Bad vibes. Sonic emotions in Norwegian black metal
29 March 2023 – 16 September 2023Free entrance
Join us in exploring a unique artistic expression with references going far back into our cultural history, and with a power to reach far beyond Norway’s borders.
Designers: Nissen Richards Studio
Curator: Thomas Alkärr
Logo design: Jannicke Wiese-Hansen
What is Norwegian black metal? This unique music genre is one of the best known Norwegian cultural expressions in the world. For many, black metal feels foreign, perhaps due to the unpolished sound, dramatic makeup and serious incidents associated with it such as church fires and murders in the early 1990s.
At the National Library exhibition, the public will have a chance to walk into the dark expressions of black metal and explore the genre as an artistic expression and cultural phenomenon.
Experience the exhibition!
The shadowy forest, a boy’s bedroom and a record studio in the grand Bergen hall Grieghallen set the scene for what the public can see and experience. Through albums, pictures, master tapes, books and fanzines, the exhibition takes you inside the sounds, the lyrics, the visual expression, the cultural backdrop and some of the stories behind all the makeup.
Walk through the original door of Øystein “Euronymous” Aarseth’s legendary record shop Helvete (meaning “Hell”). See all issues of the fanzine Slayer Magazine, and read a newly written text by editor Jon “Metalion” Kristiansen, a central figure in Norwegian black metal. Listen to the legendary songs “Life Eternal”, “Funeral Fog” and “Gylfaginning” in completely new ways, by mixing the tracks on your own. Discover some of the key cultural influences of Norwegian black metal – from Theodor Kittelsen to Dungeons & Dragons.
Sign up for English tours:
No planned events.
In July and August, all guided tours in Bad Vibes are held in English. If you would like a tour in German or French, please email vanja.odegard@nb.no for availability.
Contributors
Among the contributors are Jon “Metalion” Kristiansen, Kristoffer Rygg from Ulver, Ted Skjellum from Darkthrone, designer Jannicke Wiese-Hansen, Ivar Bjørnson from Enslaved, producer Eirik “Pytten” Hundvin, Grete Neseblod and Jan Axel Blomberg from Mayhem.
Exhibition trailer
Opening hours
Monday – Friday: 09.00-21.00
Saturday: 10.00-18.00
Sunday: Closed
Where do you find us?
The National Library of Norway is located at Henrik Ibsens gate 110 in Oslo.