I'm not embarrassed to admit that the first time I heard of BLACKBRIAR was when Elizabeth Zharoff assessed "The Séance" on her Charismatic Voice channel in October 2022. Elizabeth's enthusiastic assessment helped me to appreciate the unique qualities of Zora Cock's vocals. Considering the band formed in 2012 and released their debut EP, Fractured Fairytales, in 2017, both Elizabeth and I were a little late to the game. But that's not bad company to keep. Also, if you ever wonder if those reaction videos are able to convert views into sales, I've since acquired the entire BLACKBRIAR discography.

On August 28, 2025, BLACKBRIAR released their third full-length album, A Thousand Little Deaths. Yep, I'm two months late on this one. I guess that's my modus operandi when it comes to this group, but it in no way takes away from the delight and thrill I get every time they release a new album.

Quick bio: BLACKBRIAR hails from Assen in the Netherlands. Their ascent to the upper tiers of female-fronted symphonic metal has been measured but strong. In 2019 they toured with EPICA, in 2021 they released their debut full-length, The Cause of the Shipwreck, and in 2023 they signed with Nuclear Blast. Their most distinct aspects are 1) Zora Cock's impeccable vocals; 2) their obsession with dark fairy tales and fantasy; 3) and their ever-evolving musicianship. Okay, so that might describe half of the bands in Symphonic Metal subgenre, but that's why we love it. If it didn't have reproducible markers, it wouldn't be a subgenre.

So, A Thousand Little Deaths. Ten even tracks across 43 minutes of playtime. Theme? Romanticide. I mean, what were you expecting?  BLACKBRIAR is nothing if not consistent. Musically, there aren't many valleys or peaks with this album—that is, it's both very good and very steady. While there isn't that one grand track that gutted me or melted my synapses, there also aren't any regrets. With that said my list of standout tracks includes the opening track, "Bluebeard's Chamber." Zora thrills with some unexpected vocal twists and with the fluctuation from heavy to soft tempos as well as the dark subject matter there's a little something for all types of fans with this one.

I also enjoyed "Floriography" for its sinister edge and epic vibe. Bookending the album, the closing track "Harpy" is another standout. This haunting track holds the key to the title of the album with the opening couplet: "I've died a thousand little deaths / And I've got something you might like." As one of the longer tracks on the album, it also has a bit more real estate to develop and explore. A satisfying end to the album.

Altogether A Thousand Little Deaths sees BLACKBRIAR maintaining a steady course. Their production values continue to improve, their songwriting and execution are consistent and strong, and Zora's vocals remain amongst the best.