Petrichor "Seduced by Conquering Darkness” (Wolf Mountain Productions, 2026)

Band: Petrichor
Album: “Seduced by Conquering Darkness”
Genre: Black Metal
Country: USA
Label: Wolf Mountain Productions
Released: 21 of January, 2026

Introduction:

Petrichor is the solo-project of Blackbraid’s Jon S. Krieger, also known as Sgah'gahsowáh, and it shows a different side of the artist; it shows a much more “aggressive” and “true” facet and approach to Black Metal, and I did enjoy it. Though short in length, this release is anything but shallow. Every riff, drumbeat, and scream carries a weight that is both deliberate and devastating, demonstrating that Petrichor is more than an experimental side project, it is a statement.

Tracklisting:
1. Moss and Blood Have Gathered in Shadow
2. Seduced by Conquering Darkness

The Album:

From the North came what we consider to be the first manifestations of this sound we adore so much. Some point South for its roots, some a city in England; I dare say that, wherever it is the cradle of Black Metal – risking an inverted crucifixion – we owe it to the Northmen for the sound we have today. And you can quote me on that.

With that, we welcome a musician that has been shaking the underground – and the extreme Heavy Metal mainstream – for a few years now. Blackbraid started out in 2022 by Native American Jon S. Krieger, as a way to channel his ancestry and Black Metal. Blackbraid is and Atmospheric Black Metal entity well-known by many, an act that sparked a few controversies and shook a few fans.

You see, Black Metal, and its fans, is a strange creature, a beast that tends to disdain innovation and risk. Jon took a risk and went ahead with its creative mindset. Musically speaking, Blackbraid is no different from many of the USBM acts that choose to fuse Black Metal and Atmospheric melodies; it is a safe way to play the game, if I may. Anyway, Blackbraid gained a place within the scene. However, Jon seems to be just one of us. A lad that has the “classics” as the cornerstone of the genre. And with that in mind, Jon went off on an adventure into classical Black Metal sound: the Northmen that started it off – as we see it – that gave the genre its structure and “wrote the guidelines”.

Where Blackbraid weaves layers of ambient textures, Petrichor hits like a snowstorm of pure intensity, a relentless surge of sound that immediately commands attention. The music embodies classical Black Metal in every sense, with sharp, solid guitar riffs that pay homage to the genre’s early pioneers, while thunderous, precise drums drive the chaos forward with relentless momentum. The vocals are fierce and howling, cutting through the cold, oppressive atmospheres like a predator stalking its prey.

Yet, Petrichor is far more than a mere homage to tradition. Krieger demonstrates an exceptional mastery of form, balancing aggression with clarity to create a sound that feels both familiar and exhilaratingly fresh. While respecting the foundational rules of classical Black Metal, Petrichor subtly reminds listeners that innovation and personal interpretation remain vital, proving that the genre’s raw spirit can be both preserved and revitalized in the hands of a skilled musician.

Conclusion:

Petrichor is the product of Krieger’s bold exploration into the heart of Black Metal, and it is clear that he has emerged victorious. The project hits like a force of nature, a snowstorm, a relentless, ravaging presence. Unlike Blackbraid, Petrichor is firmly rooted in classical Black Metal, built on razor-sharp riffs, thundering drums, and howling vocals that cut through icy atmospheres, all underscored by piercing, memorable melodies. To dismiss this work as mere imitation would be to overlook its quality; what Krieger achieves is a careful embrace of traditional Black Metal, executed with precision and intensity. Petrichor does not just replicate the past, it revitalizes it. The promise here is unmistakable, and one can only anticipate that Krieger will continue to push boundaries while staying true to the genre’s dark, uncompromising roots.

BMZ Rating: 8/10

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