Interview Wardruna - Gaahl (part 1)

[@coreysturner2748]

I'd love to sit down and have a conversation with this man. He seems incredibly in tune with himself spiritually and very wise. I dig the Black Metal culture. There is alot more to it than people understand I think.

[@dariox7953]

"There is alot more to it than people understand I think." I don't want to speak out of turn as i am not involved in the Black Metal scene but form my understanding this is correct, they don't want the fans who get scared away by the shocking imagery, the fans they want are the ones to are able look deeper.

[@osbaldohernandez9174]

I don’t listen to black metal but I like to listen to this man and his thoughts on life etc etc

[@FIFTHSUN2012]

@@dariox7953 You nailed it. “The beauty of Black Metal is reserved for those who choose to dwell in its hideousness.”

[@fupagravy9994]

He is seriously one of the most interesting people on the planet

[@Coloradiohead]

BEN ----- just don't Ben Dover around him hehe

[@bendover5863]

anarchitect :^)

[@miguelb2421]

Motorhead your a fucking idiot.

[@ВадимБ-ъ7т]

True. That dude is wack as fuck tryin' to pretend some shit he aint

[@db3516]

Captain Howdy hail satan fuck jesus fuck allah

[@TheGrimBassist]

He has got one of the mightiest voices of all time, in my opinion.

[@amandatleigh]

Good for you Gaahl. It sounds like you are on the right path. Good health to you! I look forward to your new musical creations.

[@RoxyRayStudios]

Finally someone on Midgard I can relate to.. THANK YOU Gaahl for being here!

[@Faus4us]

When it comes down to it I always remember what Bruce Lee said, "Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, and make it your own." Simple, effective, and different for each person. I'd love to talk with Gaahl. I can relate to him when he speaks about the energy(God) within all things that connects us to each other. I strongly agree with that.

[@dan-3268]

I had the pleasure of taking a picture standing next to this gentlemen. I must say he had a very tranquil aura, and it felt like I was standing next to a yoga guru or something. Very nice person, easy to approach. Drinking beer and having a conversation is something I would totally be down for

[@bosunbriney]

great interview. one of the rare moments I feel proud of NL... we got this

[@altarman]

i love this man PERIOD!

[@88omair]

Stange time to have a period

[@RevanJJ]

He needs more interviews. One of the deepest, most interesting people.

[@Midharma]

No matter what he is, and I told him personally, he will always be respected for his knowledge is greater than most beings alive.

[@soundcluster860]

Gaahl is the norwegian Count Dracula.

[@dreddinside]

Dracula wishes he was Gaahl.

[@dreddinside]

HateDisease Which is filled with blood. It all makes sense now.

[@Waldschwester]

Whooa, he let suck, damned!

[@bass-callbo8434]

But we norwegians say: Dount Cracula

[@WeenukChog]

Yea u know what hes suckn on lmao

[@ratmackay]

It's an Icelandic wolf cross...which was one of the early ways of disguising a Thor's hammer as a cross. It is most definitely NOT a Christian symbol.

[@maxudovicic8134]

Very Handsome Man

[@Victoria-bo9xk]

I guess you have a thing for demon possessed people.

[@Volkuris]

that's an awesome place to hold an interview, pure peaceful nature

[@ratmackay]

Because it's an Icelandic wolf cross, a variant of mjolnir, NOT a Christian cross.

[@corey1845]

"People dont listen to the Art, they are just following the Character" this is so true.

[@Shokukumi]

I absolutely love the Wardruna project and I'll be the first to support Gaahl and the members of Wardruna. I'm hoping to hear more of the ethnic Scandinavian music art.

[@LadyLynd]

Gaahl is always dressed with that jacket!... :D

[@martmelee]

damn.. gaahl actually laughed here.. damn he's changed, i mean in interviews about gorgoroth he was always serious, and i mean reeeaaallly serious. actually kinda weird to see him laughing O.O!

[@RodneyBass74]

Artists are not out there to be emulated ,but as a symbol that represents something. With Wardruna, I see an artist trying to communicate with the collective unconsciousness through runes and ancient rituals( using sounds from nature). Its all about perspective. If you look at what Wardruna is all about, its very positive...Gaahl might be a changed man ,now that hes evolving with Wardruna. Who knows....but credit has to be given for the band's commitment to music and one's personal growth.

[@HushedDeath]

This man inspires me.

[@Alonoda]

Its all about being REAL with your art, not even being an artist then trying to perform that art. He's one of a few doing it for the selves first. Despite Gorgoroth's stage it's not about the show or the image But the way the individual percieves these ideas

[@Majima897]

A beautiful mind; truly.

[@Sensenoi6]

THAT, my friend, is very well said. I salute you.

[@nrb6666]

He actually sounds happy here.. im glad for him, maybe metal wasnt the best path for him afterall...

[@sejdaren]

as i understand it only one wolfcross has been found ever and its on iceland...and there are not records to what it is...so as far as I understand it...it is more or less speculation to say what it is or what it is not...i think it is a beautiful peace of work since i like the wolfsheads...and i agree that you might be right about mjölnir...but if you got something more than a guess to back it up i would be seriously interested to see it...since im interested in old norse mythology and art

[@Fishdogpigsquirrel]

This man is one of the most intelligent human beings on the face of the earth.

[@Thronsohn]

how nice he is all of a sudden :-)

[@KUPHSER]

fair call. ithrough my years of training i knew ppl who were awesome in the ring but scared on the street. i appreciate you fair reply because you are rifht, you never jnow who ur messing with.

[@HojoOSanagi]

@munkierunner It's a wolf cross which is an Icelandic style of representing Mjolnir. If you saw it up close then you would see that it is in fact a hammer, just in the shape of a cross. Btw, that's a wolf's head at the end of the cross, not a hand.

[@LycanthropicArt]

The background for this interview looks awesome. Does anyone where where it takes place? Thanks. - Wulf

[@kpdrrn32]

He really is a fascinating person to listen to.

[@ClinamenCloud]

there is much emotion in his body, his muscles, his skin

[@ChaosPath]

@WikiHeba96 What he's wearing is called "Vargkors" in Sweden, "Wolf Cross", it's a Viking-symbol.

[@TheToillMainn]

@IXB34RXI Varg Vikernes' original name was Kristian as well. That is if I remember correctly.

[@Demanufactur3]

You can meditate to this stuff "Wardruna", I was never really into black metal, i knew of gorgoroth but it really wasn't my style so to speak. I'll be ordering the wardruna album however... A step towards the future for gaahl, may the asagods be with you.

[@washburn909]

listening to him calms me down.

[@StakkelsJimm]

I would love to meet him!

[@ExitosGnosis]

totally! respect to Gaahl for serving art and life first (it helps that wardruna is kickass). all these conformists who conform to black metal or whatever in order to look like they're not conformists won't understand an artist, so too bad for them. when gaahl talks about satan being about freedom in the gorgoroth days, his fans go "yeaahhh!" but they only perceive the surface of that statement. weiterrocken!

[@FaceCulture]

hi everyone, the whole interview is now online on youtube! check out our channel

[@666buuze]

Is Wardruna a new band formed by Ghaal, or was it an existing band that Ghaal joined?

[@vashi1]

Also, I've read that the wolfcrosses that are found are from the pagan time in Scandinavia, not when it was christianized. In the beginning when Scandinavia was Christianized people weared both a mjölnir and cross(a cross, not a wolfcross as far as I know).

[@Profanum]

@jonson771 hmm i've favourited atleast 1500 videos and none of them has ads, it's only this one so far

[@vincentofgothenburg]

@nmbr1kornfan It's not an inverted cross, it's an old nordic symbol known as "Vargkorset" or "Wolfcross". It was used both by nordic pagans and christians during the time.

[@telephonebear21]

its nice to see him not acting so pretentious and over the top. i cant take him seriously when he does the 20 second silence followed by "satan" routine

[@Nikki_777]

i like him in this interview, he seems more relaxed. he is actually a very good painter

[@J33vs]

@RyZombie619 God, haven't you listened to Wardruna? The whole album is a spiritual voyage. His first album with Gorgoroth is pretty good if you ask me, but I'll still choose Gaahl's work in Wardruna over Gorgoroth anytime.

[@MantiaRyche]

Yes, we should. At least I try to be very open to different people. Its not always easy, but I try.

[@MBience3]

i understand hes a little bit off with his views and intolerant so as to be even called a racist, but I respect him just for the fact that he makes good music.

[@cannancursed820]

never really got into gorgoroth personally. I liked dimmu more. but dimmu wasn't nearly as visually awesome. but wardruna is one of my favorites. eat some mushrooms and it's a whole different beast.

[@Faeden]

Is it just me, or is he really fascinating to watch. There is something very intriguing about his mannerisms. He also seems like a genuinely nice chap, almost as if he is very innocent and child like, I do not mean that as in childish or that he is a goody two shoes, I mean as in he just does not seem viscous or angry, he seems very at peace.... Or am I just talking complete shit?

[@LuciferWitch666]

@animekevin I agree with you! Will Gaahl is doing fine i hear! Hes happy with his cool Boyfriend!

[@five5x]

As a gay man myself I hope one day it will be a matter of fact kind of thing myself, but society loves to categorize people by their differences from one another. We will always notice people by colour, sexuality, weight, sex and whatever else, but society needs to learn not to hate based on being different from one another. We should actually celebrate that we are a diverse species.

[@Manueelaa]

I believe, he developed mentally and spiritually in the last few years and seems much happier and mature now.. and I appreciate that, I mean you shouldn't be stuck with this aggressive black metal image your whole life. It's ok for a while but you should evolve from it. I think Gaahl is actually a thoughtful man, who has a real message. And this message is not based upon lies or fear because that is what he hates about religion and especially christianity.

[@AmosMustDie]

I do not agree with his sexuality. However I admire his passion and his spirit.

[@tapion123]

gaahl is a great philosiphor and he should write a book on his idealisms to spread the thought of freedom he breeds

[@rensokk]

what on earth are you basing that on?

[@marqis95]

for those who didn't know, Gaahl means Mad in norwegian

[@Bleakunending]

@Nixblicker10 The mountains of Switzerland...just from reading that I can taste the crisp air!

[@AestheticUniverse]

@saedt It may be an inverted cross. Hard to tell though.

[@Finntroll17]

@rammstein2001 It's not a cross, it's the hammer of Thor from around the time of the conversion.

[@mhslayer6]

As someone else already stated on here, it is a variation of Mjolnir. It is NOT the typical hammer shape, but the cross is inverted to emulate the shape of the hammer. It's a later model, around 900 AD, and was made to pass the hammer off as a cross. In doing so, the christian authorities wouldn't have you put to death for wearing a heathen amulet.

[@GrogMindwhip]

I thought it way of rewriting the rune Hagal (hail), which I've heard Gaahl feels connected to.

[@Saru2191]

@commandershadebetter I assume that you speaking of yourself, yes?

[@munkierunner]

@flabreque That is clearly a cross......... just because a fist is holding the "cross" doesn;t mean its mjolnir. Its definitely NOT a hammer.

[@BWNovus]

@MALSIV It is not upside down, it is a Viking cross.

[@martmelee]

@xXxCorey95xXx yeah but, i think its upside down, i don't think he would use a normal cross.

[@Henrik976]

e det seriøst en pris eller bare gjør du narr av ghaal?

[@sejdaren]

its a wolfcross ( a wolfs head with a cross under) and its not facing down wards...it is centered apart from the wolfs head...what it means noone really knows since it is an artifact from the viking age...some belive it to be a mix of pagan and christian belife...but if it is there is no way to prove it

[@TheMourningPalace]

gaahl is going to play in a norwegian movie called "flukt"(escape). It's about the black death i think

[@jp0005jp]

True Words From A Great Man

[@UnorthodoxWarfare]

@1ma4ighter whats the differnece...

[@LycanthropicArt]

@TheDoomSower The necklace he has on looks like the Wolfcross, which is around 900 A.D. It was recovered in the Foss, Iceland area. The cross is believed to be a representation of both the Heathen Gods, and Christian god. When in the company of the "new" god the wearer could turn the cross upside down to represent the crucifix, were as if they were in the company of pagans, they could wear the right way, as a symbol of Mjollnir. At least, that's what I've learned about it. I wear one too.

[@freyrkin]

There is other sides to man than sexuality. Gaahl is one amazing perfomer and artist.

[@aterseraph]

@TheShezz33 while i agree with your sentiment, lol, that's incorrect. They made a whole movie about Rob Halford and how his bandmates freaked out when he told them he was gay. That was the movie Rockstar, with Mark Wahlberg...

[@Kayleahful]

IDK if hes Gay or not, does'nt make him anyless of a person or musician. Besides, his music kicked some serious ass and I love his mjolnir!! Yay Norse Mythology and Paganism! :D PS- Thanks for uploading. :)

[@greetings05]

Wow he does magic!! :O

[@odynhros]

why isn;t the cross on his neck upside down??

[@Samhainmisfit123]

@flabreque I cant really see too well, but it does look like a cross, not Mjolnir. People need to remember that the cross came way before Christianity and even Judaism. It has a variety of different symbolic values that are really beautiful. Also Jesus (real?) got owned on one so its cool because of that too.

[@veinenxe2982]

Oh shit this dude is still alive :O

[@crirosa86]

@xzidorx true..but i think that he plays a part most of the times. in this interview he looks like a perfect normal person and in other ones he looks insane, scary and also funny sometimes. i think he plays a lot the role depending on the person he's in front of him but i bet that deeply he' s a person you can talk with if you can stand the speech

[@AestheticUniverse]

@suffiice I think you're right!

[@bradt1449]

Thanks

[@purplesquirrl]

@embracedbyfrost Ok, awesome. Just was kinda skeptical cause all I have ever seen are almost arrow shaped (including the one I have) but I looked it up...cool.

[@MichaelKing-hc1oc]

@3718David3718 It is inverted.

[@slashmole]

@cinemats It's just a piece of the whole picture

[@samueljones5421]

@HydroBud98 looks like someone is on their high horse judging others, because that's the right thing to do. I don't need to explain my religious beliefs to you, we are all free to do as we please, just like you have the right to act like you are. Go ahead if that's what it takes to make you feel better you precious little thing you then go right on ahead your looking really cool

[@tomward8603]

Im with you, brother. Judgement and hatred is only for those who fear what they dont understand. Sadly, even among Christians, I find people striving to be something theyre not, and passing judgement and resentment on those who dont believe or worship the way they do. You are free to worship and believe however you see fit, just because ones beliefs may differ from that of the preconcieved 'norm', does not mean it is wrong. I would expect much more open-mindedness from those who call themselves 'pagans' - which refers to many religious practices from many different parts of the world, and basically means beliefs that differ from that of the common world-religions. Ignorance and hatred should never have part in ANY religion.

[@catalinaga]

Video interview with Gaahl from Wardruna and Gorgoroth. FaceCulture spoke to Gaahl about wine, Wardruna, the Heathen gods Baldr and Odin, runes, black metal, satan and christian influence, Dan Devero's clothing line, being gay and his attraction to men, controversy about his coming out, his home, nature, the trial about the band name, King, the dispute with Infernus, the future of Gorgoroth and lots more! (03/12/2008) Read the fucking website in the description, search for Gaahl ... trash talker

[@Autofac]

@GoingDownFaster It sounds as though he is starting to realize that the image of the scary "black metal musician" and the persona that goes with it can be silly. And that people tend to focus more on the soap-opera nature that community can sometimes exhibit. He's realizing that it is far more fruitful, personally, to produce music and set ego aside.

[@guitar7901]

@00Rage00 too relaxing for the awesome music that he sang

[@MrWormlock]

whats up with gaahl and awkward silences?

[@RodneyBass74]

For all those who are judging Gaahl, do you think you have lived a perfect life? You have not done any harm ever ??I am not saying what hes done is moral, but I have no right to be self-righteous and point the finger..So, shut up and enjoy this man's talent on stage. Rather than following his life and emulating what he did. Hes not preaching you to do it either....

[@vashi1]

So I don't know what is right or wrong. But for me, it stands for the norse mythology. I'm sorry for making so many comments.

[@slashmole]

Damn he's was such a cool vocalist in Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam wish he had a solo thing like Ihsahn... or Triptykon did with Monotheist :(

[@keridesiree2100]

such a gorgeous man

[@TheDepressed100]

A verrrry nice example of Sarcasm :)

[@rockaz45]

@TROOPERofUSA well put

[@hansen99x]

@suckmynose000 Lol, it's very noticeable that the cross doesn't look inverted.

[@ReflectTheEmotions]

I wish I could sing like he can, let me rephrase that I wish i could shriek like he can