Fallen

Fallen, released in 2011, is the eighth studio album by Burzum and the second following Varg Vikernes' release from prison. Sonically, it represents a significant departure from the 'thin' production of the 1990s, utilizing a mastering approach more common in classical music to preserve dynamic range. This results in a much punchier, bass-forward sound compared to the predecessor Belus. The album is bookended by ambient tracks, a nod to the artist's dungeon synth roots, but the core of the record is melodic, mid-tempo black metal. Lyrically, it shifts away from the strict mythological focus of Belus toward more personal, existential territory, though it maintains a pagan aesthetic. The cover art, featuring a detail from Bouguereau's 'Élégie', signals a more 'artistic' and less 'confrontational' visual identity for this era of the project.