Black Metal’s Surge in the Early ’90s
The early 90s saw a tempestuous wave of creativity and darkness engulfed the metal music scene, giving birth to what would later be revered as the second wave of black metal. This period marked a transformative chapter in the chronicles of metal music, characterized by a raw and unpolished sound that sought to break free from the mainstream clichés.
At the heart of this revolution were musicians like Snorre “Blackthorn” Ruch and Øystein “Euronymous” Aarseth, who brought to the fore new guitar playing techniques that would become the hallmark of this era. They ventured beyond the confines of conventional power chords that utilized only two or three strings, embracing the full capacity of the guitar to create chords that resonated with an unparalleled depth and darkness.
This sonic evolution was complemented by a unique visual representation, adopting a visceral imagery that echoed the dark themes coursing through their music. Corpse paint emerged as a significant identifier, setting black metal artists distinctly apart from other metal bands of the time. It wasn’t just an aesthetic choice; it was a declaration of authenticity, a nod to the raw and primal roots of the genre.
This unyielding commitment birthed the term “TRVE KVLT Black Metal”, a representation of a satanic-leaning black metal that refused to bow down to commercial influences.
However, it was more than just music and visuals; it was a movement that prized authenticity above all. Initially crafted for a close-knit community within the scene, the lo-fi production became a badge of honor, a testament to their commitment to the raw energy that defined black metal. Even as the genre expanded its horizons, bands staunchly rejected polished production techniques, choosing instead to preserve the raw essence that defined their music. This unyielding commitment birthed the term “TRVE KVLT Black Metal”, a representation of a satanic-leaning black metal that refused to bow down to commercial influences.
Inner Circle: Norwegian Black Metal’s Exclusive Brotherhood
In the burgeoning chaos of the early ’90s, as black metal was carving a distinctive path in the music history, a sinister undercurrent was forming, giving rise to the notorious Norwegian Black Metal Inner Circle. This was a time when black metal was evolving, drawing influences from earlier bands that wielded Satanic lyrics primarily as a tool of shock and awe. But this Inner Circle was about to take it a step further, embedding a deep-seated philosophy into the genre that went beyond mere musical experimentation.
The Circle was a vortex of extreme views and actions, a place where musical integrity was guarded fiercely, an effort to preserve the underground and uncorrupted nature of black metal.
This exclusive brotherhood, also referred to as “The Black Circle”, harbored individuals who were not just fans of the genre, but zealots committed to maintaining the purity and raw energy of black metal. They were gatekeepers of a movement, ensuring that only those who were “true” to their cause could be part of this close-knit community. The Circle was a vortex of extreme views and actions, a place where musical integrity was guarded fiercely, an effort to preserve the underground and uncorrupted nature of black metal.
At the helm of this movement were young men who congregated at the epicenter of this burgeoning subculture, the record shop “Helvete”, nestled in the heart of Oslo. But make no mistake, this wasn’t just a meeting place for musicians. It was a sanctum for individuals with cult-like fervor, a breeding ground for anti-Christian and misanthropic ideologies that sought to spread terror, hatred, and evil in society.
The Inner Circle members were not content with being passive observers. They transformed into militant Satanists, adopting pseudonyms and presenting themselves as the heralds of a new age of darkness. In photographs, they adorned themselves with corpse paint, a grim reflection of their dark philosophies, wielding medieval weaponry as a symbol of their fight against the mainstream culture.
As we peel back the layers of this period, we uncover a group that was more than a mere assembly of musicians. The Inner Circle was a formidable entity, a brotherhood that fostered hatred and evil, aiming to carve a niche that was exclusively their own, in the dark underbelly of the Norwegian black metal scene.
The Key Figures Steering the Inner Circle
The early Norwegian black metal scene was not just a convergence of like-minded enthusiasts, but a gathering of individuals who were to become legends in their own right. These key figures, often converging at the infamous Helvete record shop in Oslo, were known not only for their musical prowess but also for their extreme and sometimes controversial viewpoints.
In the vanguard was Euronymous (Øystein Aarseth), the mastermind behind Mayhem and the founder of the record label Deathlike Silence Productions. A visionary in the black metal scene, his journey took a dark turn when he used a photograph of his deceased bandmate, Dead, as an album cover, pushing the boundaries of the genre’s dark and unapologetic nature. His life, marked by both brilliance and controversy, met a tragic end at the hands of fellow musician Varg Vikernes, leaving a void that would never be filled.
Among the luminaries was Dead (Per Yngve Ohlin), the enigmatic vocalist and lyricist for Mayhem. A figure wrapped in melancholy, Dead’s performances were characterized by self-harm, a grim testament to his dedication to the genre’s raw and visceral nature. His journey was tragically cut short in 1991, leaving behind a legacy marked by darkness and despair.
Varg Vikernes stood as a contentious figure in this circle, being the solitary force behind Burzum while also contributing to Mayhem as a bassist. His narrative was marked by extreme actions, including the murder of Euronymous and orchestrating arson attacks on churches, sealing his reputation as one of the most controversial figures in the black metal narrative.
In the realm of musical innovation, Fenriz (Gylve Nagell) emerged as a multi-faceted talent, lending his skills to Darkthrone as a drummer, vocalist, guitarist, and bassist. His contributions to the distinctive Norwegian black metal guitar style were profound, sharing this legacy with fellow musicians Euronymous and Blackthorn.
Then there was Blackthorn (Snorre Ruch), a member of Thorns and previously Stigma Diabolicum, who alongside Euronymous revolutionized black metal guitar playing. However, his involvement as an accomplice in the murder of Euronymous cast a long and dark shadow over his musical career, adding to the genre’s controversial history.
Completing this circle of influential figures was Gaahl, the intense and charismatic vocalist for Gorgoroth. His performances, marked by raw energy and intensity, were accompanied by a series of legal issues, including convictions for assault, marking him as a figure who truly embodied the rebellious spirit of the movement.
Together, these figures represented the beating heart of the Inner Circle, a group bound by music and a shared disdain for mainstream values, fostering a community that thrived on controversy and the relentless pursuit of musical authenticity.
The Dark Chronicles of the Inner Circle
The Inner Circle, in its pursuit of a dark and extreme form of expression, soon found itself at the center of a maelstrom of controversies and criminal activities that caught the glaring spotlight of the media. A series of events, marked by brutality and a blatant disregard for law and morality, unfolded, painting the members of the Inner Circle as not just musical rebels but individuals on a path of destruction. Let’s venture into this dark chapter that saw the Inner Circle spiraling into an abyss of violence and notoriety.
The first brush with infamy came in the form of a series of church burnings, orchestrated with the intention of combating Christianity and reviving Norse Paganism. This campaign of terror began in Åsane, culminating in the burning of the historic Holmenkollen Chapel among others. These acts were not just mere transgressions but a declaration of war against established norms, a violent rejection of Christianity in favor of a return to ancient beliefs.
These acts of violence marked a point of no return, portraying the Inner Circle as a group teetering on the edge of sanity and humanity.
However, the descent into darkness did not stop at arson. The Inner Circle found itself embroiled in a series of murders that shook the very foundations of the black metal community. The incidents ranged from the cold-blooded murder of a homosexual man in Lillehammer by Faust, the drummer for Emperor, to the chilling assassination of Euronymous by fellow Inner Circle member Varg Vikernes. These acts of violence marked a point of no return, portraying the Inner Circle as a group teetering on the edge of sanity and humanity.
Adding to this grim narrative was the suicide of Dead, the enigmatic vocalist of Mayhem. A figure already shrouded in darkness, his tragic exit in 1991 became a matter of grotesque fascination when his death was used as an album cover, stirring significant controversy and adding another layer of morbidity to the legacy of the Inner Circle.
In a shocking turn of events, August 1993 saw the arrest of several members, culminating in convictions by May 1994 for a series of crimes including arson, murder, and possession of explosives. What was even more disturbing was the lack of remorse shown by most members, an indication of the deep-seated nihilism and hatred that had taken root within the group.
The Norwegian media found themselves grappling with a phenomenon that seemed to defy logic and morality. Their coverage, often sensationalist in nature, portrayed the members as “Satanic terrorists”, with some even claiming the involvement of the Inner Circle in child sacrifices and pet killings, adding fuel to an already raging fire of controversy and fear.
Through this dark journey, the Inner Circle emerged not just as a group of musicians but as a phenomenon that questioned the boundaries of art, music, and societal norms. In their pursuit of extreme expression, they had ventured into territories that were as dark as the music they created, leaving behind a legacy that would be discussed, analyzed, and feared for generations to come.
A Complex Legacy in Black Metal Lore
As the dust settled on the turbulent journey of the Inner Circle, the black metal community and the world at large began to grapple with the complex legacy left behind by this enigmatic group. Their journey, fraught with darkness and controversy, had nevertheless ushered in a new era of black metal, forever altering the dynamics of the genre.
In the wake of the suicide of Mayhem’s vocalist, Dead, the black metal scene found itself under an unprecedented spotlight, attracting a newfound awareness and scrutiny. This watershed moment, coupled with other significant events, catalyzed a significant shift within the black metal community, bringing it from the shadows into a grim limelight.
Despite walking a path marred with controversy and violence, the Inner Circle carved out a significant place in the annals of black metal history. Their musical contributions, steeped in darkness and extremity, have not only endured but are held in high regard within the black metal community. Even today, they command a considerable following, their music resonating with those who venture into the depths of the black metal genre.
This dual perception paints a picture of a group as complex as the music they created, a product of both their own extreme ideologies and the turbulent times they inhabited.
The Inner Circle’s legacy, however, is a topic of endless discussion and debate. To some, they are perceived as individuals who let their ideologies spiral into dangerous extremities, a group lost in their own creation of darkness and rebellion. To others, they are seen as a product of their time, a reflection of the socio-political climate that engulfed Norway in the early 1990s. This dual perception paints a picture of a group as complex as the music they created, a product of both their own extreme ideologies and the turbulent times they inhabited.
Adding another layer to this intricate narrative is the role of the media, which stands criticized for its sensationalist portrayal of the Inner Circle. Many argue that the media’s approach to covering the events surrounding the Inner Circle only served to exacerbate the situation, spreading misinformation and creating mythos around the group that transcended reality.
As time marches on, the Inner Circle continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny and exploration. Several documentaries and literary works have sought to delve deeper into the psyche of this group, attempting to unravel the complex dynamics that defined the black metal scene during this period. These works, which provide a more nuanced understanding of the group and their actions, serve as a testament to the enduring fascination with the Inner Circle, a group that left an indelible mark on the world of black metal, a mark as complex and enigmatic as the music itself.
