Blackbraid: A Black Metal Musician with Native American Roots – The Gentleman Report
Sgah’gahsowáh, a native of the Adirondacks, developed a profound love for playing the guitar and immersing himself in the sounds of metal during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In contrast to the prevailing metal subgenres in the United States, like thrash and death metal, he found himself irresistibly drawn to the melancholic and nature-inspired themes of black metal. Despite encountering numerous setbacks within his local music scene, Sgah’gahsowáh took the initiative to establish Blackbraid as a solo endeavor. In February 2022, he unveiled his inaugural single, titled “Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil.” Astonishingly, within a mere 18 months, he achieved extraordinary triumphs, including captivating performances at illustrious European festivals like Hellfest and Copenhell.
While Blackbraid’s ascent in popularity has garnered widespread admiration, it has also faced its fair share of skepticism, particularly within the niche community of black metal enthusiasts, who regard limited releases as a testament to authenticity. Nevertheless, Sgah’gahsowáh remains unsigned to any record label and takes the reins in independently releasing his music, effectively dispelling any notions of industry interference. Over the course of the past two decades, black metal has experienced a significant expansion in the United States, paving the way for the emergence of a Native American scene that encompasses esteemed labels like Night of the Palemoon, as well as notable bands such as Pan-Amerikan Native Front, Ends Embrace, and Ixachitlan.
Sgah’gahsowáh, who grew up in the Adirondacks, discovered his passion for playing guitar and listening to metal in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Unlike popular metal subgenres in the United States, such as thrash and death metal, he was drawn to black metal’s melancholic and nature-oriented themes. After several unsuccessful attempts within his local scene, Sgah’gahsowáh founded Blackbraid as a solo project. He released his first single, “Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil,” in February 2022. In just 18 months, he has achieved remarkable success, performing at prestigious European festivals like Hellfest and Copenhell.
Blackbraid’s rise in popularity has not been without its skeptics, particularly in the niche black metal community, where limited releases are considered credentials of authenticity. However, Sgah’gahsowáh remains unsigned to any label and self-releases his music, dispelling notions of industry influence. Over the past two decades, black metal has expanded in the U.S., giving rise to a Native American scene that includes labels like Night of the Palemoon and bands such as Pan-Amerikan Native Front, Ends Embrace, and Ixachitlan.
