m doing my best to explore the depths of our most revolting desires with the drum and guitar salvos flying around us along with the gentlemen and lady of Gaerea . Well, that’s what happens when bands (rightfully) get bigger.

A pleasant surprise comes in the form of Absent , from the first album Unsettling Whispers . Fantastic to hear older work live again! Then we also take a trip to Limbo , with which Gaerea has definitively gained its status as my favorite modern black metal band. The lack of stage decoration, unfortunately lost at the airport, does not detract from the experience of the gem Conspiranoia . Urge then follows with ultimate urgency, the need for destruction. As good citizens, we decide to only destroy our neck muscles. It’s insane with what intensity this song is delivered. I get goosebumps from head to toe. It’s wonderful to experience music so deeply felt!

During Mirage , I also don’t know where to look anymore and curse anyone who is still thrashing around like a madman. With a lump in my throat, I try to (falsely) sing along with the beautiful lyrics, but it quickly becomes clear that it’s better to surrender to this sonic sublimation of miserable elegance. This is simply too beautiful for words. Period.

The final piece Laude devours us one last time with its resounding violence. The words “We are Gaerea ” hit deep during the culmination of this song. Because no official meaning or explanation has been given for this word, everyone can give it their own connotation. In my case, the emotional value is purely positive: cathartic but also purifying in the moments when I need it. I say thank you again, because I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this experience for anything. See you at Bloodshed Fest in Hengelo on April 30th!

Quickly moving on to the headliner of this fantastic festival day: Watain ! There was no skimping on the stage decoration… It’s as if they’ve built a temple for ‘Ain’ with their own hands! The first song I hear is Ecstasies in Night Infinite from their latest album The Agony and Ecstasy of Watain . This makes it very easy to switch gears while I’m still floating after Gaerea ‘s performance. Frontman Erik Danielsson manages to cling to the audience despite the complete chaos. Legions of the Black Night feels ritualistic and is followed by The Howling , during which Erik asks the South American attendees to show how it’s done, resulting in a swirling moshpit of course. My neck muscles are getting a workout again. Despite the long day, I feel more energized than ever!

Then comes the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the captivating Serimosa . Erik’s vocals hit deep, and that guitar solo is awe-inspiring. Devil’s Blood builds up in tension, not just compositionally, but you also wonder when that chalice full of blood will be thrown into the audience. It’s great to have a perfect view of it all from the balcony! People scream with pleasure or other emotions, it doesn’t matter. Watain is here tonight to play it hard, and the Swedish band does it expertly.

Although the name may suggest otherwise, Malfeiter is fantastic live. It feels like a whole journey! It was the very first Watain song I ever learned, so yes, those nostalgic pleasures immediately resurface. It’s an impressive song when you’re seventeen years old, trust me on that! The last song also comes from the brilliant album Lawless Darkness : Waters of Ain . Speaking of a journey, this one lasts almost fifteen minutes… It never gets boring, and the melodic black metal grips me by the throat. The crescendo hits hard, and that’s not just because of the €10 beers here. I really don’t want this to be the end, but after playing for an hour and a half, Watain is done. Nothing remains but awe after this performance. That’s why I can rightly say about this third festival day: Sakis Tolis, Vicotnik, Guilherme Henriques, and Erik Danielsson came, saw, and conquered.

Read the report of Wednesday and Thursday here ! Read the report of Friday here !

Date and location

8 april 2023, Oslo

Arash Taheri ( website ,  Facebook ,  Instagram )

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Oslo is the capital and most populous city of Norway. It constitutes both a county and a municipality. Oslo is the home for many famous black metal bands and festivals like Inferno Metal Festival.

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Bad vibes. Sonic emotions in Norwegian black metal

Join us in exploring a unique artistic expression with references going far back into our cultural history, and with a power to reach far beyond Norway’s borders.

Designers: Nissen Richards Studio Curator: Thomas Alkärr Logo design: Jannicke Wiese-Hansen

What is Norwegian black metal? This unique music genre is one of the best known Norwegian cultural expressions in the world. For many, black metal feels foreign, perhaps due to the unpolished sound, dramatic makeup and serious incidents associated with it such as church fires and murders in the early 1990s.

At the National Library exhibition, the public will have a chance to walk into the dark expressions of black metal and explore the genre as an artistic expression and cultural phenomenon.

Experience the exhibition!

The shadowy forest, a boy’s bedroom and a record studio in the grand Bergen hall Grieghallen set the scene for what the public can see and experience . Through albums, pictures, master tapes, books and fanzines, the exhibition takes you inside the sounds, the lyrics, the visual expression, the cultural backdrop and some of the stories behind all the makeup.

Walk through the original door of Øystein “Euronymous” Aarseth’s legendary record shop Helvete (meaning “Hell”). See all issues of the fanzine Slayer Magazine, and read a newly written text by editor Jon “Metalion” Kristiansen, a central figure in Norwegian black metal. Listen to the legendary songs “Life Eternal”, “Funeral Fog” and “Gylfaginning” in completely new ways, by mixing the tracks on your own. Discover some of the key cultural influences of Norwegian black metal – from Theodor Kittelsen to Dungeons & Dragons. 

Sign up for English tours:

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In July and August, all guided tours in Bad Vibes are held in English. If you would like a tour in German or French, please email [email protected] for availability.

Contributors 

Among the contributors are Jon “Metalion” Kristiansen, Kristoffer Rygg from Ulver, Ted Skjellum from Darkthrone, designer Jannicke Wiese-Hansen, Ivar Bjørnson from Enslaved, producer Eirik “Pytten” Hundvin, Grete Neseblod and Jan Axel Blomberg from Mayhem.

Exhibition trailer

Opening hours.

Monday – Friday: 09.00-21.00 Saturday: 10.00-18.00 Sunday: Closed

Where do you find us?

The National Library of Norway is located at Henrik Ibsens gate 110 in Oslo.

Plan your journey

We went to a true black metal festival set in a historic Norwegian fortress and here's what we learned

The first year of Imperium festival saw black metal heavyweights like Kampfar, Taake, Destroyer 666 and Uada storm the gates of Fredriksten Festning in Halden, Norway

What's the perfect setting for a black metal festival? Other than the deepest darkest depths of hell, we're pretty convinced the quintessential BM venue lies within the gates of Fredriksten Festning , Norway (of course). 

Situated in Halden, a border town at the southern most point of Norway and resting right on the edge of the Norwegian/Swedish border, this post-medieval fortress holds four centuries of Nordic history within its walls – a suitably spooky backdrop for the most diabolical subgenre of metal.

For five years Fredriksten was home to Norway's largest rock festival, Tons of Rock . But, upon their move to Oslo, there was an opening – nay void – left to fill, and in came Imperium .

With an impressive line-up of genre heavyweight that included Destroyer 666 , Taake , and Kampfar , as well as Mork (Halden is Thomas Eriksen's hometown), Uada, Ragnarok and many others – the event's first year promised to be a delightfully devilish assault on the eyes and ears.

Understandably, we couldn't miss out on the opportunity to see true Norweigan black metal hammering off the 400 hundred year old stone walls and went to check out the first edition of the brand new festival – here's what we learned...

Black metal + historical surroundings = a match made in hell

Why did nobody think of this before? Black metal bands have always extensively used historical imagery, themes and references within their lyrics, album artwork, logos and even sonically. 

Bathory , the Swedish "blueprint" for Scandinavian black metal, used Norse and Viking themes in their lyrics, later inspiring Burzum, Emperor , Einherjer, Helheim and bands on Imperium's bill such as Taake, Ragnarok and Kampfar. 

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This link between black metal and history is intrinsic, and to be able to enjoy the genre in such a powerful historical setting, such as a fortress, is a real treat. The buildings background of war and strife, looking down on beautiful natural fjords embraces the very same topics that many black metal bands approach within their lyrics: the ugliness of the world and the ignorance of mankind while they look down upon (and in some cases destroy) the beauty and peace that lies within nature.

The only other festival to delve into this link between BM and history has been Midgardsblot – which takes a more ancient and spiritual path, situated upon an ancient Viking burial ground.

Small and intimate > Large and impersonal

The size of Imperium is truly special. The main stage is situated a small cobbled open area surrounded by post-medieval walls and buildings. The uneven surface of the ground means you can see the band from all angles, and the size of the area allows you to get right up close.

While larger festivals certainly have their perks, being able to easily get to the front of the crowd and get almost face to face with your favourite band is something really special.

Okay, so it was the first Imperium to take place, so it will presumably (and hopefully) grow in size, but with such a unique location and niche line-up of bands, we're certain it will maintain its intimate and community-driven nature.

Black metallers bad rep is a crock full of shit

If you ever needed proof that the stereotype of black metal musicians and fans of being fascist, racist, sexist, or bigoted in any way was a load of utter nonsense, just take a look at the friendly faces of music-loving fans at Imperium.

The festival had united with Metalheads Against Bullying , a fantastic charitable organisation that work against bullying, harassment and discrimination and to help engage with those within making the metal and rock community specifically and foster more awareness concerning bullying in any shape or from. 

...In fact black metal fans might just be the most inclusive and supportive

While it was great to see an organisation like Metal Against Bullying being represented and embraced at a black metal festival, it was clear to see that bullying, discrimination and prejudice just aren't an issue within the BM community.

People supporting all sorts of metal and non-metal band t-shirts disproved the idea that black metal elitism is even a thing, everyone was friendly, welcoming and inclusive – and even the mosh pit was relatively tame, with fans picking up items others had dropped and generally being courteous to one another. 

No spiked drinks, no sexism and no racism – so can we drop the relentless assumptions yet? Imperium goers and organisers made it easy to join in, make new friends and not feel in any way threatened or uncomfortable, something that can't be said for a lot of fests.

Imperium can only go from strength to strength

The journey of Imperium has been incredible. The small team of festival organisers were pushed to the limit to put together the festival in a matter of months, after Tons of Rock announced its move to Oslo earlier this year.

Considering the exceptional support from the likes of Cult Never Dies and other vendors as well as, of course, premier bands within black metal, it's hard not to believe that this small town festival won't go on to make a significant impact on the scene within Norway, and globally. 

It truly is a destination festival, and we're excited to see what they've got up their sleeves for next year...

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There's A Black Metal Exhibit Coming To The National Library Of Norway in 2023

It's history time!

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Black metal in Norway and the Blackpackers

Art & Culture

Sightseeing

Kai Bonsaksen | Live the World

November 23, 2022

What is a Blackpacker?

Italians and Greeks are known to be extra enthusiastic about Norwegian Black metal . The youth of these two countries is often very excited when you say you are from Norway . Not only because of our astonishing trolls , aurora borealis , the fisherman’s villages , or the mysterious hiking paths . It's often because they like Black metal . These are people who travel to experience the Black metal culture. Hence the name Blackpackers .

What was Black metal again?

Black metal is a subgenre of Heavy metal. The first wave of Black metal is from the 80s and is a more extreme form of Heavy metal . As Black metal people would say, more brutal.

Fun fact : In Norway , there is a little bit of history about burning down churches and sacrificing goats as a Black Metal gesture. This has pretty much stopped now and was more or less a thing of the 90s and before.

Varg Vikernes

One guy called Varg Vikernes killed a guy known as Euronymous . Varg also burned some churches and stole things. Varg follows the old Viking religion called ‘’ Åsatru ’’ and became very famous and made people think that this was common practice among Black metal followers in Norway . Therefore, Black metal people from outside of Norway gets the impression that radical church burners who paint their faces for weddings and acts like Viking kings are a daily experience in Norway .

Black metal museum

This is a record store in Oslo . The name is also Neseblod records which means '' Noseblood'' . Lots of history is stored inside. From the 1st wave of Black metal until today. In this store, you have the option to buy, sell, and trade . If you have some merchandise like an LP or a Black metal comic book you can get some cash for it. This is a museum where you can buy the things you find. So, like a store.

Fun Fact: The place of Neseblod records was previously the location of the record store Helvete and Deathlike Silence .

Rockheim is located in Trondheim and is the hall of fame of music in Norway . That includes Black metal . They have a pretty neat section of the stories of Black metal and Heavy metal that took place in Norway . Check out the story about Rockheim for more on this!

Inferno festival

Every year since 2001 , Inferno festival took place. Relevant nordic Black metal bands come to this festival in Oslo to play. They are known for their shocking stage performance as Black metal also is. For the 2019 show, they have arranged with Vomitory, Gaahls Wyrd, Batushka, Archgoat, The ruins of Beverast, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Avast and are obtaining more bands for the show.

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The exhibition is called  Dårlig stemning / Bad Vibes: Sonic emotions of Norwegian Black Metal,  and it’s presented in both Norwegian and English, given the international interest in the genre. It comes less than a year after Oslo’s new  MUNCH museum unveiled a landmark exhibition of 13 masterpieces by Edvard Munch and black metal band Satyricon’s musical interpretation of them .

Bad Vibes opened in late March, just in time for the annual Inferno festival that brings legions of black metal fans from all over the world to Oslo during the Easter holidays.

They have a lot to see and hear at the new exhibition. It charts the sources of inspiration behind this uniquely Norwegian expression of art: legends and fairy tales, authors and artists, Nordic mythology, Viking history, pagan rites, religious texts and symbols. In addition comes the strong Norwegian passion for the perfect solitude found in frozen forests.

In a darkened wing of the historic library at Oslo’s popular Solli Plass, visitors enter a “forest room” wallpapered with skinny corpse-white birch trunks in the dead of night. Creepy voices whisper lines from selected songs by prominent bands like Darkthrone and Ulver (Wolves). The next room is dedicated to the late Norwegian artist Theodor Kittelsen’s depictions of nature, animals, trolls and the plague that ravaged Norway in 1349. The plague is called Svartedauen  in Norwegian (literally “The Black Death”), and the collection shows ways black metal artists have used Kittelsen’s works for inspiration and cover art.

Visitors are even invited to walk through “the door to Hell.” The squeaky, graffiti-scribbled door is one of numerous unique artifacts on display; it led the way into an Oslo record store in the early 1990s that was called Helvete (Hell). The store, located in one of Oslo’s less glamorous neighborhoods, ranks as the epicenter of Norwegian black metal in its earliest, chaotic years and was an important gathering spot for its long-haired, leather-clad devotees. Its basement served as the office for record company Deathlike Silence, and its owner was Øystein “Euronymus” Aarseth, guitarist with the pioneering and influential black metal band  Mayhem . In 1993 Aarseth was stabbed to death by fellow band member Varg Vikernes, who was later convicted not only for that grisly murder, but also for burning down historic churches including one of Norway’s iconic stave churches and Oslo’s Holmenkollen Chapel.

Such crimes, combined with a carefully crafted death cult and “Satanist” image, gave black metal a seriously bad reputation that still lingers. Most black metallers are not happy about it. The Bad Vibes exhibit makes it clear that most of them were into music, not murder or burning churches.

“Many of those who have played black metal music are tired of murder and church burnings blocking the way for everything they do,” curator Thomas Alkärr told newspaper Dagsavisen . He’s a former journalist at state broadcaster NRK , where he authored and co-directed the channel’s six-part doumentary on Norwegian black metal, entitled Helvete (Hell).

“A small minority made those headlines,” Alkärr said. “For the others, the music was enough.”

‘Small town phenomenon’ He told newspaper Klassekampen that none of the pioneering black metal bands sprang out of Norway’s largest cities: “It was a phenomenon of the small towns, the suburbs and the villages, communities close to the forest that became a symbol of freedom, of danger, and of the wilderness beyond organized society with its rules and regulations.”

It was also a counter-culture of outsiders getting together, mostly young men like Jon “Metalion” Kristiansen.

“I was born in Sarpsborg, a town where you either did sport or became a junkie. I had to create my own world in a world I didn’t like,” Kristiansen wrote in an autobiographic text handed out in a part of the exhibition dedicated to his handmade and widely read fan magazine Slayer Mag, established 1985. Kristiansen never played in a band, but was instrumental in developing a network of like-minded people in Norway and, eventually, all over the world. They would write letters to each other and swap cassette tapes with new music. It was even customary to send the stamps back for re-use, to keep costs down. Krisitansen says he’s proud that Mayhem dedicated its  Deathcrush album to him. It’s on display in all its shocking pink glory – it was supposed to be blood-red, but a production error made the album cover so ugly that the band turned into an advantage.

Significant cultural export Quite a few of the items on display, including letters, newspaper clippings, album covers, master tapes and more, were already available in the vast collections of the National Library. The library is tasked with collecting all documents published in Norway and making them available to the public. The cover of one iconic black metal album – Darkthrone ‘s 1993 release A Blaze in the Northern Sky  – was included in the library’s permanent exhibit of Norway’s cultural history in 2020. By then, Norwegian black metal had become a significant cultural export, prompting Norway’s Foreign Ministry to train its diplomats to promote it on the world market along with salmon and oil.

“There may be some who reckon that this isn’t right, that black metal is rendered harmless (…),” Alkärr told Klassekampen . “But it’s been 30 years since the chaos era of Norwegian black metal. Most of those we have talked to are happy and proud that their creative work is considered so significant.”

The exhibition will run through September 16. It’s free of charge and open most days and evenings.

NewsinEnglish.no/ Morten Møst

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