The response to the early singles has been overwhelmingly positive, something Morgan admits is both exciting and nerve-wracking. “You just never know,” she says with a smile, aware that the full picture only comes together when the entire album lands.

One of the biggest shifts happened behind the scenes. Where earlier releases were constructed more like puzzles — riffs written years apart, assembled piece by piece — ‘Obscure Sorrows’ was written together, in real time. “It was the most collaborative effort that we’ve had so far,” Morgan explains. That change alone altered the chemistry. The songs feel more cohesive, more alive. Writing collectively created space for spontaneity — ideas born in the moment rather than salvaged from archives. Of course, collaboration still needs direction. Guitarist Jeremy Bennett remains the band’s “editor,” shaping the big picture while also handling engineering duties. And if there’s one thing that defines Blackwater Drowning internally, it’s self-criticism. “We are such a self-critical bunch,” Morgan admits. Sometimes that meant obsessing over tiny details. “You listen back and you’re like, wow, I spent so much time on this little teeny part.” But she also acknowledges that those details often make songs memorable.

Recording the album themselves — aside from live drums — amplified that process. Without studio time ticking away, they could experiment freely. “We’re not paying for that extra studio time. It’s just time at that point.” That freedom allowed exploration, but it also forced them to confront their own standards without external pressure. The result is a record that sounds deliberate rather than rushed.

Musically, the band has expanded their palette. Orchestration plays a much bigger role this time, adding atmosphere without diluting the heaviness. That balance was non-negotiable. “We always want to keep it heavy, but we always want to have a counterpoint of good melody as well,” Morgan says. Melody, for her, is accessibility — the hook that pulls listeners into an otherwise niche sound.

Each release, she feels, tightens their identity rather than reshapes it completely. “Every album, we focus our identity more and more.” That doesn’t mean playing it safe. Hardcore elements now surface in places, injecting raw, kinetic energy meant to move a crowd. At the same time, Morgan is pushing herself vocally — more mid-range screams, stronger low tones, higher clean notes. “I worked hard on getting better low lows,” she says, describing it as a personal challenge. And there’s more to come: “I would like to do maybe a little bit more singing” in the future.

Lyrically, ‘Obscure Sorrows’ evolved unexpectedly. It began as a folklore-based concept album. But forcing a rigid theme didn’t feel authentic. Instead, the title came to represent something more abstract — those feelings you experience but struggle to name. “It’s a feeling more than quantifiable,” Morgan explains. The songs are rooted in lived experiences, but they aren’t always literal. They’re emotional snapshots rather than linear stories. Despite heavy subject matter, the intended effect isn’t despair. Quite the opposite. Morgan hopes listeners walk away empowered. “I want to be good workout music… get you ready for your day.” For the band, songs like “Eye of the Storm” function as personal pump-up anthems. Heavy music, she believes, is cathartic by nature.

Working with Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy) helped solidify that balance between brutality and melody. His mix captured the “metal sound” they were chasing without sacrificing the band’s melodic DNA. Carefully chosen guest solos further elevated the record, adding distinct voices without overshadowing the band’s identity. And while guest vocalists aren’t featured this time, Morgan is open to the idea — as long as it makes artistic sense rather than marketing sense.

With tour runs alongside Butcher Babies, Filth and Infected Rain lined up, momentum is building. The next dream? Europe. “I feel we would do really well in Europe,” she says hopefully. The ambition is there — now it’s a matter of numbers and opportunity.

At its core, ‘Obscure Sorrows’ feels like a band learning exactly who they are — and allowing themselves the space to become more.

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