BLACKWATER DROWNING is a five-piece US melodic death metal / metalcore 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 a debut album and has supported iconic acts such as SOULFLY, JINJER, CRYPTA and many more. During the challenges of the pandemic the band wrote and recorded its 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.
BLACKWATER DROWNING is now set to deliver the follow up titled 'Obscure Sorrows'. The new album reflects the band coming together to create their sophomore with all members contributing to the creative process and reflecting the bands growth and confidence since their debut. The new album is completed by Cryptopsy guitarist Christian Donaldson (Shadow Of Intent, Suffocation, Ingested) handling the mix and master and Giannis Nakos creating the stunning album art (Emperor, The Agonist, Aborted). The album also features guest artists Greg Burgess of Allegaeon, and Japanese guitar virtuoso Yo Onityan.
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. For the new album, the band delve into the rich and fascinating folklore behind such figures as La Llorona, powerful generational curses, and demons, as well as more real-life relatable experiences such as depression, the concept of death and the afterlife, betrayal by a loved one, and teeth gritting tenacity. 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 as THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DYING WISH, JINJER and DARKEST HOUR.
In 2025 BLACKWATER DROWNING signed with Bleeding Art Collective for artist and label representation, a label that works in partnership with Blood Blast Distribution, a subsidiary of the world's leading heavy music label Nuclear Blast Records
Blackwater Drowning is:
Jeremy Bennett – Guitar
Morgan Riley – Vocals
Aamon Dalton – Drums
Aria Novi - Bass
Ron Dalton Jr - Guitar
Blackwater Drowning
Management: Bleeding Art Collective
Contact: Greg Shaw
Email: Greg.bleedingart@gmail.com