Gaahls Wyrd - The Humming Mountain (2021)^{Release ID: 32389}

Gaahls Wyrd have managed to produce a release here that transcends the boundaries of metal and beyond, striking chords within some expected genres (black metal) and being more intensive in the realm of heavy metal than first expected.  At the same time, The Humming Mountain (supposedly a pre-cursor to 2019's GastiR - Ghosts Invited) is remarkably invested in some folk elements also that really sets the release up as a very interesting and intriguing listen.

Opening track The Seed plays like a theme tune to a Scandinavian detective drama, constantly looping in the same acoustic riff which makes for a mesmerizing experience on repeated listens.  My initial fear with this track was that it would get boring but it maintains a warmth and lushness that borders on the irresistible.  The constant sense of mystery (as in any good detective drama) is a theme for the release as a whole as you can be forgiven for feeling like you are genuinely unsure of where the album (and it is a full release as far as Gaahl is concerned) will go next.

Needless to say that some of the more familiar aggressive tendencies in the musical spectrum come to the surface on more than one occasion over the course of just five tracks. The Dwell being the more obvious reference point to anyone aware of Gaahl's time in Gorgoroth.  Whilst never quite getting into the dirge of Gorgoroth it is a track that blazes across the middle section of the release, unleashing a fury that feels open and shared willingly.  Meanwhile, the appropriately named album closer The Sleep gives a soothing sense of completeness as the release draws to a close.

The Humming Mountain continues to showcase one of metal's most creative and mysterious figures, building on the initial intrigue of the debut album of some 2 years ago.  It sets up the anticipation for what comes next superbly and who knows where Gaahl will take us on the subsequent leg of the journey.