Umskiptar

Umskiptar, the tenth full-length album by Burzum, Varg Vikernes' one man band, is nothing less than an atmospheric triumph. Vikernes sets the sixty-six stanzas of Voluspa, the opening poem of the Norse Poetic Edda, to the unmistakable soundscapes of Burzum. It works. Reading through English translations of Voluspa by Vikernes in his book Sorcery and Religion in Ancient Scandinavia, as well as a translation by Carolyne Larrington (Oxford World's Classics), the music and words complement each other power for power.The music is pure Burzum, full of chainsaw guitars, repeated motifs in the songs, and full, epic sweep. Changes in dynamics, such as the solo piano in Alfadanz and the pounding drums that open the album, break things up without jarring the listener or detracting from the atmospheric spell that Vikernes weaves.Vikernes' voice is no longer the pained, angry yowl of his youth; nevertheless, it is quite expressive and suits the mood of the music and words well. His voice takes on different roles. At times, he sounds like a grizzled chieftain relating the tale. In some places, he sounds like a poet. On Valgaldr, he sounds downright otherworldly.Umskiptar is the fourth Burzum album to be released in just over two years. Vikernes maintains a standard of high quality. Umskiptar is to be savored from beginning to end; it is a rewarding experience. Recommended.

Black Metal fans, look elsewhere. To Burzum fans, who appreciate the way the music always sounds like nothing else before or since, this is another treasure to add to your collection. Umskiptar once again breaks ground by taking the music in a new & unexpected direction, while still staying true to the Burzum fundamentals("fuzzy" guitar riffs, engaging atmosphere, etc). One of the most interesting elements of this album is that the lyrics truly take center stage. I really enjoyed the range of Vikernes' vocals on Fallen, and he goes many steps beyond that here. The sound of the Old Norwegian lyrics is fascinating as well--you can really feel the power behind these ancient words.Today, I found myself crammed in an overfull bus that was hot and smothering. I decided to close my eyes and listen to Umskiptar. Soon, I forgot about the sorry conditions of where I was, and instead found myself in some place better. I think that's a testament to the transcending strength of this new Burzum album.

The Album is amazing. CD quality is greate, a nice hardcover cd. Album artwork is also printed very nicely.

Better than non-Burzum black metal, not as good as old Burzum

This cd is something I will always cherish!It was shipped on time and I'm very happy with the music and delivery! Thank u Varg

Umskiptar is one of the better albums I've heard by Burzum. I have truly been enjoying it for the past two days and it has come to me at a important time in my life. I feel as though it will be a part of my soundtrack for the coming months as I grow on a spiritual level.

A fantastic new Burzum album!An amazing atmospheric album, with different songs.Umskiptar can be considered one of the best burzum's albuns.

I can give this 5 stars without hesitation, in MY opinion this album is very strong and amazing. This is some of the best blend of folk/black metal / Scandanavian atmosphere I have heard since Ulver's Bergtatt. Now, keep in mind this is Varg's style of music and so it does not sound directly like Bergtatt by Ulver, just that the mood/atmosphere seems of a similar quality to me, with this release being a little slower overall but evoking a similar mood. I love Ulver's first album so for me to compare this to that at all is intended as a compliment to this album, yet this is by no means a rip off of that, it's very different musically just the mood is similar to me.Ultimately if you will like this album or not is a very personal thing and also depends on what other music you appreciate. You can easily listen to the whole thing on youtube, and I recommend listening to it there before you buy it.