heavy-metal-darkness: Blackbraid |III |Independent

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Blackbraid |III |Independent

Release Date: August 8^th, 2025

Format: LP/CD/Digital

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal

Country: USA

Blackbraid is a solo black metal project led by Sgah’gahsowáh, rooted in Native American history, spirituality, and resistance. Formed in the United States, the project has built a strong identity through raw atmosphere, sharp songwriting, and a clear thematic focus tied to land, ancestry, and memory. “III” is the third full length release, fully independent, and continues this path with expanded scope and stronger emotional reach.

“III” unfolds as a long, cohesive narrative shaped by grief, reverence, and endurance. The album balances harsh black metal traditions with wide, open melodic passages that mirror forests, wind, and distance. The pacing allows ideas to develop naturally, giving space to long compositions without dragging them down. The vocal delivery stays intense and personal, sitting high in the mix and guiding the album’s emotional direction without overpowering it.

The songwriting focuses on repetition used as emphasis, not filler. Themes of loss and remembrance surface repeatedly, especially in longer tracks like “The Dying Breath Of A Sacred Stag”, “Tears Of The Dawn”, and “And He Became The Burning Stars…”. These songs rely on gradual build ups and recurring melodic lines that circle back like memory itself. The cover of “Fleshbound” fits smoothly into the album’s world, adapted to Blackbraid’s aesthetic without breaking immersion.

Production favors atmosphere over polish. The sound remains raw but articulate, allowing melodies to stay clear while maintaining a harsh edge. Drums are steady and forceful, and the overall mix supports the album’s meditative and solemn character. “III” presents Blackbraid at a mature stage, focused and emotionally grounded, offering a deep listen that rewards patience and attention.

Score: 9.0