Black metal vocalist faces prison

The victim, who has been on sick leave for the past two years after the alleged attack, accused the black metal singer of performing ritual violence that included tapping off his blood and drinking it, newspaper VG reports.

Gaahl's mother testified during the trial and found the accusation of blood drinking particularly hard to believe.

"My son is a vegetarian and very fussy about food. He eats absolutely no innards. That is why I do not believe this at all," Gaahl's mother told the court.

According to the charges the 41-year-old was hit and kicked several times in the face and head and needed stitches to close cuts in his head. His nose was broken and he suffered major dental damage.

Gaahl, who has several prior convictions including one for assault and battery, claimed that he acted in self-defense. The defendant was allowed to testify about his private life in a closed session at Sunnfjord court.

The Gorgoroth web site noted that the local community had 'pre-judged' their vocalist, and did not expect a fair trial.