Varg Vikernes has spent the past 16 years in a Norwegian prison after being convicted of the infamous 1993 murder of Mayhem guitarist Oystein Aarseth and arson of 3 churches. Only weeks ago, however, Vikernes was told he will now be released on parole, Blabbermouth reports (via The Daily Swarm).
Vikernes, the founder of black metal project Burzum, will report to a parole officer regularly for one year upon his release. “I’m ready for society — and I have been for many years,” Vikernes said months before being denied his 4th parole application last year. “I have learned from my mistakes and become older. Now I just want to be together with my family… I have barely seen my son since he came into the world. Even though I hear his voice on the phone almost every day, it is very tough to not be present while he is growing up. I miss my family. And I look forward the day that I could work on my farm, create music, write books and be with the wife and kids around the clock — and live a normal life.”
The 1993 murder of Oystein Aarseth has become a major historical event among black metal circles, as Mayhem is one of the most influential metal bands. For lots more info about Varg Vikernes, including his alleged ties to Nazism, click here.