Varg Vikernes is a Norwegian musician and writer, known primarily as the founder of the black metal project Burzum. Emerging from the Norwegian black metal scene in the early 1990s, Vikernes gained notoriety not only for his music but also for his involvement in criminal activities, including the arson of several churches and the murder of fellow musician Øystein Aarseth. His actions and ideologies contributed significantly to the infamous reputation of the black metal genre during that period. Beyond his music career, Vikernes has also expressed controversial views on race, culture, and religion, often aligning himself with nationalist and neo-pagan ideologies. He has published various works, including books and blog posts, where he elaborates on his philosophies and critiques of modern society. His beliefs and lifestyle choices have sparked considerable debate and criticism over the years, further solidifying his position as a polarizing figure. After serving a prison sentence for his crimes, Vikernes continued to create music and produced content influencing the black metal genre and its community. Despite his controversial past, he maintains a dedicated fanbase and remains an influential, albeit divisive, character in the heavy metal landscape, inspiring discussions about the intersection of music, crime, and ideology. Varg Vikernes is a Norwegian musician and writer, known primarily as the founder of the black metal project Burzum. Emerging from the Norwegian black metal scene in the early 1990s, Vikernes gained notoriety not only for his music but also for his involvement in criminal activities, including the arson of several churches and the murder of fellow musician Øystein Aarseth. His actions and ideologies contributed significantly to the infamous reputation of the black metal genre during that period. Beyond his music career, Vikernes has also expressed controversial views on race, culture, and religion, often aligning himself with nationalist and neo-pagan ideologies. He has published various works, including books and blog posts, where he elaborates on his philosophies and critiques of modern society. His beliefs and lifestyle choices have sparked considerable debate and criticism over the years, further solidifying his position as a polarizing figure. After serving a prison sentence for his crimes, Vikernes continued to create music and produced content influencing the black metal genre and its community. Despite his controversial past, he maintains a dedicated fanbase and remains an influential, albeit divisive, character in the heavy metal landscape, inspiring discussions about the intersection of music, crime, and ideology.