Skjold kirke was a church in Vindafjord Municipality, Norway, and became part of Norwegian black metal history when it was destroyed in an arson attack on 13 September 1992 during the early wave of church burnings linked to the scene. Its significance is tied directly to Varg Vikernes of Burzum and Tomas “Samoth” Haugen of Emperor, who were later convicted in connection with the fire.

Its place in black metal history is closely linked to the same violent period that also included other church burnings and, later, the murder of Øystein Aarseth. Vikernes was sentenced to 21 years in prison for murder, multiple church arsons and explosives offences, while Samoth was sentenced to 16 months in prison for the burning of Skjold kirke. At the time, Samoth was a member of Emperor, one of the defining bands of the early Norwegian black metal scene.

ADDRESS:
Kleivavegen 2, 5574 Skjold, Norway

Back to Skjold.