Ozark Shaman A Traitor Is Worse Than An Enemy Review

Ozark Shaman

A Traitor Is Worse Than An Enemy

Self-Released

2026

What happens when you cross Gojira with Bluegrass and Banjos? You get Ozark Shaman!

Per usual, I went in blind. I do my best not to even read bios, so that the music can speak for itself. By the second song, I literally said out loud “Was that a banjo?!” And yes, it was.

Ozark Shaman is a one-man black metal band from the shadowy fringes of Ozark, Missouri. Brad Nailling handles all instruments and production while the music features his wife Madeleine Nailling on viola. 

This is such a unique polyjamorous arrangement of musicality and southern roots. Bet, you never thought you’d read those words together! But honestly this is what self made music is about.

There’s a rawness to the music and lyrics, a familiarity to the music, and under it all roots that are as old as the Appalachian Mountains themselves. It’s absolutely an impressive amount of work. Surprisingly enough, the banjos work. The synths work. It’s a beautiful melding of genres to become something of its own.

If you’ve ever caught yourself asking “What would Appalachian Death Metal sound like?” Look no further.

Ozark Shaman needs more love. Go give him a listen!

~Rook