Simply delicious! Leftovers that reveal their true potential after a night’s rest in the refrigerator. Think of a lasagna that tastes even richer the next day, because the sauce and herbs have blended more intensely. Or stew, whose sauce has thickened just a little after a day and whose meat tastes more pronounced and even more tender. And reheated nasi goreng becomes crispier the following day, allowing the sauces and spices to be absorbed more effectively, giving the rice an unexpected intensity. There are leftovers which turn out not to be second choice at all, but perhaps the very best version of the dish.
During the creative process of Blackbraid III, more material sprang from Sgah’gahsowáh’s mind than ultimately ended up on the record. With their raw and heavy tone Nocturnal Womb and Celestial Bloodlust did not fit the album’s narrative. That obviously does nothing to diminish their beauty and power. These intense tracks deserve to be heard. With the release of the EP Nocturnal Womb, they now receive their own stage, complete with an acoustic instrumental version of Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil. It would have been a shame if these tracks had been left to languish in a corner of the fridge and their impact had not been heard and felt. Not suitable for Blackbraid III, but eminently suited for a release of their own.
Nocturnal Womb and Celestial Bloodlust reveal another, even darker side of Blackbraid. They sound raw and intense, are less polished and brimming with an almost tangible energy. Their vile character is reinforced by chilling, aggressive vocals, creating a cold, dark atmosphere. Celestial Bloodlust also stands out not only for its cruelty, but because the tempo in the song is fiercely high. On both tracks, pure raw power replaces the light folk elements of Blackbraid III, causing the EP to dive deeper into the classic black metal feeling: brutally feral, threatening and irresistibly gripping.
The acoustic version of Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil, which was released in 2022 as the debut single and introduced the world to the Native North American project, offers a fascinating contrast to the original. Where the original is known for its intensity and layered, powerful energy, this version is restrained and carries a certain serenity, allowing every note and melody to come into its own. It offers the opportunity to experience the song in a completely different way: less brute force, more focus on emotion, atmosphere and subtle details (including the crackling fire, twice). For those familiar with the original, it almost feels like a whisper of the original song, a moment of calm after the raw power of the rest of the EP.
Just as on the debut Seduced By Conquering Darkness from his new solo project Petrichor, Sgah’gahsowáh delivers a sound on Nocturnal Womb that is darker, more ominous and rawer than we are used to from him. The EP feels intense, unpolished, unrestrained and tight in its simplicity. If this untamed rawness is a harbinger of what awaits us (on Blackbraid IV?), we have something beautiful to look forward to. And if that ultimately proves not to be the case, I will gladly settle for the fact that these leftover pieces did not remain unheard, but were still given the chance to shine.
Label:
Wolf Mountain Productions, 2026
Tracklisting:
- Nocturnal Womb
- Celestial Bloodlust
- Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil (Acoustic)
Line-up:
- Sgah’gahsowáh – Guitar, bass guitar, vocals
- Neil Schneider – Drums (session drums)
Links: