Kristian Vikernes was born in Bergen, Norway. His early life was reportedly marked by experiences that fueled a sense of alienation and resentment towards societal norms, although specific details regarding his childhood remain somewhat obscured due to Vikernes' own often unreliable accounts and differing interpretations of his motivations.

Vikernes began his musical project, Burzum, which quickly became a seminal force in the burgeoning Norwegian black metal scene. Burzum's raw, atmospheric sound, characterized by lo-fi production and repetitive song structures, helped define the genre's aesthetic. He contributed to the sound with instruments and vocals. The project was influential and had a cult following. This marked the start of his prominent public presence.