For Week Ending:
20 January 2024

Blackbraid - Blackbraid II (2023)

[Black Metal]

Generally the word 'sophistication' isn't used when reviewing black metal music. It denotes a degree of finesse and even restraint the genre is not known for. Blackbraid's second album is an exception, with timing and even grandiosity that would normally fit orchestral works - but make no mistake, this is by no means an orchestral work like those of Emperor or Dimmu Borgir. The album is still straight up guitar and drums black metal (again all played by one man, the ingenious Sgah'gahsowah), but takes the listener on an immersive journey by keeping the musical themes of the album tight and repetitive. The debut album (released less than a year ago) was quite an amazing work, but II possibly tops it. It follows a similar template, using traditional indigenous American motifs buried beneath the lush wall of brutality, but does stretch its wings a little to show a greater depth. There is possibly more speed and aggression on display, with tracks like 'The Wolf That Guides The Hunters Hand' sounding closer to death metal in places, but the nemesis to this are the acoustic interludes such as 'Spells Of Moon And Earth' tearing the anger back down. Many of the tracks are long (some clocking in over 10 minutes), but they are multilayered and don't linger in one place too long. The production is top-notch, and every instrument cuts through perfectly. The album ends with an excellent cover of the Bathory's Viking metal masterpiece 'A Fine Day To Die'.