BLACKWATER DROWNING is a five-piece US melodic death metal band from North Carolina. Formed by singer Morgan Riley and guitarist Jeremy Bennett, the band are completed by guitarist Ron Dalton Jr, bassist Aria Novi and drummer Aamon Dalton.

Since the band’s inception, BLACKWATER DROWNING has recorded two EP’s and supported iconic acts such as SOULFLY, JINJER, OTEP and LAST TEN SECONDS OF LIFE. During the challenges of the pandemic the band wrote and recorded its yet to be released first full-length album at Blackplate Productions in Dunn, NC with Jon Berrier and Garrett Barefoot. Titled ‘Sonder//Satori’ the album consolidates the bands dynamic and melodic death metal prowess.

In reflecting on the band’s origins, bassist Aria Novi offers “We felt like the term ‘blackwater’ represented both darkness and rebirth. We added drowning to convey the idea that the darkness could be all consuming, and that one could in fact lose themselves entirely to that darkness”. With lyrics that confront injustice, offer social commentary, and explore the metaphysical, the themes that drive the band are as dynamic as the sound itself. Creating a hybrid of blackened rasping, emotive melodies, brutal and savage assaults that transcend to heavy grooves and death metal soundscapes, BLACKWATER DROWNING offer a sound that stands alongside acts such THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, SOILWORK and DARKEST HOUR.

In 2021, and following its steadily growing following and industry recognition, BLACKWATER DROWNING partnered with US international management agency EMG, joining renowned acts such as SUFFOCATION, CRYPTOPSY, DECREPIT BIRTH and ATHEIST on the agency roster. With live shows unfolding and a triumphant return to the stage at the Metal In The Mountains Festival the path ahead for the band is now reaching new heights.