Album Review: The Black Dahlia Murder - 'Everblack'
Still at the top of their game.
The Black Dahlia Murder know what works. Arguably and evidently they’ve got it right from day dot. It’s death metal without the monotony and it’s melodic without the weak phrasing.
Provocative lyrics. Check. Melodic death riffs. Check. It’s all here again for the listener. Two key personnel changes – comprising the rhythm section – and the music still remains unaffected. The musical baton is seemingly and easily passed on. Sixth studio album, ‘Everblack’ is another unrelenting yet balanced effort from the Michigan based quintet.
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Beginning with the ominous and typical titled, ‘In Hell Is Where She Waits For Me’, this isn’t gimmick or civil music. It’s intended to confront and its purpose is to engage. Death metal is an intense affair at the best of times. However, it can also be an incredibly boring one when the tempo, riffs and grooves stay in the same range. Yes, fast is good, but repetition is not. Thankfully, TBDM contrast throughout. While not sounding same in a stylistic way, one thing TBDM share in common with Swedish pioneers At the Gates is they can write music with strong melodic lines, yet the songs still sound as brutal as anything similar floating around.
The double kick heavy ‘Into the Everblack’ continues to move things forward, while consecutive tracks, ‘Raped In Hatred By Vines of Thorn’ and ‘Phantom Limb Masturbation’ are worth a listen purely for the song titles themselves. This is an album of rebellion.
‘Every Rope A Noose’ in some respects has a modern Cradle of Filth flavour to it. Thrash, death metal and screeching vocals underpinning the track.
'I Will Return' from '2009’s ‘Deflorate’ still holds the title as most epic closer in TBDM catalogue. That title still remains. ‘Map Of Scars’ is solid, but not as grand as some predecessors.
Another quality release from a quality band.
The good bands are showing why they are good in 2013. You can’t get by with presenting second rate material anymore. ‘Everblack’ is certainly a solid metal album for the year.
'Everblack' is available for purchase here.
1. In Hell Is Where She Waits for Me
2. Goat of Departure
3. Into the Everblack
4. Raped in Hatred by Vines of Thorn
5. Phantom Limb Masturbation
6. Control
7. Blood Mine
8. Every Rope a Noose
9. Their Beloved Absentee
10. Map of Scars
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