Review by Jeger on April 18, 2025.

The legendary Gaahl - a man whose mystique and legend status most certainly precede him. From his nefarious Gorgoroth days up until now with his newest project, Gaahls Wyrd, his journey has been one of transformation and personal development. Take away all of this and what you're left with is one of the most talented artists the black metal world has ever birthed. There's definitely something to be said about Gaahl's artistic vision for black metal: unique yet earthy, soulful yet violent and comprehensive yet down-to-earth. In 2019, Gaahls Wyrd released their debut LP, Gastir - Ghosts Invited, much to the dismay of those who dwell on the diabolic rage of those aforementioned Gorgoroth days. The Black Lodge as Gaahl refers to the debut record's aesthetic; a different side to the artist but dark still in its ambiance. Now, beyond pandemia and into this disjointed new reality has Gaahl emerged, and on June 6, Gaahls Wyrd will release the White Lodge differentiator to their debut LP. Braiding The Stories will be unveiled via Season of Mist.

There are so many varying facets to Braiding The Stories when compared to Gastir: melancholy, contemplation and madness. The madness of the subconscious mind, ie dreams to be more specific. And just as the dream world puzzles even the most insightful of minds, so too does Braiding The Stories bewilder. Gaahl utilizes a spectrum of vocal styles from chants to sorrowful trills and the guttural savagery we've become accustomed to. The gothic nature of tracks like the titular cut and "Voices In My Head" contrast the pure BM enthrallment of others like "Time And Timeless Timeline" and "Root The Will". The latter makes its impact on a far grander scale as its sheer intensity strikes up feelings of both awe and terror. Lust Kilman's guitar work? An experience to remember to say the least. His ability to formulate memorable riffs is only exceeded by his adeptness in soloing. The entire album was geared toward his ability and his artistic vision for the recording. But to say that his contributions overshadow others such as Spektre's enthralling drumming, Nekroman's intrepid bass lines and Gaahl's spectrum-spanning vox manifestations would be a disservice to the collective efforts of the band. What we have here is artistry and talent of a scene-dominating consort.

Prepare to lose yourself to this recording. The suspense is palpable, the melancholy; engrossing like being submerged in a vast sea of emotion. Cathartic! Liberating… un-foreseeable twists and turns upon a pathway through the drab of existence into the realm of nightmarish yet enchanting dreamscapes. Like a bad acid trip that horrifies and transforms at the same time is Braiding The Stories. To take it in is to venture boldly into the unknown - the complicated nature of the band's leader - realized through a most elaborately woven musical tapestry. Braiding The Stories closes with "Flowing Starlight". Like some Peter Murphy deep cut does this one make its '80's alternative-like impression - A beautiful dream to resonate through the entirety of your days.

And so it ends… Another brilliant vision for the sanctity of our beloved genre and a work of mystifying proportions. Gaahl transcends his reputation of historic violence and makes his depth as an artist known to us all in this, the product of brave spiritual/cerebral exploration. A fascinating artist who's braved the burdens of great tribulation is Gaahl - a messenger of both the dark and the light, of agony and of serenity. Gaahls Wyrd encapsulates all of this within the labyrinth of their sound, but buttressed always by the genuineness of genre purity. The White Lodge awaits! The forfeiture of your perceived ideas of what constitutes the black metal experience.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10