THE BEAST

Gaahls WYRD Unleashes "Braiding the Stories": A Transcendent Journey Through Sound and Consciousness

Deep within Norway’s mythic wilderness, under the ghostly glow of nightfall, Gaahls WYRD emerges once more, shrouded in esotericism. Their latest creation, Braiding the Stories , is not just an album—it is an odyssey of contemplation and sonic experimentation, a bridge between consciousness and dreams.

A New Chapter in Extreme Metal

Heralding the arrival of their second full-length album of the same name, Braiding the Stories weaves together past and ethereal elements. Guided by the enigmatic presence of Kristian "Gaahl" Espedal , alongside Ole "Lust Kilman" Walaunet on guitars, Andreas "Nekroman" Salbu on bass, and Kevin "Spektre" Kvåle on drums, the band transcends conventional extreme metal boundaries while staying rooted in their Norwegian heritage.

The title track, Braiding the Stories , offers a hauntingly introspective journey, where celestial poetry intertwines with the riverbeds of consciousness and time. Each chord and beat invites the listener to untangle the mysteries within, to braid together the unseen forces that shape existence.

Watch the Lyric Video for "Braiding the Stories"

Available now on the Season of Mist YouTube channel: Watch Here

A Vision Beyond Black Metal

Scheduled for release on June 6, 2025 , via Season of Mist , Braiding the Stories finds Gaahls WYRD expanding upon their sonic aesthetic. The album sees them masterfully balancing introspective soundscapes with violent upheaval, as demonstrated in singles like “Braiding the Stories,” “Time and Timeless Timeline,” and “And the Now.”

Reflecting on the album’s conceptual approach, Gaahl states:

“I call it the White Lodge. Maybe I’ll call it the Bright Lodge. I wanted to focus on where I think Ole is most comfortable musically. We leaned away from traditional black metal this time, channeling an ‘80s and ‘90s aesthetic that resonates more with gothic rock than anything purely extreme. This album exists in another dimension—behind the veil.”

Despite these new directions, Braiding the Stories remains unmistakably Gaahls WYRD. From the unbridled dissonance of “And the Now” to the nostalgia-laced title track , the band’s adventurous mindset ensures that no two moments feel the same. Reinforced by stunning musicianship and Gaahl’s Peter Gabriel-esque vocal showmanship, this album refuses to be categorized—it is neither black metal nor death metal, but something uniquely Gaahls WYRD.

The Art and Craft Behind the Music

The album was crafted at Solslottet Studio in Bergen, Norway, with production, mixing, and mastering handled by Iver Sandøy ( Enslaved, Wardruna ). Gaahl explains that working with Sandøy has allowed him to refine his vision without compromising the organic nature of the creative process:

“Iver understands my way of working. Sometimes I can be frustrating because inspiration comes in waves, but he knows how to navigate that. The conceptual ideas for this album naturally grew through our discussions.”

The album’s striking cover art, designed by Øivind Myksvoll ( Wardruna, Trelldom ), features cryptic imagery—what appears to be flowing hair (a metaphorical veil) and cosmic elements. Just like the music, the artwork is designed to be experienced in unison with the lyrics and themes.

A Dreamscape of Sound and Spirit

While many artists struggled with the pandemic’s isolation, Gaahl embraced it, using the solitude as a creative wellspring. The last words from their previous release, The Humming Mountain , referenced sleep, while Braiding the Stories begins with reflections on dreams—offering a conceptual continuity that further enriches their discography.

“I always work with the subconscious. Dreams are where we are most aware of our subconscious mind. This album isn’t about specific dreams, but the transition between them—emotions flowing from one to another without pause.”

Gaahls WYRD has once again redefined their sound, bringing forth an experience that is cinematic, profound, and deeply immersive. From the first notes of “The Dream” to the closing epic “Flowing Starlight,” Braiding the Stories is an extraordinary journey that demands full attention and absorption.

Album Details

Release Date: June 6, 2025
Label: Season of Mist
Country: Norway
Style: Esoteric Extreme Metal
FFO: Gorgoroth, Enslaved, Trelldom

Line-Up

• Kristian "Gaahl" Espedal – All Vocals

• Ole "Lust Kilman" Walaunet – Guitars

• Andreas "Nekroman" Salbu – Bass

• Kevin "Spektre" Kvåle – Drums

Production Credits

• Recorded at: Solslottet Studio, Bergen, Norway

• Produced by: Iver Sandøy & Gaahls WYRD

• Mixed & Mastered by: Iver Sandøy

Cover Art by Øivind Myksvoll

As Gaahls WYRD continues to push the boundaries of extreme music, Braiding the Stories stands as a testament to their artistic evolution. The album is a must-listen for those seeking an experience that transcends genre conventions and ventures deep into the unknown. All hail Gaahls WYRD!