Metalcatto
Anyone who’s been into underground Metal long enough knows who Gaahl is. Probably the most memed man in Black Metal after Abbath. Ever since Gorgoroth made drum kits sound like someone smacking a table with their bare hands, Gaahl has changed a lot as an artist. And today, we’re taking a look at Gaahls Wyrd‘s Branding the Stories. Honestly, I have no idea what to expect, because this project has yet to impress me—but here I am, reviewing it after all the other writers said, “Oh look at the time, I need my beauty sleep.”
Branding the Stories is what happens when Wardruna (review here!) meets Deafheaven (review here too!). It has that sad, almost ambient-like atmosphere, but still feels ancient and from another time. It’s a strange mix that ends up feeling interesting, to say the least. It’s certainly not boring. I know it isn’t as wild as the mood shifts Ulver is known for, but Branding the Stories gives the impression that Gaahls Wyrd could switch suits mid-show without a second thought about what the audience might think. You might call that fearless—but sometimes, a little feedback would do wonders for an artist’s ego (looking at you, Opeth). And though it’s not alienating, nobody in the ’90s would’ve guessed this project would come from an ex-Gorgoroth member.
I sense an attempt to write music like Ihsahn, but without all the proggy, experimental parts—just the emotional depth and chameleonic identity. But you can’t just imitate that kind of craft. Otherwise, you’re gonna get smacked in the face by the door of snobbery. And that’s what I’m feeling here: that the trolling, toxic snob in me has a few comments about Branding the Stories that could get us in trouble. But hey, that’s what we’re here for, right?
You see, when you’re a veteran trying to do Post- or Folk Metal, you end up competing with the younger, hungrier dogs who want nothing but the game. You might end up being compared to them. And while I enjoyed most of Branding the Stories, it’s not an album that particularly stands out in the ridiculous explosion of work we’re seeing in Post-Black Metal. I wouldn’t even say it’s bad—it’s just got too little new, and mostly, too little going for it to really sell me. And that hurts. Because this kind of sad-child energy usually hits me hard. It’s even more crushing when it doesn’t. (Insert sad face here.)
I’d still give it a chance if you’re a hardcore fan. For me, it’s still hit or miss, track by track, and more proof that I might never fully meet this project eye to eye. Still, I’ll keep trying—because things are slowly shifting toward my taste, and that’s… hopeful. Anything’s possible. Maybe we’ll see Gaahl in Eurovision one day. Wouldn’t that be the end of times? As in, Satan took over the world? Maybe I should stop before we give anyone any ideas.
Label: Season of Mist
Release date: 6 June 2025
Website: https://gaahlswyrd.bandcamp.com/album/braiding-the-stories
Country: Norway
Score: 2.7/5.0 (the kvlt wrath is coming!)
Metal Eclipse Reviews 