It’s not often we get a name that’s able to embody the very definition of what it means to be a sensation, but when we’re met with a fitting event then there are few other things we can compare it to. When Blackbraid came around not even a year ago with its eponymous debut album, the underground was rightfully fascinated by the release. With a Native American theme and center that really drove the impeccable black metal to tremendous lengths, Blackbraid poised itself for greatness and domination should it simply stay the course. Ten months later, we already have a response to last year’s phenomenon with a follow-up album that is far more than just a sequel. In no way does it languish in the shadow of its predecessor. Rather, this new effort shines even brighter!

It was nigh on impossible for a little while last year to go more than two feet and not see people talking about how magnificent Blackbraid’s debut was and I don’t blame anyone for doing so, but I can only hope that everyone is ready to properly have their minds blown with what “Blackbraid II” dares to bring to the table. Fortunately, the reception to this record is sufficiently enamorous and I cannot help but wholeheartedly agree. Without question, this record stands leagues above its predecessor with Blackbraid not just expanding upon what was done before but evolving it into an even deadlier and more compelling form such that it’s even hours after losing myself within these ten tracks that I still move to pick my jaw up off the floor. With a bit more focus on the folk elements of its sound with the instruments to match, the scope of Blackbraid has grown wildly with the expansive tracks, gripping themes, stunning imagery, and viciously compelling black metal to effortlessly make it a need-to-know highlight of black metal in 2023 without a doubt! There’s nothing to deny or question when it comes to the quality and approach of “Blackbraid II” as this is mastery in motion and art mixed with history the likes of which we only see on rare occasions throughout any vein of what modern black metal has to offer.

I could go on about this record, but I would find myself needlessly rambling very quickly as I make for nothing but a massive word salad in such instances. We already knew that Blackbraid was nothing to fuck with or underestimate in any form when it came around last year, but it is in every possible form that this record takes it to even greater heights with the supremacy to match. At this rate with what we have with all that is “Blackbraid II” and Blackbraid itself, it’s not long before people are dubbing Blackbraid as the indigenous American tribe equivalent to Downfall of Nur for its vast sound, gorgeous connection to the natural realms, and black metal that only the mad can deny. There’s nothing left to say – Blackbraid has delivered unto us a stroke of mind-shattering genius.

LISTEN to “Blackbraid II” on Bandcamp here.

FOLLOW Blackbraid on Instagram here.