Album Review // 2023-07-15

Blackbraid

Blackbraid II

Released: 2023-07-07

---

Blackbraid is very new to me, personally, but also they are new, period. This is their second album. Created by one man. Locking in some great shows, just on their first tour as a band, with hired session artists.

The name Blackbraid fits the sound and imagery of this style of music. I wonder, if like many indigenous people, it was a name given to Sgah'gahsowáh. Often the names are descriptive of something to do with one's personality and are given by elders. I think it is pretty cool.

The name of the album apparently is due to the cohesion of the first and second albums and the ease of them fitting together. I guess it leaves that question in your mind of what could happen on the next album, if it isn't so connected to the first two?

So, here are my thoughts on Blackbraid II, once I had the time to listen to it many times, and take it in.

Album Art

I have no idea what the symbols mean. The outer circle symbols seem to all be pointing outward. The antlers and the fire and the moon are all themes in the songs on this album. The use of just a few colours helps with the busyness of this art. 

Mood

There is a bit of an epic feel here. There seems to be a deep longing propelling you forward. The mood feels alone on the earth, but in good company with spiritual guides that are helping you on your way. I picture someone wandering a forest in the deep of the night on a specific journey. (I have to say wandering the forest in the dark of the night is not actually fun. I got lost one time, just me and my dog. It was terrifying! But the music makes it seem much more compelling!)

Vocals

Overall, these vocals seem to stay in a consistent place, which is not exciting in itself, but the voice is good. He found what he likes and stays there. We have so many different vocal styles these days, we are always comparing them against each other or how many different types we can do, but if you find one you are good at, that is awesome, and it is what we see here.

Music

The guitar tones make sense with this music, though I can get too much of it. I feel like I have heard it in many different styles, and for me, it needs something groovy to keep my interest. But for this style it made sense alongside tremolo picking, to keep a sense of solitude and seriousness. Guitar soloing, such as in Twilight Hymn of Ancient Blood, just felt weird and out of place for me, but I am not a big solo fan to begin with. The music is repetitive but doesn't annoy me. It is more of a deep relaxation feeling when exposed to this type of music. Maybe it is the speed of the drums mixed with the repetition? I listened to it in the bathtub and almost fell asleep, and I feel like it would have this effect every time. I like that there are acoustic interludes to change between faster-paced songs, though without looking at the track listing I might have thought it was just an intro and therefore part of another song. I suppose for some this may have too much polish for the genre, but it does feel like the melodic/atmospheric elements in this type of black metal often go hand in hand with smoothing things out in music. For me, the shortfall was the lack of variety in the bulk of most songs. I think these songs would be relaxing to play on the guitar as well. I don't mind the softness mixed into this, and though there were some sounds in the background such as howling wolves and added traditional indigenous instruments that add interest, it wasn't enough to not feel monotonous at times. I do commend Sgah'gahsowáh for creating something from the heart. 

The Spirit Returns

This seems to be about the idea that the spirit continues living even after death. In this case, spirits seem to be able to be felt, and it gives peace to others that are still living.

The song of fate
Grows louder now
Within our hearts
Their fallen spirits thrive

The Wolf That Guides the Hunters Hand    

I like this story of a connection between wolf and man. A wolf would be a great ally. They are one of my favourite animals. I know there is a deep meaning here and the connection is not meant lightly. There is a commitment and trust. 

In all honesty, when I go out in the bush, and it is just myself and my dog, the scariest thought would be to run into wolves. When I was lost in the forest one time, I felt like I had an X on my back and I was going to be attacked by wolves. But imagine if you knew they had your back and would protect you.

Forged in the frost covered heart of the mountain
A sacred bind amongst wolf and his man
To honor and carry the hearts of each other
As long as I live I'd give my life for his

We move in silence through the Grove
The scent of blood on the autumn wind
I close my eyes and Lend my destiny
To the wolf that guides the hunters hand

Moss Covered Bones on the Altar of the Moon    

This song seems to be based on tradition, and unfortunately, I will not do it justice because I am ignorant about the details. It seems to involve a journey to an area, and walking away changed. There seems to be great importance to following through and making this journey.

A sacred path transpires
Born of dust and stars
The ghostly stag becomes me
I walk the path of ancient light

Born again amongst the stars
An ancient Magick penetrates my soul
And with the sacred covenant fulfilled
The vision fades into the shadows of the blackened night

A Song of Death on Winds of Dawn    

Does it ever feel like everywhere you go things have been touched by your grief? They never look the same. In this song, the forest is aware of your sorrow and is speaking to you. 

I actually remember it being the opposite with one particular death. The world went on like normal and nothing looked changed, but everything had changed for me.

The seeds sown in times of death
Blossom into the heaviest of hearts

The greatest test of all
Learning to let go
Of the love that lights the flame
Of sadness within our hearts

The wind sings soft
A song of death
Departs her lips
On nature's breath

Twilight Hymn of Ancient Blood    

This seems like some kind of death and rebirth, like you were very aware of your coming death, and you took off into the forest and it helped you go peacefully.

It makes me think of a father who claimed that if he became terminal or was no longer able to function mentally, he would walk as far as he could into the bush, knowing he couldn't make it back, then he would die there, even if he changed his mind about wanting to die, he would be too weak to make it back home. I kind of believe he would have done it, had he made it to an age where this could happen. I would have struggled with that decision.

When you live in a remote area, people actually do go missing regularly in the bush, and there is always the question of intention.

Death comes singing
A softly blowing wind
Soul relieved from body
My spirit sheds its skin

Flesh formed a new
Amidst the dreary pines|
An offering to the earth
Creeping death divine

The decaying bones of earth
Sigh a fragile breath
The rotted flesh of memory
Renewal wrought in cosmic death

Sadness and the Passage of Time and Memory    

Again, this feels like a journey away from your life, towards death. It doesn't seem like a fearful one though. There is a sense of acceptance.

A forlorn shadow cast
In moonlight long forgotten
A path draped in shadows
Before the bleeding earth

I have walked this path before but I shall never return again
Waning twilight whispers
Her spirit sheds its skin

A Fine Day to Die (Bathory cover)    

This seems to be about a battle, where death is inevitable for those fighting it. Again, an acceptance of the inevitable.

By battle worn hunger torn awaiting
For the sun to break through the cold haze
And for the banners of Ebal to appear

On the hill in the sun's first warm rays
The elder among the men looked deep into
The fire and spoke loud with pride
Tomorrow is a fine day to die

Playlist Pick

This album is easy for me to listen to, though not mind-blowing. A great second album compared to some humble beginnings bands come from. I had a hard time picking which song to put on my playlist because it feels like one giant song to me and feels weird breaking it up.

A Song of Death on Winds of Dawn will make it to my playlist because I like the melancholy feel and use of indigenous flute. I also like that this song has contrasted parts.