Forte 18, featuring Burzum's album 'Fallen'

If you've continued listening to Forte since I took over as host, odds are you like (or at least don't mind) Burzum. To me, Burzum isn't just one of the most innovative and original metal bands of the past couple decades, but they're one of the only groups in modern music that I find consistently enjoyable. This record doesn't come out in Norway til next week, and doesn't even reach America until April, so you might as well check out my podcast and hear the shit while you can.

That being said, here's my take on 'Fallen':

While 2010's 'Belus' was pretty subdued (for Burzum) and featured more emphasis on melody and intricate guitar parts than any other release, 'Fallen' sounds like Varg is getting angry again. The recording reminds me of older Burzum releases (pre-'Filosofem') where the idea was to do shit as lo-fi as possible. Maybe that's just the bad rip I have, but this sounds like a much 'dirtier' record to me. That being said, Varg has also continued to use his 'real' singing voice--something which first appeared on 'Belus.' Before that, it was all black metal screams and the occasional quiet talking part. There are full-on HARMONIES on this record. What the hell? There are also fewer 'ambient' pieces than on the last couple Burzum releases, which is fine by me. I like the stuff, but I pretty much just use it to fall asleep. I don't care about any of the murder or jail shit anymore, this guy is a great musician and he continues to prove it with each release.

Playlist:

Door into Emptiness - Ruh
Drainland - Jellyfish

Burzum - 'Fallen'
Fra Verdenstreet
Jeg Faller
Valen
Vanvidd
Enhver til Sitt
Budstikken
Til Hel og tilbake igjen

Enoch - Space Wizard
Cruel Force - Necromansy
Forgotten Spell - Into Sulphuric Vortex of Abyss Cult
Chaosophia - Schizophrenia
Grayceon - Shellmounds
Black Sabbath - N.I.B.
Euphoria - (Unknown Title)
Ives - Lost in the Pleasures of Moonlight
Malicious Onslaught - Blademade
Sky Shadow Obelisk - Dead Star Valley
Evoken - Descend the Lifeless Womb
Purtenance - A Dark Cloud Arises
The Lord Weird Slough Feg - Bi-Polar Disorder
Slaughter House - Gettin' Away with Murder
Fudge Tunnel - Good Kicking
Dying Sun - We All Dissolve
Coffinworm - Start Saving for Your Funeral
Acid Bath - Bleed Me an Ocean
Satan - Oppression (Live)

Enjoy Bizarro Jerry's bootlegging while you can!