Blackbraid “Blackbraid III”
Black Metal as an homage to heritage is a noble tradition that has seen the birth of some of the scene’s most revered recordings from collectives such as Ukraine’s Nokturnal Mortum, Norway’s Taake, Finland’s Satanic Warmaster and Australia’s Deströyer 666. To take pride in one’s heritage and in traditions of olde is the true Black Metal way. In Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, Heathen Tribes were victims of Christian persecution and since have had their ways admonished and condemned, all the while as the Church has grown; all but snuffing out Pagan heritage and traditions completely. A similar song and dance took place across the Atlantic.
People have always been fascinated with Native American history and culture. The Natives are revered for their ways of connecting with nature and for their Warrior’s spirit - the honoring of great Earthly Spirits and their ancestors - their bravery against those who took their land, raped their Women and eventually confined them to Reservations. Such tragedies have been swept under history’s rug and overshadowed by the accomplishments of Generals, Presidents, Inventors, Politicians, Christian religious groups and political parties for hundreds of years, all the while as the Native voice has been silenced to but a whisper. We make movies about them, name sports teams after them and exploit everything that the Native American has ever stood for. Since 2022, there has been a new voice for the Tribes, and the Spirits have awakened.
It’s only natural that Black Metal would become the vessel for this voice, and the voice has been that of Blackbraid - one of Black Metal’s most talented yet polarizing bands. They’ve released two, soon to be three LPs. Each has served as an homage to Tribal traditions and beliefs, much to the dismay of folks who believe that Black Metal is only for white people. And their talents are of the world-class variety, as evidenced by the musical substance of their stunning discography. On August 8, Blackbraid will release Blackbraid III independently.
And so dusk has settled o’er the mountains to the sound of entrancing acoustics during “Dusk (Eulogy)”, which swiftly give way to a fevered barrage of everything Blackbraid does well during “Wardrums at Dawn on the Day of My Death”: blast-driven melodic riffs, rolling double-bass currents and one gripping lead, all intensified by Blackbraid visionary, Sgah'gahsowáh’s, godlike vocals. What a talent, what an under-sung artist. Everything pops, everything gleams… To be able to capture the Native ethos so subtly and yet so starkly at the same time through varying rhythms and riffing patterns is truly something to behold here. As with Blackbraid’s previous albums, with Blackbraid III, you can expect masterful alternations between acoustic and electric parts along with a hefty dose of Bathory worship. “The Dying Breath of A Sacred Stag” - an ode to Blood Fire Death-era Bathory. Brilliantly composed in a way that the music is unpredictable yet familiar feeling all the same. Racing our way through each passage with rollercoaster-level thrills and savoring every drop in tempo, as blasts give way to martial rhythms and haunting melodies.
Production-wise, this thing is as crisp as morning breeze through Northeastern forests, as clear as a sparkling brook and as refreshing as a cool drink of its fresh running water. And then we have “God of Black Blood”… The album’s most brutal offering: pummeling cadences driving forward steamrolling mid-tempo’d riffs and Warrior-like growls - impassioned roars - as one would unleash standing victorious o’er his slain enemy in the crimson glow of the sundown. Nothing to hate or to dislike to be found anywhere within the record thus far. And those solos! A bloody feast for the ravenous is Blackbraid III. Fans of Heavy Metal, Thrash and Black Metal will be drooling over this thing.
Blackbraid III makes its impact on an epic level. Soulful instrumental tracks like “The Earth is Weeping” and “Traversing The Forest of Eternal Dusk” provide the taker in with gorgeous atmosphere: the call of wild animals, rain and the crackle of the evening bon to soothe the savage beast. It’s as if you’re right there in the magick of the dusk - a comforting blanket o’er the land is the night and the majestic sound of the Native flute to call the Spirits forth. The latter delivers a heartfelt electric lead that shimmers atop mellow acoustics. A brilliant alternation of sounds, a blessed harmony indeed.
Epics, instrumentals, bangers and bruisers… All right here. People who choose to hate Blackbraid III are simply depriving themselves of greatness. A powerful voice for both Black Metal and for the Tribes is this expectations-shattering piece. Some Artists and bands play their entire lives and don’t come close to this. This is Black Metal album of the year material for sure and an accomplishment that Sgah'gahsowáh will be remembered by for years to come. Bow to no man! Only to Blackbraid III.
SCORE: 10 / 10
You can buy Blackbraid III on Blackbraid’s Bandcamp or stream the album on the band’s Spotify when it releases this Friday. The band will embark on a headlining North American tour this fall with support from Lamp of Murmuur & Dödsrit. Follow the link to check tour dates and get tickets HERE.
