Varg Vikernes is a Norwegian musician and writer, best known as the founder of the black metal project Burzum. He gained notoriety in the early 1990s for his music, which is characterized by its atmospheric sound and dark themes. Vikernes was also involved in the early Norwegian black metal scene, which included bands like Mayhem and Darkthrone. In addition to his music career, Vikernes is known for his criminal history. In 1994, he was convicted of the murder of Øystein Aarseth, a member of Mayhem, and for arson attacks on several churches in Norway. After serving time in prison, he moved to France, where he continued to create music and write about his controversial views.