Bergen, Norway, is a city steeped in history, particularly in the realm of black metal. It was the epicenter of the genre’s second wave in the 1990s, with debut albums by Mayhem, Emperor, and Enslaved recorded in the city’s Grieghallen Studio, run by Eirik “Pytten” Hundvin. It’s also the birthplace of iconic bands like Immortal and Gorgoroth. And who could forget the burning of the Fantoft stave church? Bergen’s role in black metal history has been crucial in shaping the genre as we know it today. It’s only fitting that this heritage is celebrated and preserved, with Beyond the Gates playing a vital part in this mission.
Organised by Silje Wergeland (current vocalist of The Gathering) and Torgrim Øyre (former tour manager for Behemoth), Beyond the Gates has been a haven for extreme music fans since 2013. Fans from all over the world, as over half of the attendees are from abroad—just like me! For four days, I’ll be fully immersed in all that is trve and kvlt that Bergen has to offer. The line-up this year is truly mouth-watering. I’ve driven all the way to Norway, planning to extend my trip into a full vacation, but you could just as easily make it a city break by flying. Whether it’s worth it? You’ll find out in this report.
Also, check out the report from Wednesday and Thursday!
And here’s the report from Friday!
Unfortunately, the wettest city in Europe is living up to its reputation today. No hikes up one of the seven mountains, but instead a museum visit before the concerts begin at Grieghallen. We immediately opt for KODE, where there’s an impressive collection of Edvard Munch on display. A painter that surely speaks to every metalhead. Why? Munch portrayed himself as a rebel, someone walking against the crowd. His least favorite animal must have been the lemming. And why does his work attract art lovers from all over the world? He paints about universal emotions: the Frieze of Life. Themes of fear, love, and death, are expressed through his own experiences, in stunning compositions that blend in dark, wave-like flows.
With much to ponder, we then head to Vinmonopolet, the only store in Norway where you can buy wine. The wine we’re after? Gaahl’s wine! I learned from an interview I did with him five years ago, around the release of Gaahl’s Wyrd debut album, that he’s a big wine lover. But after visiting Galleri Fjalar, run by his partner, I discovered that Gaahl also produces his own wine. And what could be a better souvenir from Norway than a bottle of Gaahl’s wine? Exactly, two bottles of Gaahl’s wine! That afternoon, I also had the pleasure of joining a wine tasting with the man himself. Excited and cheerful, I suddenly find myself in a dimly lit room, draped in red velvet, lit only by a few candles. Ominous music plays, followed by the new album from Trelldom (sounds great!). Just as I start to wonder when a goat will be sacrificed, Gaahl and his business partner shyly welcome everyone. We’re about to taste four wines—three by Gaahl himself and the fourth by a woman he calls a witch. A positive witch, that is. He was deeply impressed by her craft (his compliments brought her to tears) and wanted us to experience it as well. Gaahl doesn’t like speaking to the whole group of some forty black metal-loving wine enthusiasts; instead, he prefers to visit each table, answer questions, and strike up a conversation. The wine flows generously, and time flies, so I have to leave the cosy gathering abruptly to rush to Grieghallen and not miss a moment of Vemod. Slightly out of breath, I arrive just in time…
And Vemod takes my breath away once more. This music is simply made to be played in Grieghallen. Rarely has music moved me so deeply. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. The trio manages to sublimate the beauty of nature with simple yet magical sounds. A beauty I’m coming to understand more and more as I explore the Norwegian mountains and fjords during my holiday. This performance is nothing short of a transformative ode that resonates powerfully in the famous concert hall and in the soul of every spectator.
The band from Trondheim has just two albums to its name. If you’re not yet familiar with Vemod, you’re in the right place; you can read a beautiful review by my colleague Tom on their latest album, The Deepening, on our site. Most of tonight’s set comes from that album. The short intro, Mot oss, en ild, leads into Der guder dør (“where gods die”), a thirteen-minute epic that takes you on a musical journey with the band as your guide through storm and serenity, conflict and peace. Every note is a star, leading towards the unknown before bringing us back to ourselves. The waves calm, and the wind subsides. It’s truly amazing how the gentlemen create a multidimensional peace and give shape to serenity.
True North Beckons follows as an immersion in space, time, and the four elements, and Inn i lysande natt is the final piece from The Deepening. A wordless hymn, bathed in the light of the legendary Grieghallen. Crystal-clear, controlled drumbeats provide an unforgettable intro to this hauntingly beautiful instrumental track. Venter På Stormene, from the album of the same name (2012), closes what will surely be the most memorable performance of Beyond the Gates 2024. Thank you, Vemod.
Amazed, I leave the hall to meet my fiancé, who’s lovingly waiting outside for dinner. And then it hits me how annoying it is that humans need to eat. Vreid is playing, and I honestly didn’t expect to miss much. But wouldn’t you know it, they play two Windir covers. And end with Journey to the End. Man, what a loss. How will I ever get over this? By watching Satyricon’s second set, of course.
Time for part two of “Horns and Diadems”! Tough luck for the haters, there’s less room for old material tonight, and more ‘rocking out’ with no less than four tracks from Now, Diabolical. Since this album came out in 2006, I haven’t gone a single week without playing it. So I experience an explosion of euphoria when the title track begins. Yes! And then another explosion of euphoria with Black Crow on a Tombstone. The Age of Nero (2008) makes an appearance later with Die by My Hand. The Satyricon hit machine is in full swing! But they also bring some newer material, with a piece from Satyricon & Munch (cool!) and two tracks from Deep Calleth Upon Deep. Satyr showcases his voice beautifully during To the Mountains, and I don’t think we need to elaborate on Frost’s drumming skills here.
Thirteen-year-old me would have gone wild over the final trilogy with which the resident orchestra closes. The first part? My old ringtone, The Pentagram Burns! Then Satyr—justifiably so with this mostly subdued crowd—calls for a mosh pit. And who can resist going wild to Fuel for Hatred? I’m filled with both ecstasy and nostalgia, thinking back to my first encounter with Satyricon, thanks to my big brother. The crowning glory of the special “Horns and Diadems” set is, of course, K.I.N.G.. And thus concludes an impressive musical event I wouldn’t have missed for the world.
But Beyond the Gates has even more in store for us! Something you’ll probably only experience once in your life: the tribute to Quorthon and Bathory, called Blood Fire Death. There was little known in advance about the musicians involved in this tribute. So my jaw drops when the stage fills with fantastic black metal musicians like Apollyon, Blasphemer, Faust, and Ivar Bjørnson. My hair stands on end as Gaahl steps forward to sing A Fine Day to Die. This must be Valhalla!
Apollyon takes over the vocals for The Rite of Darkness and Possessed. Then, for a stunning cover of Enter the Eternal Fire, none other than Erik Danielsson storms the stage. My god, it’s hard to grasp what’s happening before my eyes! As if my prayers have been answered, Satyr joins the party for Raise the Dead. And then original bassist Frederick Malander also joins in. The parade of fantastic black metal musicians continues. Wraath follows for The Return of Darkness and Evil and Grutle Kjellson for Call From the Grave. The final blow is delivered by Kvitrim, from my beloved Vemod. He sings the all-destroying Total Destruction. The cherry on top is again provided by Erik Danielsson. The man gives his all in Blood Fire Death. Goosebumps! Words fail to capture this. I wouldn’t be surprised if a live album is released from this, it’s that legendary. I’m moved by the respect shown to the music, now part of the common heritage, as it is honored and celebrated.
Hell broke loose tonight, and during my short walk back to the hotel, the heavens break open. Bergen remains the wettest city in Europe. But Norway, what a country. And Beyond the Gates, what a festival. In this dark harmony of history and music, nature and art, you feel the inexhaustible power of the genre. As Satyr said during Satyricon’s second set, black metal isn’t about corpse paint. No, black metal is defined by a feeling. And that feeling was truly fantastic at Beyond the Gates. The next edition takes place from 30 July to 3 August. Unsurprisingly, the early bird tickets are already sold out. So don’t wait too long and join us next year on this ultimate black metal pilgrimage!
Also, check out the report from Wednesday and Thursday!
And here’s the report from Friday!
Date and location
3 augustus 2024, Grieghallen, Bergen, Noorwegen
Photos:
Jarle H. Moe / Beyond the Gates Festival
Link: