BEST OF 2010 (albums) #15 Burzum - Belus (Byelobog Productions)

"Belus" marked the rather victorious return of one of the most notorious musicians in the history of music. Murderer, arsonist and racist idiot, if you can separate Varg Vikernes from his often brilliant music then "Belus" is cause for serious celebration. It refines the classic Burzum buzz and pushes it toward mesmerizing territories thus far unexplored, while still remaining as brutal as ever. The album has one foot firmly planted in traditional Norwegian black metal, while the other is inching toward La Monte Young. Hopefully Varg will stay out of trouble long enough to continue to produce music as powerful and visionary as "Belus." Full review here.