As a black metal aficionado, I was thrilled to review GAAHLS WYRD‘s latest album, “Braiding the Stories.” Although I wasn’t very familiar with this project, I had attended a few of their live performances at festivals. Given my stamina and a drink or two, my judgment of those performances was not the best. Therefore, I felt energetic about finally listening to this project in detail. As it turned out, it was quite different from what I expected. “Braiding the Stories” is not the typical black metal album, but it is still as magnificent as any project Gaahl is involved in. Founded by Kristian Espedal “Gaahl” (ex-GORGOROTH and GODSEED), one of the most enigmatic figures in the black metal scene, GAAHLS WYRD is a project that explores new musical landscapes while remaining rooted in the dark, atmospheric essence of black metal. They released “Braiding the Stories” on June 6th, 2025, via Season of Mist.
GAAHLS WYRD combines philosophical, mythological, and existential themes in their music, blending haunting melodies, innovative structures, and raw intensity to create a distinctive and immersive sound. The band has gained acclaim for its ability to honor the traditions of black metal while pushing its boundaries, making GAAHLS WYRD a bold and dynamic force in the contemporary metal scene. *Braiding the Stories* is an intricate and atmospheric masterpiece that continues to showcase the band’s unique approach to black metal. Renowned for their boundary-pushing soundscapes, the album blends haunting melodies with ferocious intensity, offering a journey that is both introspective and unrelenting.
During the lead-up to the release of “Braiding the Stories,” Gaahl has stated that the main inspiration for this work was the dreaming experience, when the subconscious is at its widest and most active. In particular, the transition between dreams and emotions flowing into unconsciousness. As a result, the album is a brilliant blend of dynamic contrasts that pays homage to the original concept. Tracks move seamlessly between ethereal moments of calm and bursts of raw aggression, emphasizing the band’s ability to create a multi-layered sonic experience. The production is crisp, allowing every instrument to shine while retaining the shadowy aura characteristic of their genre. Lyrically, “Braiding the Stories” weaves together existential themes with mythological overtones, reflecting a deep connection to storytelling traditions. Gaahl’s vocal delivery is as powerful as ever, alternating between guttural roars and haunting chants, giving life to the album’s poetic and enigmatic narratives.
The album begins peacefully with “The Dream,” reflecting the overall mystic concept of this work in both sound and title. Gaahl’s slow, dreamy voice starts the first full song, “Braiding the Stories,” where he showcases his best lyrical abilities with a clean voice that emerges gently, accompanied by a guitar solo that concludes in complete silence. The next track, “Voices in My Head,” serves as an intro similar to the first track; however, it introduces the listener to a horror-like world with sounds reminiscent of an assassin movie. The contrast between “Voices in My Head” and “Time and Timeless Timeline” is, by far, one of the highlights of the repertoire. Immediately following the screams at the end of the previous track, “Time and Timeless Timeline” energizes the listener with a guitar riff that propels an aggressive atmosphere of growls and rapid drumming blasts. If you were expecting classic black metal energy, this is your song.
Next is “And the Now,” which holds a more retrospective aura with screams and slow sounds that place us in a trance-like mood, providing a much-needed break before the surge of hostility that follows. “Through the Veil” continues the slow progression introduced by “And the Now,” but adds suspense with chilling echoes. “Visions and Time” arrives after the previous haunting chapter with a slow pace and a frightening atmosphere. The song features a powerful beginning with voices that sing abruptly until a windy echo intertwines this intensity with Gaahl’s deep voice, reciting verses that transport us to a nocturnal setting. As if we are witnessing an old-school black metal dark mass. “Visions and Time” blends seamlessly with the ferocious next song, “Root the Will,” the most aggressive track on this album.
“Root the Will” centers around fast guitars and explosive drumbeats, perfectly mixing with the clean vocals that awaken even the sleepiest of listeners. Here, the reflective state of mind that the rest of the album induces suddenly departs, urging our senses to seek out a mosh pit. The album concludes magnificently with “Flowing Starlight,” featuring a serene yet epic vibe where Gaahl’s clean voice delivers a tranquil lullaby intertwined with apocalyptic guitars. It feels like a return to the first track, bringing “Braiding the Stories” full circle, as the dreaming experience is reminiscent of daytime recollections of nighttime memories.
This album does not fall into the typical aggressive black metal category, so if you were expecting that, it might be difficult to follow the flow and make it to the very end. Although if you like experiments with genres and let your imagination flow with the music, then “Braiding the Stories” will keep spinning your ears over and over again. “Braiding the Stories” is not just an album; it’s an experience that demands attention and rewards reflection. GAAHLS WYRD continues to redefine black metal, forging a path that honors tradition while boldly embracing innovation. Fans of the genre—and those intrigued by music that challenges the boundaries of sound—will find this release compelling and unforgettable.
Written by Hector Sanchez
TRACKLIST
- The Dream
- Braiding the Stories
- Voices in My Head
- Time and Timeless Timeline
- And the Now
- Through the Veil
- Visions and Time
- Root the Will
- Flowing Starlight
LINEUP
Kristian Espedal «Gaahl» | Vocals
Ole Walaunet «Lust Kilman» | Guitars
Andreas Salbu «Nekroman» | Bass
Kevin Kvåle «Spektre» | Drums
LABEL
Season of Mist
