Hey everyone, Sean here, welcome back to the Black Metal Archives! Today, we continue swimming in the atmospheric hot springs with Black Pyre’s latest black metal masterpiece, Blessed Brân, Son of the Sea. This album blends mythology, raw aggression, and haunting melodies into something truly special. Let’s get into what makes this album stand out and how it carves its place in the ever-evolving black metal genre.
First, let’s talk about the band. Black Pyre is a project from Cardiff, Wales, led by Asbjorn Daemonium de Noctis—yes, that’s his name, and it’s awesome. Since 2017, Black Pyre has been delivering raw, icy black metal with thematic undertones of Celtic mythology, winter, and death. This latest album, Blessed Brân, Son of the Sea, takes a bold step into storytelling, following the legendary bard Taliesin and weaving tales of mythical figures like Brân and King Arthur. It’s a concept album through and through, and the attention to detail is astounding.
Now, let’s talk about the sound. At its core, Blessed Brân is a black metal album, but it’s not just blasting fury from start to finish. Instead, it balances raw intensity with melodic and atmospheric elements. The guitar work leans heavily on tremolo picking, which creates that cold, harsh texture you’d expect, but it’s layered with soaring leads and haunting transitions. The drumming ranges from relentless blast beats to more restrained, almost tribal rhythms that anchor the storytelling.
And then there’s the vocal performance. Asbjorn’s range is insane—he switches effortlessly between ear-piercing shrieks, guttural growls, and ominous spoken word passages. It’s this vocal dynamism that adds an emotional depth to the album, pulling you further into its mythological world.
Let’s dive into the tracks. The opening song, Until I Perish, wastes no time pulling you into the narrative. The riffs are razor-sharp, and the layered vocals create this visceral tension. There’s a haunting guitar section halfway through that perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the album.
The title track, Blessed Brân, Son of the Sea, is a journey in itself. It recounts Brân’s voyage and eventual demise with relentless energy. The mid-song tempo shift—where spoken word passages meet evocative guitar leads—is a standout moment, both narratively and musically.
For a change of pace, the instrumental Guinevere’s Solace is a beautifully haunting piano interlude. It’s brief but incredibly effective, serving as a moment of reflection before diving back into the chaos.
And let’s not forget The Nine Sorceresses of Annwn. This track is dense and mystical, with eerie melodies that ebb and flow like waves crashing against ancient shores. It’s an atmospheric highlight that showcases Black Pyre’s ability to create vivid soundscapes.
One thing that stands out across the album is the attention to instrumentation. Every note, every beat feels intentional. Asbjorn handles everything himself—guitars, drums, vocals—and the result is a cohesive, deeply personal project.
Thematically, the album is rooted in Celtic and British mythology. You’re not just listening to black metal; you’re stepping into a mythological epic. Tracks like Castle Dunnottar and Voyage to Avalon bring these legends to life, with the music serving as a soundtrack to ancient tales of heroism, tragedy, and mystery.
“So, where does Black Pyre fit in the black metal scene? Their sound draws from the rawness of second-wave black metal—think early Darkthrone or Emperor—but they infuse it with the melodic and atmospheric touches you’d find in bands like Saor or Winterfylleth. This balance of aggression and beauty gives them a unique identity in a genre that’s often crowded with imitators.
What sets them apart, though, is their storytelling. Many black metal bands touch on mythology, but few delve as deeply or as effectively as Black Pyre does on Blessed Brân, Son of the Sea.
To wrap it up, Blessed Brân, Son of the Sea isn’t just an album—it’s an experience. It’s a masterclass in blending the raw intensity of black metal with thoughtful, atmospheric storytelling. If you’re a fan of the genre and haven’t checked this out yet, you’re seriously missing out.
So, what did you think of the album? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to like this review, and to get notified for more black metal reviews.
Until next time, stay heavy, stay mythological, and keep supporting underground music!
