Hell: The History of Norwegian Black Metal: Season 1, Episode 2 - Det är jag som är döden (2020)

In the second episode of "Hell: The History of Norwegian Black Metal," titled "Det är jag som är döden," the narrative begins with a focus on the early days of the Norwegian black metal scene. The episode opens with a montage of iconic locations in Norway, interspersed with interviews from key figures in the black metal community. The atmosphere is dark and foreboding, setting the tone for the exploration of the genre's violent and controversial history.

As the episode progresses, it delves into the formation of influential bands such as Mayhem and Burzum. The story highlights the intense rivalry between these groups, particularly focusing on the figure of Euronymous, the guitarist of Mayhem. The episode captures his ambition and desire for notoriety, showcasing his drive to create a distinct identity for black metal. Euronymous is portrayed as both charismatic and manipulative, using his connections to elevate the band's status while simultaneously fostering a sense of competition and animosity within the scene.

The narrative shifts to the emergence of Varg Vikernes, the sole member of Burzum, who becomes a central figure in the story. Varg's ideology and his disdain for the mainstream music industry are explored, revealing his motivations for creating music that is raw and unfiltered. The episode details his relationship with Euronymous, which begins as a collaboration but quickly deteriorates into a bitter rivalry fueled by jealousy and ideological differences.

A pivotal moment occurs when Varg is invited to Euronymous's record label, Deathlike Silence Productions. The tension between the two escalates as Varg feels increasingly marginalized and disrespected. The episode captures the emotional turmoil of both characters, with Euronymous feeling threatened by Varg's growing popularity and Varg feeling betrayed by Euronymous's actions. This conflict sets the stage for the violent confrontation that follows.

The episode then recounts the infamous night of the murder of Euronymous. It details the events leading up to the confrontation, including Varg's feelings of betrayal and his decision to take drastic action. The scene is depicted with a sense of urgency and dread, as Varg arrives at Euronymous's apartment. The confrontation is intense, with Varg feeling a mix of rage and desperation. The physical altercation is described in detail, highlighting the chaos and violence of the moment. Varg ultimately stabs Euronymous multiple times, leading to his death.

Following the murder, the episode explores the aftermath and the impact on the black metal scene. Varg's arrest and subsequent trial are depicted, showcasing the media frenzy surrounding the case. The episode captures the shock and horror felt by the community, as well as the glorification of Varg as a martyr by some fans. The emotional weight of the events is palpable, with interviews from band members and fans reflecting on the tragedy and its implications for the genre.

As the episode concludes, it reflects on the legacy of the events that transpired, emphasizing the dark turn that the black metal scene took following Euronymous's death. The final scenes juxtapose the music's raw power with the violence that marred its history, leaving viewers with a haunting sense of the consequences of the rivalry and the extreme ideologies that fueled it. The episode ends on a somber note, underscoring the tragic intersection of art and violence in the world of Norwegian black metal.

In the ending of "Det är jag som är döden," the episode culminates in a tragic and violent confrontation that underscores the dark realities of the Norwegian black metal scene. The episode closes with the aftermath of the murder of Øystein "Euronymous" Aarseth, revealing the deep rifts and betrayals within the community. Varg Vikernes, who is implicated in the murder, faces the consequences of his actions, leading to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment. The episode leaves viewers with a haunting sense of loss and the destructive nature of the subculture.

As the episode unfolds towards its conclusion, the tension escalates dramatically. The scene opens with Euronymous, portrayed as a charismatic yet increasingly paranoid figure, grappling with the growing animosity from within his circle. He is seen pacing in his dimly lit apartment, surrounded by posters of his band Mayhem, reflecting on the violent and chaotic world he has helped create. His internal conflict is palpable; he is torn between his ambition to elevate black metal and the violent reality that surrounds him.

The narrative shifts to Varg Vikernes, who is depicted in a stark, cold environment, his demeanor cold and calculating. He is shown discussing his disdain for Euronymous, revealing his motivations driven by jealousy and a desire for power within the black metal scene. The camera captures his intense gaze, emphasizing his resolve to take drastic action. The atmosphere is thick with tension as Varg prepares for what he believes is a necessary confrontation.

The pivotal moment arrives when Varg confronts Euronymous at his apartment. The scene is charged with a sense of impending doom, as the two men exchange heated words. Euronymous, confident yet increasingly reckless, underestimates Varg's intentions. The dialogue is sharp, filled with accusations and threats, showcasing the deep-seated animosity that has built up between them. The viewer can feel the weight of their history, the betrayal, and the ideological clash that has led to this moment.

As the confrontation escalates, the scene shifts to a violent struggle. The camera captures the chaos of the moment, with quick cuts between the two men grappling, the tension palpable in the air. The violence is sudden and brutal, culminating in Varg stabbing Euronymous. The act is shocking, and the camera lingers on Euronymous's face, a mix of disbelief and pain, as he realizes the betrayal of someone he once considered a friend. The emotional weight of the moment is heavy, underscoring the tragic consequences of their rivalry.

In the aftermath of the murder, the scene transitions to Varg's arrest. The police are shown arriving at the scene, their presence stark against the backdrop of the dark, moody setting. Varg is taken into custody, his expression a mix of defiance and resignation. The viewer is left with a sense of foreboding as the implications of his actions sink in. The camera captures the somber atmosphere, reflecting the loss of life and the destruction of relationships within the black metal community.

The episode concludes with a montage of images depicting the fallout from the murder. Friends and bandmates of Euronymous are shown grappling with grief and confusion, their faces etched with sorrow. The music fades into a haunting melody, echoing the themes of loss and betrayal that permeate the narrative. The final shots linger on the empty spaces once filled with music and camaraderie, now overshadowed by violence and tragedy.

In the end, the fates of the main characters are sealed by their choices. Euronymous's life is cut short, a victim of the very chaos he helped to create. Varg, now imprisoned, faces the consequences of his actions, forever marked by the violence that has defined his life. The episode closes on a somber note, leaving viewers to reflect on the dark legacy of the Norwegian black metal scene and the personal tragedies that unfolded within it.

In the episode "Det är jag som är döden" from "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 narrative and themes explored throughout the episode. The episode wraps up the exploration of the dark and tumultuous history of Norwegian black metal, emphasizing the emotional and psychological states of the key figures involved in the scene, rather than providing any further scenes or revelations after the main content.

In this episode, the formation of Mayhem is explored through the lens of its key members, particularly focusing on the dynamic between Euronymous and Dead. The narrative details how Euronymous, driven by a desire to create a raw and authentic sound, recruits Dead, whose dark persona and tragic past add a haunting depth to the band's identity. The episode captures the intense atmosphere of their early rehearsals, highlighting the tension and passion that fueled their music.

Dead's mental state is portrayed as increasingly fragile throughout the episode. His struggles with depression and self-harm create a palpable tension within the band. The other members, particularly Euronymous, are both fascinated and disturbed by Dead's behavior, which they romanticize as part of the black metal aesthetic. This internal conflict leads to moments of empathy and alienation, showcasing how Dead's emotional turmoil impacts not only his performances but also the band's cohesion.

The episode delves into the significance of Dead's suicide note, which is presented as a chilling artifact of his troubled mind. The note, filled with dark poetry and reflections on death, becomes a symbol of the band's ethos and is discussed among the members with a mix of reverence and horror. It serves as a catalyst for their music, influencing their lyrical themes and solidifying their image within the black metal scene.

The episode illustrates a divided reaction within the Norwegian music scene to Mayhem's rise. While some embrace their raw sound and theatrical performances, others are critical of their extreme image and the violence associated with it. Interviews with contemporaries reveal a mix of admiration and disdain, highlighting the polarizing effect Mayhem has on the burgeoning black metal community.

Several incidents in the episode foreshadow the tragic events surrounding Dead's death. These include his increasingly erratic behavior, his obsession with death and decay, and the ominous conversations he has with Euronymous about mortality. The atmosphere is thick with foreboding as Dead's actions, such as his self-harm and the way he prepares for performances, hint at his inner turmoil and the impending tragedy that will shake the band and the black metal scene.

"Hell: The History of Norwegian Black Metal," particularly in episode 2 titled "Det är jag som är döden," contains several elements that may not be suitable for children or sensitive viewers.

1. Graphic Imagery: The episode includes visuals related to the darker aspects of black metal culture, which may feature disturbing imagery or themes.

2. Violence and Death: There are discussions and depictions of violence, including references to real-life events involving death and self-harm within the black metal scene.

3. Substance Abuse: The episode touches on themes of drug and alcohol use, which may be unsettling for some viewers.

4. Dark Themes: The overall tone of the episode delves into existential themes, nihilism, and the exploration of death, which could be emotionally heavy for younger audiences.

5. Strong Language: There may be instances of strong language or explicit content that could be inappropriate for children.

These elements contribute to a mature viewing experience, making it less suitable for family-friendly viewing.