Hell: The History of Norwegian Black Metal: Season 1, Episode 3 - Helvete åpner (2020)

In the episode "Helvete åpner," the narrative begins with a focus on the burgeoning black metal scene in Norway during the early 1990s. The episode opens with a stark visual of the cold, dark Norwegian landscape, setting a foreboding tone. Interviews with key figures in the black metal community provide context about the music's roots in rebellion against societal norms and the influence of earlier bands like Venom and Bathory. The passion and intensity of the musicians are palpable as they discuss their motivations for creating music that embodies darkness and chaos.

As the episode progresses, it delves into the formation of the band Mayhem, highlighting the complex dynamics between its members. The charismatic yet troubled frontman, Per "Dead" Ohlin, is introduced. His internal struggles with depression and his fascination with death are depicted through haunting imagery and his own words, revealing a man deeply affected by his own psyche. The band's rehearsals are shown, filled with raw energy and a sense of impending doom, as Dead's erratic behavior begins to unsettle the other members.

The narrative shifts to the infamous incident where Dead takes his own life. The scene is depicted with chilling detail, showing the aftermath of his suicide in the band's rehearsal space. The shock and horror felt by the remaining members, particularly guitarist Euronymous, are palpable. Euronymous's decision to take photographs of Dead's body and later use them for an album cover is presented as a pivotal moment, showcasing the dark and controversial nature of the black metal scene. This act is met with mixed emotions from the band and the community, highlighting the thin line between art and exploitation.

Following Dead's death, the episode explores the rise of Euronymous as a central figure in the black metal scene. His ambition to create a notorious image for the genre leads him to open a record shop called Helvete, which becomes a hub for black metal culture. The shop is depicted as a dark, atmospheric space filled with posters, records, and a sense of camaraderie among the musicians who frequent it. Euronymous's vision for Helvete is clear: to promote the music and lifestyle of black metal while embracing its anti-establishment ethos.

The episode then introduces the character of Varg Vikernes, who becomes a significant player in the unfolding story. Varg's intense ideology and his desire to create music that embodies the essence of black metal lead him to join forces with Euronymous. Their collaboration on the project Burzum is highlighted, showcasing Varg's musical talent and his increasingly radical views. Tensions begin to rise as Varg's ambitions clash with Euronymous's vision, foreshadowing the conflict that will later erupt between them.

As the narrative unfolds, the episode addresses the infamous church burnings that occur in Norway during this period. The visual imagery of flames consuming historic churches is interspersed with interviews from band members who discuss the motivations behind these acts. The sense of rebellion against Christianity and societal norms is palpable, as the musicians express their disdain for the established order. The episode captures the thrill and danger associated with these actions, as well as the legal repercussions that follow.

The climax of the episode centers around the escalating rivalry between Euronymous and Varg. Tensions reach a boiling point as Varg feels increasingly marginalized within the black metal scene. The episode depicts a confrontation between the two, culminating in a violent altercation. The scene is intense, with Varg's motivations driven by a mix of betrayal and a desire for power within the community. The physical struggle is portrayed with raw emotion, highlighting the chaos and desperation of the moment.

In the aftermath of the confrontation, Varg murders Euronymous, a pivotal event that sends shockwaves through the black metal scene. The episode captures the immediate fallout, with interviews from band members and fans expressing their disbelief and horror. Varg's arrest and subsequent trial are depicted, showcasing the media frenzy surrounding the case and the public's fascination with the dark underbelly of the black metal movement.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the legacy of these events, as the black metal scene is forever changed by the violence and tragedy that unfolded. The final scenes juxtapose the music's raw power with the real-life consequences of the actions taken by its key figures, leaving viewers with a haunting sense of the darkness that permeates the genre.

In the ending of "Helvete åpner," the episode culminates in a series of intense and chaotic events that reflect the dark and tumultuous nature of the Norwegian black metal scene. The episode concludes with the aftermath of the church burnings and the escalating violence among the bands, leading to significant consequences for the main characters involved.

As the episode unfolds, we see the characters grappling with the consequences of their actions. Varg Vikernes, a central figure in the narrative, faces legal repercussions for his involvement in the church burnings and the murder of Euronymous. The tension between the bands reaches a boiling point, and the emotional weight of betrayal and loss hangs heavily in the air. The episode closes with a sense of foreboding, as the characters are left to confront the reality of their choices and the impact on their lives and the black metal scene as a whole.

In a more detailed narrative:

The episode opens with a stark visual of the aftermath of the church burnings that have rocked Norway. The camera pans over the charred remains of a church, smoke still rising into the cold night air. The haunting sound of distant sirens fills the atmosphere, setting a tone of impending doom. Varg Vikernes, portrayed with a mix of defiance and fear, reflects on the chaos that has ensued. His motivations are clear; he believes in the ideology of destruction and rebirth, yet the reality of his actions begins to weigh heavily on him.

As the narrative progresses, we shift to a scene featuring Euronymous, who is seen in a dimly lit room, surrounded by his bandmates. The tension is palpable as they discuss the recent events. Euronymous is portrayed as both a leader and a man on the edge, grappling with the consequences of his lifestyle and the violent path he has chosen. His internal conflict is evident; he is torn between his desire for notoriety and the fear of losing everything he has built.

The episode then transitions to a confrontation between Varg and Euronymous. The scene is charged with emotion, as both characters express their disdain for one another. Varg's anger is palpable, fueled by a sense of betrayal and a desire for revenge. The dialogue is sharp, filled with accusations and threats, culminating in a violent altercation that leaves Euronymous dead. The camera captures the raw intensity of the moment, emphasizing the brutality of their conflict.

Following this pivotal moment, the narrative shifts to the aftermath of the murder. Varg is shown in a state of shock, grappling with the reality of what he has done. The weight of his actions begins to sink in, and the emotional turmoil is evident on his face. He is arrested, and the scene transitions to a stark police station, where he is processed. The cold, sterile environment contrasts sharply with the chaos of the previous scenes, highlighting the gravity of his situation.

As the episode draws to a close, we see the remaining members of the black metal scene grappling with the fallout. The camera captures their expressions of disbelief and sorrow as they come to terms with the loss of Euronymous and the violent turn their community has taken. The final scenes are filled with a sense of foreboding, as the characters are left to confront the reality of their choices and the dark legacy of the black metal movement.

In the end, Varg is sentenced to prison, facing the consequences of his actions, while the remaining characters are left to navigate a world forever changed by violence and betrayal. The episode closes with a haunting image of the Norwegian landscape, a stark reminder of the darkness that has enveloped the black metal scene.

In the episode "Helvete åpner" of "Hell: The History of Norwegian Black Metal," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional content after the credits roll, focusing instead on the intense and often dark themes explored throughout the episode. The narrative wraps up the discussions surrounding the rise of the black metal scene in Norway, the cultural implications, and the personal stories of the musicians involved, leaving viewers with a sense of closure on the topics presented.

In this episode, the formation of the black metal scene in Norway is depicted through a series of interviews and archival footage that highlight the early bands and their motivations. Key figures like Euronymous and Varg Vikernes are shown discussing their disdain for mainstream music and their desire to create something raw and authentic. The episode captures the rebellious spirit of youth in Norway during the late 1980s and early 1990s, showcasing the underground venues where these bands performed and the camaraderie that developed among them.

The episode delves into the complex relationship between Euronymous and Varg Vikernes, illustrating their initial friendship and shared vision for black metal. However, as the narrative unfolds, tensions rise due to differing ideologies and personal ambitions. Euronymous is depicted as a charismatic leader, while Vikernes is shown as increasingly radical and isolated. Their interactions are filled with a mix of admiration and rivalry, culminating in a dramatic shift that foreshadows the eventual fallout between them.

The church burning is a pivotal event in the episode, symbolizing the extreme lengths to which the black metal scene would go to express their anti-establishment beliefs. The episode features interviews with band members who discuss the motivations behind these acts, portraying them as both a form of rebellion against societal norms and a misguided attempt to create a mythos around the black metal genre. The emotional weight of these actions is explored through the perspectives of those involved, highlighting the thrill and horror of their consequences.

The episode illustrates the media's role in shaping public perception of the black metal scene, showcasing how sensationalist coverage amplified the notoriety of its members. Interviews with journalists and band members reveal a mutual fascination and misunderstanding, as the media often portrayed the scene as violent and dangerous. This portrayal is shown to have both positive and negative effects, as it brought attention to the music but also led to increased scrutiny and backlash from society.

Key moments that signify the shift from camaraderie to conflict include the growing ideological divides among band members, particularly between Euronymous and Vikernes. The episode highlights specific incidents, such as disagreements over musical direction and personal beliefs, that escalate tensions. The atmosphere of competition and jealousy is palpable, with scenes depicting heated discussions and confrontations that foreshadow the eventual betrayal and violence that would erupt within the scene.

"Hell: The History of Norwegian Black Metal," particularly in episode 3 titled "Helvete åpner," is not family-friendly. The episode contains several potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects, including:

1. Graphic Imagery: There are scenes that depict violence and death, which may be disturbing to younger viewers or sensitive individuals.

2. Dark Themes: The episode explores themes of nihilism, despair, and existential dread, which can be heavy and unsettling.

3. Substance Use: There are references to drug and alcohol use, which may not be appropriate for children.

4. Religious Symbolism: The episode includes discussions and imagery related to satanism and anti-religious sentiments, which could be upsetting to some viewers.

5. Emotional Turmoil: The personal struggles and conflicts of the individuals involved in the black metal scene are portrayed with raw intensity, showcasing mental health issues and personal crises.

These elements contribute to a mature viewing experience that may not be suitable for all audiences.