Well, I always say better late than sorry. I would never forgive me if I were not to review an album of The Black Dahlia Murder, one of the stapler of the so called Melodic Death Metal. They were one of the first bands that introduced me to the world of melting melodies with demented riffing. My life hasn’t been the same since then. Here we come with the band’s newest realese “Servitude” after a small hiatus. I have to say the band is in great shape after all.
Here are some facts about the band:
With the tragic passing of the The Black Dahlia Murder’s frontman and co-founder Trevor Strnad in 2022, band co-founder Brian Eschbach, bassist Max Lavelle, drummer Alan Cassidy, and producer/guitarist Brandon Ellis were faced with a decision: Close the door on one of the most beloved death metal bands of the last twenty years, or carry on in their fallen brother’s charismatic spirit? After a period of profound grief and deep soul-searching, Eschbach moved from guitar to vocals, setting aside his lifelong identity as a live guitarist for the survival of the band. Former member Ryan Knight returned to the fold to take Eschbach’s place on guitar. The new lineup made their debut in the band’s hometown of Detroit in late October 2022 for a tribute show for Strnad.
Fast forward to right about now: The Black Dahlia Murder’s new album is the one that many would have thought impossible. Servitude marks Eschbach’s recorded debut as band’s lead vocalist and lyricist—and their first with Knight on guitar since 2015’s Abysmal. Their members of know that some will be skeptical of an album without Trevor’s inimitable presence. But many fans have already embraced the band’s decision to move forward.
Yeah, life is tough.
Interestingly, “Servitude” reminds and honors the good old days of the band with a sound that made no concessions to modernity. It’s the same subtle melodies with demented guitar riffings with a ferocious voice giving the songs a name. All the ten tracks of the album are violent samples of the spirit of Death Metal starting with “Evening Ephemeral” and having the crowning finale with “Utopia Black,” the only track with some strumming and cooling mood. All the other are pure musical violence. Album warmer “Evening Ephemeral” is so brutal that calling it Brutal Death Metal wouldn’t be unfair. Same happens with following track “Panic Hysteric” with the same insane paced drumming and demented guitars. Cooling only in the leads or bridges or the thristy second “An Intermission.” The new guy Brian Eschbach does everything he knows to vary his growling. And he has lots of them. The Black Dahlia Murder came back with blood in their eyes. My dear children of the night will realize the band’s thirst for blood in the album.
Musicwise, “Servitude” left behind the NWOBHM guitar structures many bands are using to embrace Death Metal complex and fiercy constructions. The outcome is an album heavier than the others with that raw face we all love. a breathless album in all senses.
The Black Dahlia Murder “Servitude” was released on September 27th via Metal Blade Records.
Track Listing:
- Evening Ephemeral
- Panic Hysteric
- Aftermath
- Cursed Creator
- An Intermission
- Asserting Dominion
- Servitude
- Mammoth’s Hand
- Transcosmic Blueprint
- Utopia Black
Watch “Panic Hysteric” official music video here:
I’m just a lucky guy who has chosen metal to live with for a long time. Metal changed my life for good. It made me more confident and stronger. Metalheads are naturally far away from the mass mediocrity and don’t accept impostures from anybody else. Metal is more than music, it’s a life changing oportunity!