We could sit here all day and all night arguing the semantics of the strict definitions of what a specific genre should and what it brings to the table, and I feel quite confident that we wouldn’t really make much headway in terms of an agreed upon structure better than what we have now. Easily, one of my favorite things about metal music is how undeniably amorphous it is for all that it can be even decades after its invention and legions upon legions of different artists coming out of the woodwork to either continue what’s been done before or add their own little spice into a massive cauldron that’s already swirling with flavor and intrigue. Not for nothing, Blackbraid has made itself known as an act in black metal that has ruffled some feathers with many arguing back and forth whether it’s truly black metal. Whichever side you fall on, there’s very little to argue about the magnificence and results that ooze out of every given moment of Blackbraid’s third opus.

I’ve always been a big fan of evolving your sound. It prevents stagnation, challenges you to grow, and demands a critical yet constructive approach to refining your craft. Many try and plenty succeed. Yet not many are able to undergo what can only be classified as a metamorphosis; a great change that alters you down to your very core. When Blackbraid first started out just a few years ago, we were already off to a great start with the act’s swift follow-up being a tremendous step forward in virtually every regard. Now, with the arrival of this third effort, it’s obvious that Blackbraid is continuously challenging itself and becoming a bold force whose power can no longer be denied physically nor spiritually. Throughout the entirety of “Blackbraid III”, we witness Blackbraid digging ever deeper and offer listeners a transformative experience that hits on all the notes the previous two releases had to offer with them either expanded upon or given a different treatment to make the experience as a whole intensely flavorful and powerful from beginning to end. Even in the record’s smallest moments, Blackbraid’s continuing homage to its Native American heritage blends profoundly with the immensely refined black metal on display here. Enchanting and downright powerful in every given minute, there is absolutely an argument to be had as to whether or not this is a superior work of art from its predecessors, yet I find it absolutely impossible to look upon this sprawling creation and not be overcome with fascination.

It’s always tempting to name any new work from an up-and-coming act as the best yet, but very rarely does it actually ring true even if we were to ignore the subjective nature of such conversations. Is this the best work from Blackbraid to date? Possibly, it all, obviously depends on what you prefer. Whatever the case and whatever people may say regarding Blackbraid’s place in the underground, you can’t deny it – Blackbraid is on a crusade through the landscape with all the power and majesty that one could ask for from an act that is constantly pushing itself to become so much more.

LISTEN to “Blackbraid III” on Bandcamp here.

FOLLOW Blackbraid on Instagram here.