Kristian ‘Varg’ Vikernes, Norwegian Black Metal Muso, Sees ‘Race Hate’ Trial Deferred

A Norwegian heavy metal rocker on trial in France on charges of inciting racial hatred has had his case adjourned until June 3.

Kristian “Varg” Vikernes, 40, was initially detained on terrorism suspicions after he and his French wife visited a gun club. Authorities turned up no plot, but instead filed charges linked to his alleged anti-Semitic and xenophobic messages. He faces up to five years in prison.

On Thursday, a Paris criminal court quickly adjourned Vikernes’ hearing after his lawyer requested more time to review a 910-page file drawn up by France’s police counterterrorism agency, DCRI.

Vikernes founded the one-man music project Burzum and is recognized as an early player in Norway’s black metal scene.

Aside from convicted mass killer Anders Breivik, Vikernes is perhaps Norway’s best-known extremist after being convicted over the 1993 stabbing death of a fellow band member. Vikernes served 16 years in prison.

Source: Billboard