Content deleted Content added
mNo edit summary |
Added sub-headings for imprisonment |
||
Line 1:
{{short description|Norwegian musician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name = Gaahl
| image = Gaahls Wyrd - Wacken Open Air 2018 31.jpg
| caption = Gaahl performing at [[Wacken Open Air]] 2018
| image_size =
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = Kristian Eivind Espedal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://home.c2i.net/famhegg/BLACKMET.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120205022725/http://home.c2i.net/famhegg/BLACKMET.htm|url-status=dead|title=Norsk Black / Ekstrem Metal|date=5 February 2012|archive-date=5 February 2012|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
| alias =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|8|7|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Sunnfjord]], Norway
| death_date =
| origin =
| genre = [[Black metal]], [[ambient music|ambient]], [[folk music]]
| occupation = Singer, painter
| years_active = 1993–present
| label =
| current_member_of = [[Gaahlskagg]], [[Trelldom]], Sigfader, [[Gaahls Wyrd]]
| 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. He is best known as the former frontman of Norwegian [[black metal]] band [[Gorgoroth]]. He is also the founder and lead vocalist of [[Trelldom]] and [[Gaahlskagg]]. Since leaving Gorgoroth, he has been involved with [[God Seed]], [[Wardruna]], and [[Gaahls Wyrd]]. He was the focus of the documentary ''[[True Norwegian Black Metal (film series)|True Norwegian Black Metal]]'' and also appeared in the film ''[[Escape (2012 Norwegian film)|Flukt]]''.
==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]]'', although he only sang on the title track. He made his live debut in May that year, when Gorgoroth played five dates in Germany alongside [[Cradle of Filth]].<ref name="gorgorothtours1">[http://www.gorgoroth.info/live.htm Gorgoroth - Live] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413155818/http://www.gorgoroth.info/live.htm |date=13 April 2009 }}</ref>
The first Gorgoroth album to feature Gaahl as main vocalist was ''[[Incipit Satan]]'', recorded from July–October 1999. The music was entirely written by guitarists [[Infernus]] and [[Tormentor (musician)|Tormentor]], while the lyrics were written by Infernus and Gaahl; the latter having written the lyrics for the title song and "Ein Eim av Blod og Helvetesild". This was also the first Gorgoroth album to feature elements of [[Industrial music|industrial]], [[dark ambient]], and [[noise music]].
==== Imprisonment and legal controversy ====
In 2002, Gaahl was sentenced to 12 months in prison for an assault which took place in 2000, and was ordered to pay the victim 158,000 NOK (about US$25,300).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Injection |first=Metal |date=2011-02-17 |title=Top 10 Worst Crimes Committed by Black Metal Musicians |url=https://metalinjection.net/lists/top-10-crimes-committed-black-metal-musicians |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name='gaahl-hist'>{{cite news | first=Chris | last=Campion | title=In the face of death | date=20 February 2005 | publisher=Guardian Unlimited | url =https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/feb/20/popandrock4 | work =[[The Observer]] | access-date = 10 February 2008 }}</ref> Gorgoroth began recording their album ''[[Twilight of the Idols (Gorgoroth album)|Twilight of the Idols]]'' in May that year. Gaahl's imprisonment meant that he was unable to record his vocals until January 2003.<ref name="vds1">{{cite web|url=http://www.voicesfromthedarkside.de/interviews/gorgoroth.htm|title=www.voicesfromthedarkside.de|last=www.voicesfromthedarkside.de|website=www.voicesfromthedarkside.de|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716084758/http://www.voicesfromthedarkside.de/interviews/gorgoroth.htm|archive-date=16 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The album was released in July that year.
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$30,400) in compensation.<ref name="blabbermouthfeb05"/> The incident happened in February 2002 during a late-night party at Gaahl's house in Espedal, when he became involved in a confrontation with a man. Gaahl was accused of severely beating the man, torturing him for long periods of time and collecting his blood into a cup and threatening to make him drink it.<ref name="blabbermouthfeb05"/> Gaahl said "I was the one who was attacked, but they think I punished him too hard. As I always say, when people cross my line and I let them know where the line is many steps before they cross it, and still they choose to cross it, then I will be the one to decide what their punishment will be".<ref name = "shaman1" /> He also claimed to have given the man the cup "so that he would not make such a mess in my house with all the blood".<ref name="blabbermouthfeb05"/> In March 2006, Gaahl recorded vocals for Gorgoroth's next album, ''[[Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam]]''. According to band members, he was in prison from April<ref name=chroniclesofchaos>[http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles.aspx?id=1-935 Chronicles of Chaos - Interview with King ov Hell, 25 June 2006].</ref> to December 2006.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927184250/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/article/?id=45971 "Gorgoroth singer released from prison"]. ''Metal Hammer''. 9 January 2007.</ref>
==== 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.
In May 2007, he appeared on the third Trelldom album, ''Til Minne''. Gaahl was the band's only founding member to appear on the album, which featured guitarist Valgard, bassist Stian, drummer Are and [[hardingfele]] player Egil Furenes.
In October 2007, Gaahl and King ov Hell tried to remove founding member Infernus from Gorgoroth. This began the [[Gorgoroth name dispute]].
===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]].
In early 2009, Gaahl spent two months in Spain.<ref>[http://www.terrorizer.com/content/gaahl-speaks] {{dead link|date=April 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> King stated in an interview that Gaahl had been spending time in Spain working on lyrics and vocal arrangements for the debut God Seed album.<ref name="gaahlspain2">{{cite web|url=http://www.imhotep.no/?did=9088770|title=imhotep.no|website=imhotep.no|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref> However, in another interview in April 2009, King stated that:
<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://web.archive.org/web/20120224182501/http://www.bloodchamber.de/news/2009-08/10307/ |archive-date=24 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> His bandmate King later clarified that Gaahl had in fact chosen to retire from metal music for the time being. King put the band 'on hold' as a result.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalstorm.ee/events/news_comments.php?news_id=9265 |title=God Seed - Gaahl Retires From Metal - Metal Storm |publisher=Metalstorm.ee |access-date=10 February 2012}}</ref>
In January 2010, Gaahl was hired by [[Den Nationale Scene]] in Bergen to play the role of the [[Norse mythology|Norse]] god [[Heimdall]], son of [[Odin]], in ''Svartediket'', a performance for the 2010 [[Bergen International Festival]]. This caused controversy due to Gaahl's anti-Christian standpoint and support for church burnings. The [[Diocese of Bjørgvin|Bishop of Bjørgvin]] spoke against Gaahl's involvement.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bt.no/nyheter/lokalt/Legger-hardt-press-paa-teatersjefen-1003377.html |title=Legger hardt press på teatersjefen |last=Tønder |first=Finn Bjørn |date=14 January 2010 |work=[[Bergens Tidende]] |language=no |access-date=15 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117081406/http://www.bt.no/nyheter/lokalt/Legger-hardt-press-paa-teatersjefen-1003377.html |archive-date=17 January 2010 }}</ref>
Gaahl appeared in the 2012 Norwegian historical action-thriller film ''[[Escape (2012 Norwegian film)|Flukt]]'' (''Escape''), starring as archer 'Grim'.
In 2012, God Seed reformed and released their debut studio album ''[[I Begin]]''.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120716074932/http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=171436 ''GOD SEED Recording Debut Album''].</ref> The band later played their final show in August 2015.
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 a painter. He has an exhibition of his paintings in the Galleri Fjalar in his hometown Bergen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://de-de.facebook.com/gallerifjalar/|title=Galleri Fjalar|website=de-de.facebook.com|language=de|access-date=16 February 2020}}</ref>
==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 "against drugs and the drug-user mentality."<ref name="revolver">{{cite magazine|first=Kory |last=Grow|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/content/gorgoroth |title=GORGOROTH|magazine=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]|access-date=12 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515141650/http://www.revolvermag.com/content/gorgoroth|quote=...though Revolver did pay for Gaahl's reindeer dinner while in Bergen...}}</ref>
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=Gaahl of Gorgoroth Interview: Scarlet Metal |access-date=21 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209224615/http://www.scarletmetal.com/gaahl_gorgoroth_interview.htm |archive-date=9 February 2014 }}</ref>
===Christianity and Satanism===
Gaahl is strongly [[Criticism of Christianity|opposed to Christianity]]. He has often been mistaken as a [[Satanism|Satanist]], but objects to being labeled as such. In a 1995 interview, he stated: "I am my own God as I am my own Satan. So I'm not a Satanist judging by those terms." He jokingly added: "Maybe you could call it Gaahlism."<ref name="hitler1" /> He reiterated this belief in the documentary ''[[True Norwegian Black Metal (documentary)|True Norwegian Black Metal]]'' when he said: "The god within yourself is the only true god."<ref name='True'/> In an interview for the documentary ''[[Metal: A Headbanger's Journey]]''—at which time he was Gorgoroth's vocalist—Gaahl was asked what inspired the band's music, to which his sole reply was "Satan." When asked what Satan represented, he again answered with a single word: "Freedom."<ref name="headbanger">Dunn, Sam (2005). [http://imdb.com/title/tt0478209/ ''Metal: A Headbanger's Journey'']</ref>
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 don't have a lot of things in common with him. Personally, I focus on myself, on my own thoughts."<ref name="gaahlnonietzsche">[http://www.metal1.info/interviews/interview-en.php?interview_id=147 Gorgoroth Interview bei Metal1.info] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717033824/http://www.metal1.info/interviews/interview-en.php?interview_id=147 |date=17 July 2011 }}</ref>
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" />
===Church burning controversy and black metal===
Regarding black metal, Gaahl sees individuality as the most important aspect of the genre.<ref name = "shaman1" /> He has described black metal as "the depiction of honesty without compromise"<ref name="rockhard2" /> and "a war for those who hear the whisper."<ref name = "shaman1" /> When asked in the documentary ''Metal: A Headbanger's Journey'' (2005) for his thoughts on the [[church burnings]] associated with the [[early Norwegian black metal scene]], Gaahl answered:
<blockquote>"Church burnings are, of course, a thing that I support one hundred percent. It should have been done much more, and will be done much more in the future. We have to remove every trace [of] what Christianity, and the semitic roots, have to offer this world."<ref name="headbanger"/></blockquote>
However, in a controversial interview from 1995 he also said of the church burnings:
<blockquote>"Well, personally I don't mind it at all, but I fear that it might cause among people fear of nihilism and [the] anti-Christian views that black metal represents, and in that way lead neutral people to succumbing to Christendom because that is what they accept and don't want to lose. I think it's the wrong way to proceed."<ref name="hitler1">
[http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r455/WD37/76ec8a07.jpg Interview with Gaahl from Polish Holocaust Magazine, 1995]</ref><ref name="hitler2">
[http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r455/WD37/755fc749.jpg Interview with Gaahl from Polish Holocaust Magazine, 1995]</ref></blockquote>
===Politics===
Gaahl maintains that he has no deep set of political beliefs, and that his circle of friends includes both [[Right-wing politics|right-wingers]] and [[Left-wing politics|left-wingers]].<ref name="rockhard2" />
<blockquote>"These are things related to the past and the environment I found myself in at the time. In the early '90s, there were all these different youth gangs in Norway and one thing led to another. I was involved in gang fights and had false friends [...] There was no political disposition – not with me nor any of my friends. But you had to profess allegiance to a certain group if you wanted to defend yourself and not get your ass kicked. [...] But there have definitely been changes and an evolution in my thinking. I'm a different person today."<ref name="rockhard2" /></blockquote>
In a 2013 interview, Gaahl said on [[freedom of speech]]: "You should be able to say whatever you want, it's the only way to evolve. If we deny anyone an opinion, we cannot grow […] However, people must also be able to face the consequences of speaking their minds. […] What kind of a person are you if you don't let people speak up against you?"<ref>[http://www.metalblast.net/interviews/unleashing-satan-an-evening-with-gaahl/ "Unleashing Satan: An Evening with Gaahl"]. Metal Blast. 25 November 2013.</ref>
==Discography==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Title
!Band
!Notes
|-
|1994||''Disappearing of the Burning Moon'' (demo)||Trelldom||
|-
|1995||''Til Evighet''||Trelldom||
|-
|1998||''Til et Annet''||Trelldom||
|-
|1998||''[[Destroyer (Gorgoroth album)|Destroyer]]''||Gorgoroth||vocals on "Destroyer"
|-
|1999||''Sigfaders hevner'' (demo)||Sigfader||
|-
|1999||''Split With Stormfront''||Gaahlskagg||
|-
|2000||''Erotic Funeral''||Gaahlskagg||
|-
|2000||''[[Incipit Satan]]''||Gorgoroth||
|-
|2003||''[[Twilight of the Idols (Gorgoroth album)|Twilight of the Idols]]''||Gorgoroth||
|-
|2006||''[[Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam]]''||Gorgoroth||
|-
|2006||''Secht''||Secht||additional vocals<ref>[http://www.heavymetal.no/show.article.asp?menuid=&artid=6226 Heavymetal.no - Interview with Dirge Rep] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112105758/http://www.heavymetal.no/show.article.asp?menuid=&artid=6226 |date=12 January 2009 }}</ref>
|-
|2007||''Til Minne''||Trelldom||
|-
|2008||''[[Black Mass Krakow 2004]]''||Gorgoroth||live recording from February 2004
|-
|2008||''[[True Norwegian Black Metal – Live in Grieghallen]]''||Gorgoroth||live recording from 2007
|-
|2009||''[[Runaljod_–_Gap_Var_Ginnunga | Runaljóð - gap var Ginnunga]]''<ref name="Wardruna Official website - News">{{cite web|url=http://www.wardruna.com/news/index.html|title=Wardruna.com - News and Updates|website=www.wardruna.com|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="roadrunnerrecords.com">[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=107772 Blabbermouth.net - WARDRUNA Signs With INDIE RECORDINGS - Oct. 27, 2008] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606063920/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=107772 |date=6 June 2011 }}</ref>||Wardruna||
|-
|2009||''Skandinavisk misantropi''||Skitliv||additional vocals on "Hollow Devotion"<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=117517 - Blabbermouth.net - MANIAC's SKITLIV Signs With SEASON OF MIST - Apr. 4, 2009] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606063928/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=117517 |date=6 June 2011 }}</ref>
|-
|2012||''Live at Wacken''||God Seed||live recording from [[Wacken Open Air]], August 2008
|-
|2012||''[[I Begin]]''||God Seed||
|-
|2013||''[[Runaljod_-_Yggdrasil | Runaljóð - Yggdrasil]]''<ref name="Wardruna Official website - News"/><ref name="roadrunnerrecords.com"/>||Wardruna||
|-
|2017||''Bergen Nov '15''||[[Gaahls Wyrd]]||live recording from 13 November 2015
|-
|2019||''GastiR - Ghosts Invited''||Gaahls Wyrd||debut album of Gaahls Wyrd
|-
|2024||''...By The Shadows...''||Trelldom||
|}
== Filmography ==
* 2005: ''[[Metal: A Headbanger's Journey]]'' (documentary)
* 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==
<gallery>
File:God Seed Hellfest 2009 10.jpg|Gaahl with God Seed (2009)
File:God Seed Hellfest 2009 13.jpg|Gaahl with God Seed (2009)
File:God Seed Hellfest 2009 14.jpg|Gaahl and Teloch with God Seed (2009)
File:God Seed Hellfest 2009 15.jpg|Gaahl with God Seed (2009)
File:Gaahl and King.jpg|Gaahl (left) with King
</gallery>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==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}}
{{Wardruna}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gaahl}}
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:
[[Category:Black metal singers]]
[[Category:Norwegian LGBTQ singers]]
[[Category:Norwegian gay musicians]]
[[Category:Anti-Christian sentiment in Norway]]
[[Category:Norwegian black metal musicians]]
[[Category:Norwegian male criminals]]
[[Category:Norwegian male singers]]
[[Category:
[[Category:Norwegian prisoners and detainees]]
[[Category:Prisoners and detainees of Norway]]
[[Category:Norwegian rock singers]]
[[Category:People convicted of assault]]
[[Category:People from Sunnfjord]]
[[Category:Musicians from Sogn og Fjordane]]
[[Category:Gay singers]]
[[Category:Gorgoroth members]]
[[Category:Performers of modern pagan music]]
[[Category:God Seed members]]
[[Category:20th-century Norwegian LGBTQ people]]
[[Category:21st-century Norwegian LGBTQ people]]
[[Category:21st-century Norwegian artists]]
[[Category:21st-century Norwegian criminals]]
[[Category:Norwegian critics of Christianity]]
[[Category:Wardruna members]]
| |||