Avid black metal fans are familiar with the mysticism and communion with nature found in the niche corner of heavy music. For solo artist, BlackBraid, these qualities are deeply relevant and congruent with the lore of their Native American roots. In fact, much of what is often dubbed “pagan black metal” is drenched in the forest, the mountains, and wildlife. Add the face paint and warrior aesthetic, and BlackBraid’s expression of black metal is perfectly at home among Native American art and legacy.
A refreshing arrival in a Euro-heavy community, BlackBraid hails from the Adirondack Mountains and wields both the their indigenous heritage and the obscurities of the genre into a beautiful work of art in their first album, BlackBraid I. The record boasts traditional themes of the wilderness intertwined with cries of longing that black metal embodies so well.
We sat down with BlackBraid to delve deeper into the mysterious artist’s background, their music, as well as what drives their creative process and leads to pushing boundaries in the rising sub-genre.
Your first full-length album, BlackBraid I, is an absolute masterpiece! As a fan of black metal in its evolved forms, I’m drawn heavily towards bands and artists who don’t fit the stereotypical black metal aesthetic. You are definitely such an artist in the genre. One aspect of your artistic persona that sets you apart is your Native American heritage. Tell us a little bit about who you are and where you’re from.
Thank you for the kind words! I wish I had more to tell you about myself, but when it comes down to it, I’m a pretty normal guy. I am an outdoorsman and spend a lot of time in nature. I love metal. I like hiking, fishing, and hanging out with my dogs and my wife. I live in the Adirondack Mountains, which is a pretty vast range of wilderness just south of Canada. It’s pretty remote, which is perfect for someone like me who likes their space.
When did you get into black metal as a listener? What inspired you to delve into it as an artist?
I’ve been listening to black metal since my early teen years. I think Opeth, Enslaved, Immortal, and Gorgoroth were some of the first bands I heard that really got me digging into the European scene a bit more. Black metal just resonates with me so much, and I was already such a big fan I didn’t really even consider the option of writing anything other than black metal. It’s just a perfect fit.
Your stage name (if we can call it that) is Sgah’gahsowáh. What does it mean?
The Witch Hawk.
How would you describe your music in your own words?
My music is a bit of an outlet for my own emotion and experiences, so I would say it’s a reflection of myself and my way of life, or at least my attempt at conveying that.
What bands and artists have influenced you the most in your musical journey?
That’s so hard to say because there are just so many amazing black metal bands out there. Some of the more classic stuff I discovered early on that really impacted me was stuff like Dissection, Immortal, Gorgoroth, and others.
Do you consider yourself spiritual? If so, how does that look in your life? What influence does spirituality or philosophy have on your music?
Spiritualism is kind of in the eye of the beholder. A lot of aspects of my life that I consider to be normal or mundane others would probably perceive as deeply spiritual. I don’t really want to put a label on it, but I strive to live my life in a sacred way, and my music will always be a direct reflection of that.
Are you planning on doing live shows and possibly a tour?
Yes, we are done with live shows for 2022, but will be back next spring for a U.S. tour!
Last and most serious question: is cereal an acceptable late-night snack, or is it only for breakfast? Explain your reasoning.
I don’t usually eat breakfast and also don’t keep cereal readily on hand at my house, so I’m probably the wrong person to ask. But I’d say eat cereal whenever you feel the need!
You can follow Blackbraid on Bandcamp and Instagram.
