Blackbraid: Blackbraid I Album Review!
Blackbraid Music Review:
Blackbraid completely blindsided me. Out of nowhere comes this one-man Native American black metal project from the Adirondack Mountains. I heard about this from indie filmmaking hypergore champion Brian Paulin (Bone Sickness, Septic) and was instantly floored by the material.
The creator and musician going by the stage name of Sgah’gahsowáh or more simply put name of Jon has created a modern masterpiece of metal here. Big buzz surrounding the project and rightfully so. Mixing wind instruments, indigenous culture, and nature with a powerful black metal sound.
The debut full length simply titled I is a showcase of everything right about extreme and dark themed metal. I love black metal and rightfully Blackbraid are classified as so but its almost like being pigeonholed. I mean Burzum this is not.
Missing here is the low-quality production that a lot of black metal bands use to achieve a signature kvlt sound. Instead, we get a big powerful production, resonating with powerful fire scorching screams. Accompanied by an incredible arrangement of melodic riffs both acoustic and electric. In a couple instances wind instruments are used to develop intense and immersive atmosphere both somber and beautiful in execution.
Blackbraid just deliver soul-chilling, goosebump delivering metal here matched by none, just killing it with pure talent and thoughtful compositions. Six unforgettable tracks are all stand outs, especially the acoustic driven As the Creek Flows Softly by and Warm Wind Whistling Softly Through Hemlock at Dusk. The opener The River of Time Flows Through Me, Sacandaga, and Barefoot Dance on Blood Soaked Soil are all bangers. Blackbraid I is memorable, powerful, and unforgettable. It is one of the best of 2022.
Album Info:
Band: Blackbraid
Album: Blackbraid I
Members: Sgah’gahsowáh
Recorded by: Neil Schneider
Mastered by: Neil Schneider
Year: 2022
Country: USA
Runtime: 36min 29sec
Label: Blackbraid
Track Listing:
01. The River of Time Flows Through Me
02. As The Creek Flows Softly By
03. Sacandaga
04. Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil
05. Warm Wind Whispering Softly Through Hemlock at Dusk
06. Prying Open the Jaws of Eternity
