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{{short description|Norwegian musician
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
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| years_active = 1993–present
| label =
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| past_member_of = [[God Seed]], [[Gorgoroth]], [[Wardruna]]
| website = {{URL|kristianespedal.com}}
}}
'''Kristian Eivind Espedal''' (born 7 August 1975), better known by his stage name '''Gaahl''', is a Norwegian vocalist
==Early life==
Gaahl was born in 1975 in [[Sunnfjord]], a district in the county of [[Sogn og Fjordane]], [[Norway]]. He spent his youth living in a sparsely populated valley called [[Espedal]], in the municipality of [[Fjaler]]. Gaahl and his family still have homes in the valley, although he now spends much of his time in [[Bergen]].<ref name='True'>{{cite news | first=Peter | last=Beste | title=True Norwegian Black Metal | date=27 April 2007 | publisher=[[YouTube]] | url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4U33U_UyzQ | work =VBS.tv | access-date = 10 February 2008 }}</ref>
==Career==
===Early career (1993–1998)===
Gaahl became involved with black metal in 1993, when he co-formed the band Trelldom with guitarist Tyrant and bassist Taakeheim. They released a demo in March 1994, with Goat Pervertor on drums. Gaahl and Tyrant recorded and released Trelldom's first album, ''Til Evighet'', in early 1995, with help from drummer Ole Nic. In 1998, they released the album ''Til et Annet'' with drummer Mutt. That year, Gaahl became involved with the bands Sigfader and Gaahlskagg. The former included Stian Lægreid (Skagg), Tarjei Øvrebotten (Goatboy), Jan Atle Lægreid (Thurzr), Einar Selvik (Kvitrafn) and Mutt. The latter included Skagg, Thurzr and Mutt. Sigfader and Gaahlskagg each released an EP in 1999.
===Gorgoroth (1998–2007)===
[[File:Gaahl wacken.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Gaahl in 2008]]
Gaahl joined Gorgoroth in 1998, and was first heard on their fourth album ''[[Destroyer (Gorgoroth album)|Destroyer]]''
The first Gorgoroth album to feature Gaahl as main vocalist was ''[[Incipit Satan]]''
==== Imprisonment and legal controversy ====
In 2002, Gaahl
In February 2004, Gorgoroth staged a concert in [[Kraków]], Poland, which featured impaled sheep heads, satanic symbols, and a mock-[[crucifixion]] performed by naked models doused in blood. A police investigation took place with allegations of religious offense (which is prosecutable under Polish law) and cruelty to animals.<ref>[http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article723414.ece Norwegian black metal band shocks Poland - Aftenposten.no<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309110157/http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article723414.ece |date=9 March 2009 }}</ref> Though these charges were considered, the band was not charged. The controversy led to the band being dropped from the Nuclear Blast Tour and the footage of the concert being confiscated by the police.<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=33681 BLABBERMOUTH.NET - GORGOROTH: 'Black Mass In Krakow' DVD May Get Released After All<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330205439/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=33681 |date=30 March 2009 }}</ref> Following this, Gorgoroth ended their contract with the label.
In May 2004, Gaahl again received a prison sentence, for [[aggravated assault]].<ref name="blabbermouthfeb05">[http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gorgoroth-singer-sentenced-to-14-months-in-prison/ "Gorgoroth Singer Sentenced To 14 Months In Prison"]. [[Blabbermouth.net]]. 22 February 2005.</ref> He [[appeal]]ed for a reduced sentence, and in February 2005 he was re-sentenced to fourteen months in prison and ordered to pay the victim 190,000 NOK (about US$
==== Post-prison ====
In January 2007, Gaahl was the focus of a documentary called ''[[True Norwegian Black Metal (documentary)|True Norwegian Black Metal]]''. It was shown in five parts on ''vbs.tv'', the broadcast network of ''[[Vice Magazine]]'', in April. In it, Gaahl offered the film-makers a tour of his home in Espedal and the surrounding countryside. The documentary was produced by photographer Peter Beste, who also starred in it.
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===Post-Gorgoroth (2008–present)===
[[File:God Seed Hellfest 2009 12.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Gaahl at [[Hellfest (French music festival)|Hellfest]] 2009]]
In July 2008, Gaahl revealed in an online interview that he was involved in the launch of Wynjo, an upcoming fashion collection for women, together with Norwegian modeling agent Dan De Vero and designer Sonja Wu.<ref name='devero1'>{{cite news |title=GORGOROTH Frontman Had 'Close Relationship' With Norwegian Modeling Agent DAN DEVERO |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gorgoroth-frontman-had-close-relationship-with-norwegian-modeling-agent-dan-devero/ |publisher=blabbermouth.net |date=24 July 2008 |access-date=28 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024175725/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gorgoroth-frontman-had-close-relationship-with-norwegian-modeling-agent-dan-devero/ |archive-date=24 October 2013 }}</ref><ref name='devero2'>{{cite news |author=Hansen, Birthe Steen |title=- Jeg var gal etter Dan |url=http://www.nettavisen.no/innenriks/ibergen/article2086056.ece |work=[[Nettavisen]] |date=n.d. |access-date=28 July 2008 |language=no |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080727235024/http://www.nettavisen.no/innenriks/ibergen/article2086056.ece |archive-date=27 July 2008 |url-status= dead}}</ref> At the same time, it was also revealed that he and De Vero had had a "close relationship" since 2006.<ref name='devero1' /><ref name='devero2' /> It was stated that they were no longer a couple but remained good friends. In an interview for the November 2008 issue of ''Rock Hard'', Gaahl confirmed his homosexuality.<ref name="rockhard2">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gorgoroth-frontman-opens-up-about-his-sexual-orientation-i-ve-never-made-any-secret-about-it/ |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET - GORGOROTH Frontman Opens Up About His Sexual Orientation: 'I've Never Made Any Secret About It' |date=29 October 2008 |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=10 February 2012}}</ref>
Shortly thereafter, De Vero said that he had received threats from black metal fans, both at his door and by phone and email.<ref name ='devero3'>{{cite news |author=Røyseland, Halstein |title=- Truet av black metal-miljøet etter homo-nyhet |url=http://www.vg.no/musikk/artikkel.php?artid=533466 |work=[[Verdens Gang]] |location=Oslo, Norway |date=2 November 2008 |access-date=7 November 2008 |language=no}}</ref> It was also alleged that a fight had erupted backstage at the 2008 [[Wacken Open Air#2008|Wacken Open Air]], triggered by [[homophobia|homophobic]] remarks. Allegedly, the person who made the remarks had to be hospitalized.<ref name="rockhard2" /> However, Gaahl denied that anyone had ever "said anything derogatory" to him in person.<ref name="rockhard2"/> When asked by the webzine ''FaceCulture'' if he thinks people will see him and his music differently now that he has publicly acknowledged his homosexuality, Gaahl answered:
<blockquote>"Mankind is known to be narrow-minded, so ... maybe some [will have a negative reaction]. But I guess it will even out the score in a way. I think it will be positive for some and negative for some. It's always good to have some negative as well. Otherwise you would end up with equality and equality is the worst thing in the world. Equality is stagnation. It doesn't let anything grow. It holds back."<ref>{{cite web|title=GORGOROTH Frontman Discusses His Homosexuality; Video Available|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gorgoroth-frontman-discusses-his-homosexuality-video-available/|website=Blabbermouth|date=5 January 2009 |access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref></blockquote>
In March 2009 the name dispute ended when Oslo City District Court ruled that Infernus was the rightful owner of the Gorgoroth name. It also found that by trying to oust Infernus, Gaahl and King had instead excluded themselves from the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/infernus-claims-victory-in-gorgoroth-name-dispute/|title=INFERNUS Claims Victory In GORGOROTH Name Dispute|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=20 February 2021|date=10 March 2009}}</ref> That month, Gaahl and King assumed the name [[God Seed]].
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<blockquote>"We have recorded everything in the studio and are just waiting for Gaahl to put vocals on it. So we have only vocals and the final mix to go before it's all done. It's sometimes a nightmare to work with him in the studio because of the pride he puts into the smallest details. If he's not in the right mood or doesn't find the correct words we get nothing done. At times I've spent days in the studio counting seconds with nothing happening. It's the same way now, but I know in the end the result will be unique and powerful."<ref name="gaahlreturnspain">{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=44120&comments=1|title=King Ov Hell Discusses New Band God Seed|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref></blockquote>
In summer 2009, God Seed performed at [[Hellfest Summer Open Air]] in June and [[With Full Force]] in July. In August, Gaahl revealed that he had quit the band.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodchamber.de/news/2009-08/10307/ |title=GOD SEED schon wieder Geschichte? @ |publisher=Bloodchamber.de |access-date=10 February 2012 |archive-url=https://
In January 2010, Gaahl was hired by [[Den Nationale Scene]] in Bergen to play
Gaahl appeared in the 2012 Norwegian historical action-thriller film ''[[Escape (2012 Norwegian film)|Flukt]]'' (''Escape''), starring as archer 'Grim'.
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In September 2015, Gaahl announced his new band, [[Gaahls Wyrd]], who played their first live show at the Blekkmetal Festival in Norway on 13 November 2015. In regards to forming the new band, Gaahl stated:
<blockquote>"I'm very pleased with what me and Tom have done together. We've created a lot of good songs, but I think the difference between us is probably the reason why I've started this new band. I've made a lot of my favourite songs that I've created in God Seed and I've brought with me one of these characters from that band."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Selzer|first1=Jonathan|title=Exclusive: Gaahl announces his new band and debut show|url=http://teamrock.com/news/2015-09-29/exclusive-gaahl-announces-his-new-band-and-debut-show|website=Metal Hammer|date=29 September 2015 |access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref></blockquote>Besides his musical career, Gaahl is also
==Personal life and beliefs==
Gaahl is openly [[gay]].<ref>{{cite AV media |people=[[Metal Injection]] |date=28 May 2019 |title=GAAHL Talks Being Gay In The Black Metal Scene, His Evolving Career, Things He's Learned In Life |type=[[YouTube]] video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CogRHsL40po |access-date=9 July 2024 |archive-url= |archive-date= |format= |time= |quote= }}</ref> He is an artist, and has had some of his paintings [[Art exhibition|on exhibit]].<ref>[http://teamrock.com/feature/2016-03-11/black-metal-icon-gaahl-discusses-his-artwork-exhibit-at-by-norse-fest "Black metal icon Gaahl discusses his artwork exhibit at By Norse Fest"]. ''Metal Hammer''. 11 March 2016.</ref> He is
Gaahl is a practitioner of [[Germanic neopaganism|Norse Shamanism]] and can often be seen wearing a [[Mjölnir]] pendant.<ref name="shaman1">{{cite web|url=http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/gorgoroth.html|title=Gorgoroth interview @ Tartareandesire.com<!-- Bot generated title -->|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214650/http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/gorgoroth.html|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://www.imhotep.fi/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2151&Itemid=135&lang=en Imhotep<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514024208/http://www.imhotep.fi/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2151&Itemid=135&lang=en |date=14 May 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thegauntlet.com/article/23543/Trelldom-Interview-With-Gaahl|title=Trelldom Interview With Gaahl|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scarletmetal.com/gaahl_gorgoroth_interview.htm |title=
===Christianity and Satanism===
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Gaahl explained his use of Satanic themes:<blockquote>"We use the word 'Satanist' because it is Christian world and we have to speak their language. To the world I am a satanist, which means resistance to everything that holds you down. [...] When I use the word 'Satan' it means the natural order, the will of a man, the will to grow, the will to become the superman and not to be oppressed by any law such as the church, which is only a way to control the masses."<ref name = "shaman1" /></blockquote>
When asked whether he was influenced by [[Friedrich Nietzsche]] in his beliefs and his use of the "[[Übermensch|superman]]" terminology, Gaahl answered: "For me he doesn't mean anything and I
Gaahl has expressed opposition to the [[Church of Satan]], describing it as a group of "weak people flocking like rats, afraid of standing alone" and adding: "[[Anton LaVey]] and his followers are incredibly ridiculous. It's all so childish. I will not waste my breath on discussing them."<ref name="hitler1" />
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|-
|2019||''GastiR - Ghosts Invited''||Gaahls Wyrd||debut album of Gaahls Wyrd
|-
|2024||''...By The Shadows...''||Trelldom||
|}
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* 2007: ''[[True Norwegian Black Metal (documentary)|True Norwegian Black Metal]]'' (documentary)
* 2012: ''[[Escape (2012 Norwegian film)|Flukt]]'' ("Escape") (drama) – as "Grim"
* 2022: ''Heavy Metal Saved My Life'', Episode 2 “Queer” (documentary) <ref>{{Citation |title=HEAVY METAL SAVED MY LIFE - Die Fan-Doku: EN: Queer. Judas Priest, Faith No More & Gaahl (S01/E02) (OV) {{!}} ARD Mediathek |url=https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/heavy-metal-saved-my-life-die-fan-doku/en-queer-judas-priest-faith-no-more-und-gaahl-s01-e02-ov/hr-fernsehen/Y3JpZDovL2hyLW9ubGluZS8xODcxMzM |language=de |access-date=2022-11-22}}</ref>
==Gallery==
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==External links==
* [http://www.gorgoroth.info/misc/interviews/2003-terrorizer.jpg Interview with Infernus and Gaahl by Terrorizer Magazine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002173712/http://www.gorgoroth.info/misc/interviews/2003-terrorizer.jpg |date=2 October 2011 }}
{{Gorgoroth}}
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[[Category:Adherents of Germanic neopaganism]]
[[Category:Black metal singers]]
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[[Category:Norwegian black metal musicians]]
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[[Category:People from Sunnfjord]]
[[Category:Musicians from Sogn og Fjordane]]
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[[Category:Gorgoroth members]]
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[[Category:20th-century
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[[Category:21st-century Norwegian artists]]
[[Category:21st-century Norwegian criminals]]
[[Category:Norwegian critics of Christianity]]
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