Varg Vikernes

Louis Cachet (born Kristian Vikernes, 11 February 1973), professionally known as Varg Vikernes (Norwegian: [ˈvɑrɡ ˈviːkəɳeːs]), is a Norwegian musician and writer. In 1991, he founded the one-man music project Burzum, which became one of the most influential black metal acts. In 1993, he was convicted of murder and arson, and subsequently served 15 years in prison.A native of Bergen, Vikernes spent part of his childhood in Iraq where his father was working for the Iraqi government. He began playing guitar at the age of 14 and formed his first band, Kalashnikov, within the next two years. After founding Burzum he became part of the early Norwegian black metal scene. In 1992, Vikernes and other members of the scene were accused of burning down three Christian churches in Norway. He denied responsibility for the arsons, though he supported them. By early 1993, he had recorded four albums as Burzum and another with fellow black metal band Mayhem. In August 1993, Vikernes fatally stabbed Mayhem guitarist Euronymous during an altercation at the latter's apartment. Vikernes was arrested and convicted of first-degree murder, in addition to his conviction for the unrelated arson. He stated that the killing was in self-defense and unsuccessfully argued for the charge to be reduced to voluntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison in May 1994. During his incarceration, Vikernes launched the neo-Nazi Norwegian Heathen Front, had two books published, and released two ambient albums as Burzum. While in prison, Vikernes also started a blog which, in the words of a Rolling Stone writer, "endorsed neo-Nazi views and contains rants against Muslims and Jews". Vikernes openly embraced Nazism throughout the 1990s; he has since expressed his rejection of the ideology and its associated movements. Having served 15 years of his sentence, Vikernes was released on parole in early 2009. He changed his legal name to Louis Cachet to avoid difficulties with the public, but still goes by Varg Vikernes in daily life. After his release, he moved to France with his wife and children, where he has continued his musical and writing career.