The controversial frontman of Norwegian black metal outfit Burzum, Kristian ‘Varg’ Vikernes, has been arrested in southwestern France on terrorism charges, with authorities saying the well-known neo-Nazi sympathiser is suspected of plotting a massacre.
According to Euronews, police are searching the home of the Norwegian national for weapons and explosives, with the French Ministry of the Interior releasing a statement saying they believe Vikernes was “likely to prepare a large-scale act of terrorism”. Suspicion was raised when the singer’s French wife, Marie Chachet, purchased four rifles.
Vikernes is also believed to have received a copy of the manifesto of Anders Behring Breivik, the terrorist responsible for the Oslo bombings in 2011 that killed 77 people, however he has publicly criticised Breivik in the past, with The Quietus, quoting Vikernes as saying, “To Breivik I can only say I hope you do kill yourself… You have made a big mistake.”
Vikernes has already served 21 years in prison for the murder of Mayhem guitarist Øystein ‘Euronymous’ Aarseth and the arson of three churches back in 1994. The 40-year-old was released in 2009 and moved to France with Chachet and their three children.
(via Metal Hammer)
WATCH: Dunkelheit – The Story Of Varg Vikernes (A short documentary made after Vikernes was released from prison in 2009)
