In the pantheon of black metal, few artists are as influential, notorious, and polarizing as Varg Vikernes, whose Burzum project helped to shape black metal's malevolent second wave. Years before he would attain notoriety, however, Vikernes unleashed the self-titled Burzum in 1992, as well as the EP Aske in 1993. The pair of albums, packaged together here, showcases the early days of Burzum's black metal experimentations, finding Vikernes exploring a trancelike sound that hypnotizes listeners with its buzzing guitars and ever-present blastbeats that give the music a repetitive, almost ritual-like quality. Definitely an essential listen for any black metal fan. ~ Gregory Heaney
