On the evening of 13th April, Glasgow’s intimate club venue Slay played host to a triple bill of black metal mastery. The lineup featured Spain’s Noctem, Britain’s Winterfylleth, and headliner Blackbraid, whose rising profile brought the crowd together for a night that promised fierce energy, sonic depth, and a sense of unity within the genre. As fans filed in, the anticipation was palpable, setting the stage for an immersive experience that would evolve dramatically with each band’s unique approach.
The first act of the night was Noctem. Hailing from Valencia, Spain and active since 2001, they have forged a reputation for their blistering take on blackened death metal, blending relentless riffs with a theatrical edge. Their sound is a whirlwind; fast, aggressive, and tinged with Satanic flair, summoning imagery of ancient darkness. Stepping onto the Slay stage, Noctem wasted no time in unleashing savage blastbeats and guttural vocals, their frontman commanding the space with demonic intensity. Throwing out tracks such as “We Are Omega” and “The Submission Discipline,” existing fans highly approved and new fans were made. Despite the fact the opening act of any tour has the hardest job of all, the crowd responded positively, heads banging and fists raised, though there was a sense of respectful distance, as if the audience was absorbing the sheer force before letting loose. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, setting a high bar for the night’s progression.
Winterfylleth, formed in Manchester in 2007, have become stalwarts of British black metal, known for weaving historical themes and folk influences into their expansive soundscapes. Their music is melodic yet fierce, characterised by sweeping guitars, poignant lyricism, and a sense of melancholy that celebrates English heritage. Taking the stage after Noctem, Winterfylleth shifted the mood dramatically. Their performance was immersive and evocative, the band enveloped the venue in layers of atmospheric riffs and powerful, venomous vocals that commanded the crowds attention. Fans seemed to be spellbound, swaying and completely lost in the energy where the room took on an almost reverent tone. Tracks from their new album The Unyielding Season, such as “Heroes Of A Hundred Fields” and “Echoes In The After” through to fan favourites such as “To The Edge of Tyranny” and “A Valley Thick With Oaks,” Winterfylleth’s set acted as a harbinger of mystical savagery. The energy moved from raw aggression to contemplative intensity, with the combination of killer riffs, thunderous presence and ethereal keyboards.
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Headliner Blackbraid, originating from the forests of New York, created and fronted by Sgah’gahsowáh, has swiftly become a sensation in the black metal world with a fresh approach that incorporates Native American storytelling and musical motifs. Debuting only in 2022, Blackbraid’s sound is both primal and melodic. Earthy tremolo riffs, ritualistic drumming, and evocative flute passages blend seamlessly into traditional black metal frameworks. Onstage, despite a delayed start due to unfortunate amp issues, Blackbraid brought a commanding yet spiritual presence; their performance was heartfelt, raw, and deeply personal, connecting viscerally with the audience without speaking a word outside the performed tracks. The crowd surged forward, visibly energised and sharing in moments of collective catharsis. Sgah’gahsowáh was a man possessed, moving with frantic yet deliberate and precise energy with fans feeding off the band’s passion and authenticity. It was clear that the band are connected with both the music and each other, providing a spiritual experience for everyone in attendance. Tracks such as “Celestial Bloodlust” from their recent EP Nocturnal Womb, “The Dying Breath of a Sacred Stag,” right through to “The Spirit Returns,” “As the Creek Flows Softly By” and “Sacandaga” plus everything in between, the band expertly and precisely executed an electrifying and unforgettable set blending blistering black metal with traditional Indigenous elements.
Despite all three bands falling under the black metal banner, their stage energies were strikingly distinct. Noctem’s set was chaotic and confrontational, stirring up adrenaline and awe. Winterfylleth offered a meditative escape, drawing the crowd inward and fostering connection through melody and history. Blackbraid stood apart with a performance that was both transcendent and communal, breaking boundaries and inviting fans to participate in the narrative. Each act transformed the room, with the vibe evolving from dark intensity to reflective warmth, and finally to spirited unity. These atmospheric shifts underscored the genre’s versatility and the ability of live music to unite diverse audiences through shared emotion.
The Blackbraid Glasgow show at Slay proved to be more than just a gig; it was a journey through the many faces of black metal and served as a monumental first visit and headlining act in Scotland for the band. Noctem’s ferocity, Winterfylleth’s atmospheric grandeur, and Blackbraid’s spiritual storytelling created a dynamic tapestry, each leaving a mark on the crowd and the venue itself. As fans spilled out into the Glasgow night, there was a sense that something special had transpired, a reminder that, no matter the differences in style or approach, live music has the power to connect, transform, and endure.
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Pics by Katie Frost Photography
