Umskiptar [Import]

Umskiptar, the tenth full-length album by Burzum, Varg Vikernes' one man band, is nothing less than an atmospheric triumph. Vikernes sets the sixty-six stanzas of Voluspa, the opening poem of the Norse Poetic Edda, to the unmistakable soundscapes of Burzum. It works. Reading through English translations of Voluspa by Vikernes in his book Sorcery and Religion in Ancient Scandinavia, as well as a translation by Carolyne Larrington (Oxford World's Classics), the music and words complement each other power for power.

The music is pure Burzum, full of chainsaw guitars, repeated motifs in the songs, and full, epic sweep. Changes in dynamics, such as the solo piano in Alfadanz and the pounding drums that open the album, break things up without jarring the listener or detracting from the atmospheric spell that Vikernes weaves.

Vikernes' voice is no longer the pained, angry yowl of his youth; nevertheless, it is quite expressive and suits the mood of the music and words well. His voice takes on different roles. At times, he sounds like a grizzled chieftain relating the tale. In some places, he sounds like a poet. On Valgaldr, he sounds downright otherworldly.

Umskiptar is the fourth Burzum album to be released in just over two years. Vikernes maintains a standard of high quality. Umskiptar is to be savored from beginning to end; it is a rewarding experience. Recommended.

Black Metal fans, look elsewhere. To Burzum fans, who appreciate the way the music always sounds like nothing else before or since, this is another treasure to add to your collection. Umskiptar once again breaks ground by taking the music in a new & unexpected direction, while still staying true to the Burzum fundamentals("fuzzy" guitar riffs, engaging atmosphere, etc). One of the most interesting elements of this album is that the lyrics truly take center stage. I really enjoyed the range of Vikernes' vocals on Fallen, and he goes many steps beyond that here. The sound of the Old Norwegian lyrics is fascinating as well--you can really feel the power behind these ancient words.

Today, I found myself crammed in an overfull bus that was hot and smothering. I decided to close my eyes and listen to Umskiptar. Soon, I forgot about the sorry conditions of where I was, and instead found myself in some place better. I think that's a testament to the transcending strength of this new Burzum album.

Aside from a minor volume issue on the 2nd track (the first couple of minutes suffer from Death Magnetic loudness syndrome for whatever reason) this is easily the best sounding Burzum album yet. From a songwriting standpoint, all the standard Burzum tricks and cliches are here and done as well if not better than before. If you're not a fan of the clean singing or "talky bits" of Belus and Fallen, you may not be terribly fond of this record since there are few growls and wails to be heard throughout. It's also worth noting that Varg has become a MUCH better bass player recently...

I've listened to this maybe three or four times so far and find new little bits every time. It's truly a fantastic album and as my title states, second only to Filosofem. That says a lot too because I really, really love Belus.