First time at BA
Blackbraid is a relatively new name on the metal scene — it is a project founded by musician Sgah’gahsowáh, who comes from the North American Indigenous community, specifically the Iroquois. The project emerged in 2022 with the debut album Blackbraid I, which immediately drew attention for its unusual combination of traditional Scandinavian black metal techniques and Indigenous North American musical elements. Musically, it features cold, melodic riffs, fast tremolo picking, and a raw atmosphere, often complemented by acoustic passages, flutes, or natural ambient sounds. This blend gives Blackbraid’s music a profound spiritual dimension, connecting extreme metal with the traditions and landscapes of North America.
Lyrically, Blackbraid focuses on themes related to nature, spirituality, and the legacy of Indigenous cultures — often reflecting anger toward colonialism, the loss of identity, and the destruction of the land, but also pride, strength, and resilience. The second album, Blackbraid II (2023), expanded the musical and conceptual scope of the project, solidifying its position as one of the most compelling new acts in contemporary black metal. Sgah’gahsowáh has crafted a work that is authentic both musically and ideologically — the project merges the darkness of the genre with a genuine reverence for nature and spiritual heritage, offering a unique and deeply personal perspective on 21st-century black metal. In 2025, the third album, Blackbraid III, was released, and Sgah’gahsowáh will bring it to the Josefov Fortress in August 2026!
