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Rating: Filosofem is the last black metal album recorded and released by Burzum (one of the most creative and brilliant musicians the modern era has offered) before his imprisonment, due to the murder of Euronymous. The album is different from the previous ones, indeed it turns out to be much more ambient and melodic.
The record is considered a milestone of black metal and opens with the song "Dunkelheit", a single with melodic and slow riffs that conveys a truly strange and exuberant unease. It is characterized by dark and funeral atmospheres where each musical instrument plays its role satisfactorily to make the single more somber and sinister. It is followed by the track "Jesus Tod" which reveals itself to be different from the first. Two very important riffs (one highlighted in the first part of the song and the other, placed at the end of the piece, much more ambiguous and undefined) make the work seem constant and sharp. By listening to it multiple times, we can clearly notice new nuances and chaotic sounds caused by the distortion.
Varg is not only a brilliant musician, but it's important to note his refinement in lyrics. His poetry is dark, melancholic, sad, in short... An impressive, deep, out-of-the-box poetry that manages to convey to the listener a sad sensation of melancholy. I think it's useless to continue describing the album track by track even because doing so could depreciate the true value of this wonderful work.
For the writer, the opener "Dunkelheit" and the following "Jesus Tod" are exceptional tracks. Making comments is permissible, but making them offensive or with colorful language for no reason, I would say no. One can disagree, but words like "this album sucks" will certainly not add strength to an opinion. Burzum is a controversial character who borders on "caricature" moments in the current time, he may be hated by some, but it cannot be said that he hasn't produced gems such as the aforementioned one.
The first time I heard Dunkelheit my blood froze, a sensation that continued throughout the album, extremely strong emotions, even "Rundgang Um Die Transzendentale Säule Der Singularität", a 25-minute song of only synths... It's a masterpiece.
This goes beyond black metal, this goes beyond metal, this goes beyond music, this is a dream, there's no other explanation.
It's a hypnotic album.
Tracklist and Lyrics
04 Decrepitude I (07:53)
Tears from the eyes so cold, tears from the eyes, in the grass so green.
As I lie here, the burden is being lifted once and for all, once and for all.
Beware of the light, it may take you away, to where no evil dwells.
It will take you away, for all eternity.
Night is so beautiful (we need her as much as we need Day).
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Other reviews
By burzum1
This is the CD that represents the true self of Varg Vikernes.
A strange black metal, never heard before and not even after, marking the complete musical maturation of an artist.
By StefanoHab
Burzum's voice in 'Filosofem' is the pure representation of despair, far from the fierce barking of 'Det Som...,' filtered, unhealthy, and merely heartbreaking.
Those who know they have this capability must dare to listen to 'Filosofem': soon they will be captivated by the irresistible sick charm that only an album like this can evoke.
By korn
The songs are deadly, pure black 100 per cent.
Burzum’s voice is that of a zombie; theoretically, his voice isn’t human, it is the voice of a living dead.
By CUNTGRINDER
These tormented and melancholic notes accompany us on our long road to reach our (nonexistent) peace.
At the end of all this, we realize that we will never have our peace, never…
By katharsys
An album less evil and 'black' than others, more focused on themes of despair, depression, and the end.
Ultimately, an album that can convey all that pain and despair that no one would ever want to feel, but once awakened by listening to such notes, no one will find the courage and strength to give them up.
