Vikernes becomes heavily involved with the Norwegian black metal scene, frequenting Helvete, a record store in Oslo owned by Øystein Aarseth (Euronymous) of the band Mayhem. Helvete served as a central hub for the scene's members.

Vikernes is implicated in a series of church arsons that target historical wooden stave churches across Norway. These acts are viewed by some as an attack on Christianity and a return to pagan traditions. He admits to some involvement but denies all charges of arson, claiming his presence at the arson sites during the criminal trial was only due to being a member of the Black Metal Inner Circle.

Vikernes murders Euronymous at his apartment in Oslo. The motives remain debated, but possible explanations include a power struggle within the black metal scene, a financial dispute, and self-defense (Vikernes claimed he acted in self-defense, fearing Euronymous was planning to kill him first).