Album Review
Gaahls WYRD – “GastiR – Ghosts Invited” [Heavy Haiku Album Review]
Out now via Season of Mist, GastiR – Ghosts Invited shows a mellower, gentler Gaahl compared to previous work. But don’t let this never seen side fool you, this album is simultaneously brutal and beautiful.
Gaahl has never lacked in the controversy department. From Gorgoroth, to God Seed and now Gaahl’s WYRD, it’s either his actions or his music that capture blog/magazine/TV headlines. After listening to GastiR – Ghosts Invited, I’m pretty confident that there will be some more of that controversy regarding the new direction and sound of Gaahl’s latest creation.
At its peak, Gorgoroth was one of the most brutal black metal bands. Not only was the music moving the goalposts when it came to heavy music, the on and off-stage shenanigans were unbelievable and unfathomable at times. Fast forward fifteen years or so, this is a mellower, gentler Gaahl compared to then. But don’t let this never seen side of Gaahl fool you, this album is simultaneously sheerly brutal and beautiful.
GastiR – Ghosts Invited pushes the black metal boundaries, just like Gorgoroth did. It has an overall goth-like feel to it but there’s not doubt that it’s a black metal album, and a very good one at that. Gaahl’s vocals, dare I say, have some Peter Murphy moments (listen to the track “From the Spear” and you’ll get my drift…) interlaced with his signature bellowing. However, noticeably missing are the high, piercing screams. I don’t know if this was done by design, but it’s not a detriment to the album’s overall sound.
Gaahls WYRD will soon be “Carving The Voices” of hundreds of new fans. Check this video:
This album quickly became a regular in my current listening rotation after the first listen. I also quickly dismissed the fact that this isn’t Gogoroth reborn, but rather a more musically advanced and moodier version of God Seed. Unfortunately, I think this album will get lost in the shuffle that is the year of terrific 2019 releases, but if there are writers like me out there giving it as much high praise, hopefully this fantastic and unique album will have some much-deserved success.
Heavy Haiku Review::
Black Metal meets Goth
Do not expect Gorgoroth
Unique, dark and fierce…
GastiR – Ghosts Invited Track Listing:
01. Erk Erilar
02. From the Spear
03. Ghosts Invited
04. Carving the Voices
05. Veiztu Hve
06. The Speech and the self
07. Through and Past and Past
08. Within the Voice of Existence
Run Time: 42:03
Release Date: May 31, 2019
Record Label: Season of Mist
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