Indigenous black metal performer Blackbraid set to rock Launchpad stage
In the realm of black metal, a genre renowned for its ties to chaos, paganism, and nature, Jon Krieger and his solo project, Blackbraid, stand out. Born in Mexico with Indigenous roots, Krieger has been making waves in the scene, particularly with the Navajo Nation who have shown him a warm reception.
Krieger, who prefers to focus on the emotions in his music rather than the clarity of his screeching vocals, has been busy crafting a unique blend of black metal and his personal experiences. His musical tastes are diverse, spanning from pop and country to electronic music and ambient sounds.
Blackbraid's third album, 'Blackbraid III', is a testament to his creative vision. The album opens with an instrumental acoustic guitar track, 'Dusk (Eulogy)', and continues with tracks like 'The Dying Breath of the Sacred Stag'. The stag's death and return to the earth in this album symbolize a cyclical journey rather than an end, according to Krieger.
The theme of cultural genocide is present in some of Blackbraid's songs, including 'Wardrums at Dawn on the Day of My Death'. This track, like many others in the album, explores themes of death, rebirth, sadness, and sorrow.
Interestingly, Jon Krieger has not appeared in events other than the one at Launchpad, Seattle, on September 20, according to available records. This Seattle show, where he shared a stage with Norwegian black metal pioneers Mayhem, was a significant moment for the musician. Despite Mayhem's reputation for violence, Krieger described them as 'just a bunch of old rockers who like to drink beer'.
Krieger's connection to the culture of New Mexico, where the Navajo Nation is located, is not something he has discussed publicly. However, the Navajo Nation has been particularly welcoming to Blackbraid, indicating a shared understanding or appreciation of Krieger's music and its themes.
Looking ahead, Krieger is considering releasing a Blackbraid folk album in the future. This would be a fascinating exploration of how he blends his black metal roots with traditional folk music, a genre deeply rooted in cultural identity and storytelling.
As Blackbraid prepares to perform at Launchpad on Saturday, Sept. 20, fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the raw emotions and powerful themes that define Jon Krieger's music.
Read also:
- EU Member States cast their decisions
- Eighteen-Year-Old Speaks Out Against Lowering Voting Age to Sixteen
- King Charles's body language analyst dissects signs of apparent 'impatience' exhibited by Charles towards Trump
- Mohammad Yousuf publically labeled Suryakumar Yadav as a "pig," an unusual slur Yousuf explained.
