Indigenous black metal performer Blackbraid set to perform at Launchpad
In the world of black music, Blackbraid stands out as a unique and captivating force. The band, fronted by Jon Krieger, recently released their latest album, Blackbraid III, which begins with an acoustic guitar track titled "Dusk (Eulogy)". According to Krieger, this song is a poignant representation of a cycle rather than an end, symbolising the stag dying and returning to the earth. The theme of nature's beauty and sadness, a recurring motif in Krieger's music, is front and centre in this track. While the louder, more intense moments of Blackbraid's music might make the content of Krieger's screeching vocals less clear, he focuses on conveying raw emotions rather than specific words. Black music, a genre that originated in Norway in the early 1990s, is often associated with chaos, paganism, and nature. However, it's important to note that black music and death music, although frequently confused, have distinct characteristics: black music is more rhythm-based and has a punk influence, while death music is more focused on technicality and riffs. Krieger, who was born in Mexico and has Indigenous roots, brings a unique perspective to the genre. His cultural background is reflected in Blackbraid's music, with themes of cultural genocide present in some songs. Krieger's Indigenous roots have also found a particularly welcoming home in the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation and Albuquerque, New Mexico, have been particularly receptive to Blackbraid. Krieger has performed in Albuquerque multiple times and will be returning on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Launchpad. The band has received a warm reception from Navajo fans, who appreciate the resonance between black music's roots in resisting suppression of traditional culture and folklore and the experiences of Indigenous communities. Krieger is not just his stage persona. He acknowledges that they are "just normal people at the end of the day." His diverse musical tastes, which range from pop and country to electronic and ambient genres, reflect this multi-dimensionality. Looking to the future, Krieger is considering releasing a Blackbraid folk album. This would be a departure from the band's heavy, intense sound, but it promises to be just as powerful in its own right, continuing Krieger's exploration of beauty, sadness, and resistance in music.
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