Burzum’s “Filosofem” is the fourth studio album by the Norwegian black metal solo project. It was recorded in March 1993 and was the last recording before Varg Vikernes’ imprisonment (16 May 1994); the album was not released until January 1996, however. It was released through Misanthropy Records and Vikernes’ own record label, Cymophane Productions.
VINYLOM Marketplace: Buy “Burzum – Filosofem” on Vinyl
Burzum’s Filosofem vinyl LP Released in 1996. Filosofem vinyl LP is one of Burzum’s essential albums, one of their most popular lp and one of the best Black Metal albums.
Filosofem on vinyl is one of the most expensive and sought after items in vinyl records, and the value of an original vinyl copy can reach $600. Filosofem is a great vinyl record and a true masterpiece.
This post will present all vinyl versions of Filosofem since 1996 that Burzum released it. I will mention all the information regarding the specific editions, the prices sold at this time, and I will tell you my opinion on the music of Filosofem .
Atmospheric Black Metal, Ambient, Dungeon Synth, Black Ambient
Tracklist
Dunkelheit, Jesus’ Tod, Erblicket Die Töchter Des Firmaments, Gebrechlichkeit .i., Rundgang Um Die Transzendentale Säule Der Singularität, Gebrechlichkeit .ii.
“Filosofem” versions on vinyl and current prices
1995
Filosofem (VINYL LP, TEST PRESS + VINYL LP, Single Sided, Etch, TEST PRESS) Misanthropy Records, Cymophane Productions AMAZON 009, EYE 004 UK 1995 ≈€1000
1996
Filosofem (LP + VINYL LP, Single Sided, Etch + Album, Ltd) Misanthropy Records, Cymophane Productions AMAZON 009, EYE 004 UK 1996 ≈€450
Filosofem (LP + VINYL LP, Single Sided, Etch, Blu + Album, Ltd) Misanthropy Records, Cymophane Productions AMAZON 009, EYE 004 UK 1996 ≈€600
2005
Filosofem (2xVINYL LP, Album, REISSUE) Back On Black BOBV019LP UK 2005 ≈€35
2008
Filosofem (2xVINYL LP, Album, REISSUE, Clear Vinyl) Back On Black BOBV089LP UK 2008 ≈€50
Filosofem (2xVINYL LP, Album, REISSUE, Gatefold) Back On Black BOBV089LP UK 2008 ≈€50
2013
Filosofem (2xVINYL LP, Album, Limited Edition, REISSUE, Clear Vinyl) Back On Black BOBV089LPLTD UK 2013 ≈€30
Filosofem (VINYL LP, Album, TEST PRESS) Misanthropy Records, Cymophane Productions AMAZON 009, EYE 004 UK Unknown Date Of Release ≈€90
Album Review
Burzum is one of the most committed and controversial bands of the entire Norwegian wave of the 90s.
All in all, this fourth work, recorded just before entering prison and released later, Varg has never actually heard it edited, is presented directly to us as a masterpiece.
The opposite direction to Mayhem or Immortal, closer to what Darkthrone was developing but elevated to another register.
We face an album that is very hard to hear, which aims to transcend music to create a state of mind. Vikernes, an expert in European mythology and influenced by it, offers us a journey through bitterness, melancholy, and the most absolute and impenetrable unease.
A studied journey through a series of changes of musical intensity that aims to adjust our mind to what is to come with the first song “Dunkelheit.” Shake our minds with “Jesus’ Tod,” pave it with “Erblicket Die Töchter Des Firmaments “and then let her slip away into a kind of trance with” Gebrechlichkeit I “and the total atmospheric” Rundgang Um Die Transzendentale Säule Der Singularität.”
It is an album to listen to alone and in sleep. Rough and with a “tin” production, especially the guitars, although it allows hearing everything clearly, Burzum’s songs are simple, direct, and intend to create a trance with his riffs.
The album leaves the blackest influences for the first songs and then embarks on a deep atmospheric adventure with no apparent return.
Vikernes, author of lyrics and music and who plays all instruments, is a limited instrumentalist.
His guitar riffs are mesmerizing indeed, but his drum lines are repetitive and even clumsy at times. Another rooster sings him as “producer.” Despite the simplicity of the album’s production, Vikernes plays like no one else with raw distortions, amplification saturation, and the scream that he has for voice (also distorted on many occasions).
With that squeaky, arid, and sometimes whimpering lament, he unravels beautiful lyrics verse by verse and a mystical point, in English, German or Norwegian, that tear the songs apart as if they were butter.
The album has a palpable emotional charge, an agonizing pulse that begins non-existent and then rises and falls in intensity until a new and calm disappearance—special magic hidden in the grooves only available to a few.
Rating 10/10
