Aske

Released in March 1993, Aske (Norwegian for 'Ashes') is a pivotal EP in the Burzum discography and the wider Second Wave of Black Metal. While recorded after the sessions for 'Det som engang var', its earlier release served as a bridge between the raw debut and the more atmospheric works to follow. The EP is historically notorious for its cover art, featuring a photograph of the Fantoft Stave Church after its 1992 arson, an act for which Varg Vikernes was later convicted. Sonically, the release is distinguished by its mid-tempo pacing and the inclusion of Samoth (of Emperor) on bass, providing a slightly fuller low-end than other Burzum recordings. The centerpiece is the re-recording of 'A Lost Forgotten Sad Spirit', which stretches over ten minutes and exemplifies the hypnotic, repetitive structure that would become Vikernes' signature. It stands as a definitive document of the 'True Norwegian Black Metal' aesthetic: lo-fi, misanthropic, and deeply rooted in a sense of place.