Burzum began in 1991 as a prominent and influential Norwegian black metal act by Varg Vikernes (born Kristian Vikernes). Originally, he used the pseudonym Count Grishnackh. Burzum has played a key role in the musical development of black metal, while Vikernes has also achieved a level of infamy for himself and the genre at large. Vikernes was convicted of the murder of Mayhem guitarist Øystein Aarseth (who is also known by the stage name "Euronymous") and additionally for the arson of several