VIA DOLORIS Streams Debut Album “Guerre et Paix”

VIA DOLORIS, the solo project of Oslo-based musician Gildas Le Pape, streams their debut album “Guerre et Paix” today through Black Metal Promotion. Across seven expansive compositions and a runtime of 48 minutes, the album traces a passage through the inner landscape of the human psyche: depression, despair, fracture, and the distant possibility of transcendence.

Rooted in Nordic black metal tradition yet guided by melody, restraint, and emotional depth, VIA DOLORIS occupies a space distinct from genre convention. Le Pape writes all music and lyrics, performing guitars, bass, and vocals. The compositions favour measured, expressive arcs over aggression or spectacle, with melody serving as the driving force rather than ornamentation. Folk and pagan influences surface throughout the arrangements, lending the album a timeless, almost ritualistic atmosphere. Lyrics shift between French, English, and Norwegian, each language chosen deliberately for its emotional weight and texture.

The album features session drums by Frost (Kjetil Haraldstad), known for his work with Satyricon and 1349, whose nuanced playing adds both weight and subtlety to the record. Guest vocals on “Omniprésents” are performed by the late Raido (Ferriterium, Heimsgard, Karne).

Stream the full album via Black Metal Promotion: https://youtu.be/n7OWNRg2BKg

Born in Brittany, France, and based in Oslo, Le Pape first gained attention as guitarist in Satyricon from 2007 to 2013, touring extensively and contributing to the self-titled album “Satyricon.” After stepping away to explore a broad range of musical directions, he returned to extreme music with a renewed creative vision and sharpened intent. Via Doloris represents the culmination of that journey: a project shaped by solitude, discipline, and an uncompromising sense of craft.

Guerre et Paix is out March 20th, 2026 via Season of Mist.

Pre-save & pre-order: https://orcd.co/viadolorisguerreetpaix