Fascinated with the fictional realm of Middle-earth created by J. R. R. Tolkien, from a very young age. His stage name (Count Grishnackh) is taken from that of a minor character in The Two Towers.
Was imprisoned after stabbing Øystein "Euronymous" Aarseth from the band "Mayhem" to death back in 1993. Vikernes claimed that he killed Aarseth in an act of self-defense because the latter was planning to murder him. He was released from prison in 2009.
The founder of the one-man black metal band "Burzum".
Has a daughter named Rebecca.
Has recorded two albums in prison, "Dauði Baldrs" and "Hliðskjálf".
Has been called "the most notorious metal musician of all time".