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 Saturday!
Being a real tourist, I first head to the Ulriken cable car for a hike to the top of Bergen’s highest mountain. We’ve been lucky with the weather this week in Europe’s rainiest city. Before enjoying cocktails in the sun at the UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen, we pass by the Kjellersmauet street. Famous in our scene thanks to Peter Beste’s iconic photo of Einar Selvik (from Gorgoroth at the time). Naturally, we have to recreate that shot, unoriginal as it may be. In the afternoon, Grieghallen also hosts the grand opening of the “Horns and Diadems” exhibition, celebrating Satyricon’s career. They’ve gone all out for the occasion! Satyr and Frost were not involved in creating the exhibition, so they watch it with appropriate interest.
A few hours later, Dødheimsgard opens the evening. A band I got to know quite late, but it was love at first listen. I’ve seen Vicotnik live before with Dold Vorde Ens Navn at Inferno in Oslo. That was a phenomenal performance! So my expectations are high. The Norwegians start with Et Smelter from their latest album, Black Medium Current. Goosebumps from head to toe. You feel like you’re floating with this perfect sound in Grieghallen. Sonar Bliss from 666 International follows, is both literally and figuratively just as transcendent. They also play Interstellar Nexus from Black Medium Current—divine! Then, The Snuff Dreams Are Made Of is performed with Mat “Kvohst” McNerney (Hexvessel). Meanwhile, Vicotnik is sprinkling blue powder on his bandmates. The hero ends his set in a glittery outfit, crowd-surfing to Traces of Reality. A groundbreaking, artistic celebration of our favorite genre!
‘Supergroup’ Djevel takes the stage, shrouded entirely in blue mist. It’s time to unwind. Unwind with blast beats, that is. But in such amazing compositions! In an intimate setting with just a few burning candles, we journey into the night. As expected, the gentlemen open with Englene Som Falt Ned I Min Seng, Skal Jeg Sette Fri Med Brukne Vinger Og Torneglorier. Once again, I get goosebumps, especially during I Daudens Dimme Natt from their latest album Naa Skriden Natten Sort. The tempo variations are fantastic! Much to my (significant) regret, both the title track of this stunning album and my personal favorite Naar Taaken Tetner are missing from the setlist. But Kronet Av En Væpnet Haand more than makes up for it. Few bands can match this performance in terms of quality. Only one can, and you’ll read about that later in the next report…
As the curtain literally falls for Djevel, the crew works hard behind the scenes to set up the stage for regular guest Enslaved. Last year, the Norwegian band played the album Eld in full, and in 2021, it was Vikingligr Veldi. Now it’s time for Frost from 1994, their second studio album. Surrounded by icebergs, the men perform as if time has stood still. Grutle Kjellson’s vocals are simply dreamlike. A heartwarming moment comes during Yggdrasil, when the album’s original producer, Eirik “Pytten” Hundvin, joins them on bass. Bravo for this splendid performance that pays homage to this trve classic!
I can feel the tension building by the minute as Satyricon’s first concert in what feels like forever approaches. I’ve been looking forward to this for months. Under the banner “Horns and Diadems,” we’ll get 150 minutes of gems from their diverse discography over two evenings. For some, that’s too much stage time; for me, it’s far too little, and Satyricon could have headlined all four days. And what does the live lineup look like in 2024? The only change is that Anders Odden isn’t returning on bass, replaced instead by none other than Frank Bello (Anthrax). Quite a surprise!
Satyr is simply a brilliant visionary who’s made a few financially savvy choices, so let’s stop with the jealous complaints. And oh yes, he’s also married to a beautiful woman, Malin. She creates a special moment when she joins the stage with actress and singer Heidi Ruud Ellingsen (known from the musicals Singin’ in the Rain and Mary Poppins) for Phoenix. While Heidi passionately sings the lyrics originally performed by Sivert Høyem, Malin brings them to life with modern dance. Finally, a woman on stage! I’m glad to see Satyricon keeping up with the times. That’s how you stay relevant, even while continually celebrating history at Beyond the Gates. Speaking of history, you can probably guess which song closes tonight: Mother North, of course! Unfortunately, microphone issues dampen the epic intro, but they’re quickly resolved. It’s still epic to hear this song live in the legendary Grieghallen. And Frost’s impeccable blast beats remain a delight!
In short, the setlist for the first part of “Horns and Diadems” offers a well-thought-out eclectic mix. I can’t wait for part two tomorrow!
Also, check out the report from Wednesday and Thursday!
And here’s the report from Saturday!
Date and location
2 augustus 2024, Grieghallen, Bergen, Noorwegen
Photos:
Jarle H. Moe / Beyond the Gates Festival
Link: