In this edition of The Underground Sound, I will be discussing indigenous music from close and afar! Thanksgiving was recently celebrated, and what better time to be introduced to indigenous culture through the medium of music. Below, I will share some tracks/albums, my thoughts, and provide ways for you to listen.
#1: Blackbraid – The Spirit Returns
Blackbraid is a Native American atmospheric black metal project founded by Sgah’gahsowáh, an artist of Mohawk heritage.Emerging in 2022, Blackbraid quickly gained recognition for its unique fusion of traditional black metal elements with themes rooted in Indigenous culture and the natural world. The music reflects Sgah’gahsowáh’s deep connection to his heritage and the wilderness, blending raw black metal intensity with atmospheric and melodic layers.
I picked this track for two reasons. First, the music is well-written and catchy. Even for those who are not keen on extreme metal, I believe the listener will find enjoyment in the melodic guitar work found throughout the track. Secondly, I love the music video. The desert expanse…the running horses…and the very intense group of musicians headbanging. Overall, I believe you should give Blackbraid a try. You might find yourself surprised. For fans of artists such as Wolves in the Throne Room, Panopticon, Krallice.
Listen/watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVwLojBW4Wc
#2: Tzompantli – Beating the Drums of Ancestral Force
Tzompantli is a death/doom metal band from Pomona, California, formed in 2019. The band’s name, derived from the Nahuatl term for “skull rack,” reflects their thematic focus on Aztec rituals and human sacrifices. Their music uniquely blends traditional death and doom metal elements with Indigenous instruments and cultural motifs, creating a sound that pays homage to pre-Hispanic history and lore.
Beating the Drums of Ancestral Force was released in May of 2024 through the record label 20 Buck Spin. If you’re looking for indigenous music that is obscenely heavy in nature, this will satisfy that itch. I am blown away by how downtuned and grinding the guitar work is, but yet, still maintains some haunting, doomy melodic moments.If you’re a fan of bands such as Demilich (Germany), Gatecreeper, Spectral Voice, or Disma, you will love this record.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QO8tc82r30
#3: The Halluci Nation (previously known as A Tribe Called Red)
The Halluci Nation is an Indigenous Canadian music group that blends traditional powwow music with modern electronic genres such as dubstep, hip-hop, and reggae. Formed in 2008 in Ottawa, Ontario, the group initially consisted of DJs Ian “DJ NDN” Campeau, Tim “2oolman” Hill, and Bear Witness (Ehren Thomas). Their innovative sound and strong cultural identity have made them influential figures in both the electronic music scene and Indigenous activism. The group pioneered a genre they call “powwow step,” which incorporates traditional drumming and singing from Indigenous powwow music into electronic beats.
Readers, I will not lie to you, this is a style of music I probably would not have sought out on my own. EDM and club style electronic music are not particularly my favorite genres of music. Though, after some browsing, I found the track titled Stadium Pow Wow. I really enjoyed the vibe of the song, as it reminds me of music used to get you pumped up for an event. The music video had great visuals too, especially the indigenous clothing.
Listen/watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAEmjW9J3_o
#4: The Cody Blackbird Band – Prayers Fall Down
The Cody Blackbird Band, co-founded by Cody Blackbird and his brother Caleb, hails from Anchorage, Alaska. They have garnered acclaim for their unique fusion of Native American flute melodies with contemporary rock, a style they describe as “Alter-Native” Rock. Cody Blackbird, recognized as one of the leading Native American flutists touring today.
The band’s first two studio albums were produced by Kenny Lee Lewis of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted Steve Miller Band. In 2021, they were featured in Rolling Stone magazine for their collaboration with fellow Alaskans and Grammy winners Portugal. The Man. Their most recent album, “Existence is Resistance,” was produced by Jason Cropper, co-founder of Weezer, and features three songs with John Popper of Blues Traveler.
Throughout their career, The Cody Blackbird Band has shared the stage with notable artists such as The Black-Eyed Peas, Wayne Newton, John Trudell, Jewel, Jason Mraz, and Blues Traveler. Their performances aim to convey messages of purpose and the importance of preserving Indigenous culture through the arts. This mission is evident in the track Prayers Fall Down, especially in terms of how the song is introduced in the video I share below. The message is deep and the music surrounding it is catchy, bluesy, and well written.
Listen/watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls-YmVAUniA
