Black metal has always found pleasure in the darkest and frightening acts. This is one genre that has often brought out the most negative side of music. Often those absurd midnight ceremonies have spilt over into real life. These acts often resulted in the transformation of evil intention into real misdeeds. Here, we’ve tried to revisit the past three decades of black metal.
This period saw bloodshed, blasphemy, and mayhem on several occasions. These are the things that shouldn’t have been associated with music. Several incidents happened during this period that would send a chill down your spine. Here are a few of them:
The blasphemous ‘black mass’ of Gorgoroth
Gorgoroth is a Norway-based black metal band. In the year 2004, a DVD recording strewn with nudity and blood caused a stir in many places. It took place in the Polish city of Krakow. During the DVD recording of Gorgoroth’s concert, the band displayed sheep heads on stakes. Also placed on display were Satanic symbols and a bloodbath of 80 litres of sheep’s blood.
Four naked models with their heads covered were shown as crucified on the stage. A police investigation was conducted on this incident with allegations of cruelty to animals and religious offences. This resulted in the concert organizer being fined 10,000 zlotych in 2007.
The burning of Fantoft Stave Church
On the 6th of June 1992, the historic Fantoft Stave Church was destroyed by arson. The members of the early Norwegian black metal scene were accused of perpetrating this act. At first, lightning or an electrical failure was thought to have caused this incident. However, Varg Vikernes of the black metal music project Burzum was later charged.
He was found guilty of burning Old Asane Church and a few other churches. Although the jurors had voted not guilty and the judges termed it an error, the decision was not overturned. A photograph of the burnt shell of the church appeared on the cover of Burzum’s EP Aske in 1993.
The ‘resurrection’ of Niklas Kvarforth
Shining is a popular Swedish black metal band that was formed in 1996 by Niklas Kvarforth. Fans of this band are quite familiar with their suicide-themed lyrics and depressive undertones. Most of them are also familiar with Kvarforth’s act of resurrection.
In July 2006, Kvarforth disappeared and the rumour was spread of his suicide. He was known for his disturbing behaviour, which involved harming himself while on stage. He also used to encourage members of the audience to taste his blood.
On the 23rd of August 2006, the band had a statement put up on their website that Kvarforth had disappeared. They also mentioned that they would be continuing with a new singer called ‘Ghoul’. During a concert held on the 3rd of February 2007 in Sweden, Ghoul was revealed to be Niklas Kvarforth.
Faust’s homophobic attack
Bard Guldvik Eithun, popularly known as ‘Faust’, has been a drummer for the Norwegian black metal band, Emperor. On the 21st of August 1992, he stabbed a man by the name of Magne Andreassen to death. Faust was on his way home from a pub through Olympic park, which is a popular gay cruising spot.
Andreassen, who was drunk, approached Faust and solicited him for sex. Faust replied in the affirmative and took him to the nearby woods. Once there, he stabbed Andreassen 37 times and kicked him in the head repeatedly.