Is Fallen a good place to start with Burzum?

Yes, Fallen is recommended as a starting point for new Burzum listeners. A haunting blend of dark ambient textures and minimalist black metal, evoking a sense of isolation and introspection. Released on March 7, 2011, 'Fallen' marked Burzum's return after a lengthy hiatus since 2009's 'Belus'. This album came amidst Varg Vikernes' controversial legacy, as he had been convicted of murder and arson in the early 1990s. Despite this tumultuous background, 'Fallen' reaffirmed Vikernes' artistic vision within the black metal genre.

Fallen works well if you're into long immersive listening sessions, gradual builds and payoffs and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Fallen?

Fallen has 7 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Fallen

Burzum · 2011

47 min · 7 tracks · black metal

A haunting blend of dark ambient textures and minimalist black metal, evoking a sense of isolation and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fra verdenstreet Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Jeg faller — This track features an intricate interplay between serene melodies and harsher tones, embodying the album's exploration of emotional depth and despair.
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Valen — With its expansive soundscapes and immersive atmosphere, this track exemplifies Burzum's shift towards ambient influences while maintaining a core black metal essence.
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Budstikken — The lengthy composition allows for a gradual build-up of tension and release, highlighting Vikernes' craftsmanship in creating atmospheric sound narratives.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's atmospheric depth and melodic focus mark a notable return to form for Burzum.

What we noticed

The album features long tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes.
Each track employs layered instrumentation that creates a dense atmospheric soundscape, often shifting dynamics throughout.
Melodic motifs recur across multiple tracks, establishing a cohesive thematic thread while maintaining an ambient quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long immersive listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs
atmospheric background focus
meditative reflective moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a return after a hiatus, showing continued creativity and evolution in sound.
Themes: prison release reflection· meditative darkness· Nordic folklore echoes
Moods: Dark· Introspective
Career context: Released on March 7, 2011, 'Fallen' marked Burzum's return after a lengthy hiatus since 2009's 'Belus'. This album came amidst Varg Vikernes' controversial legacy, as he had been convicted of murder and arson in the early 1990s. Despite this tumultuous background, 'Fallen' reaffirmed Vikernes' artistic vision within the black metal genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Darkthrone· Mayhem· Emperor