Burzum began in 1991 as a prominent and influential Early Norwegian black metal scene|early Norwegian black metal act by Varg Vikernes (born Kristian Vikernes). Originally, he used the pseudonym ''Count Grishnackh''. Burzum has played a key role in the musical development of black metal. Vikernes was convicted of the murder of Mayhem (band)|Mayhem guitarist Øystein Aarseth (who was also known by the stage name "Euronymous") and additionally for the arson of several churches. Despite being in prison, Vikernes denies Burzum has been abandoned, and is "very much alive and well".{{Fact|date=October 2007<ref>www.burzum.com</ref>
Biography
Before Vikernes’ Arrest
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Burzum's early music shows a moderate J.R.R Tolkien|Tolkien influence; for example, the name ''Count Grishnackh'' is taken from an orc character called List of Middle-earth Orcs#Grishnákh|Grishnákh in Tolkien's works. The choice of the name for the project reflects both this influence and the desire for anonymity: "Burzum" is a word of the Black Speech of Mordor meaning "darkness" (though Vikernes believes that Pagans consider it to mean "light" as opposed to how Christians consider it to mean "darkness"), and is one of those found on the Ring-inscription of the One Ring (the final part of the Ring inscription be... read all