Album Review: The Black Dahlia Murder – Servitude (Metal Blade Records)

Following the tragic passing of The Black Dahlia Murder’s frontman and co-founder Trevor Strnad in 2022, their new album is the one that many would have thought impossible. ‘Servitude’, the band’s tenth full-length, marks co-founder Brian Eschbach’s recorded debut as TBDM’s lead vocalist and lyricist—and their first with Ryan Knight on guitar since 2015’s Abysmal. It will be released on September 27th, 2024, via Metal Blade Records.

Gone, but never forgotten, Trevor Strnad’s impact on the scene with The Black Dahlia Murder (and so much more) can never be understated. To such a degree that it was impossible to envision this band carrying on, let alone doing so in the way they have. Brian Eschbach’s decision to step out of the guitarist role and into the vocalist role was a big one. As was the return of Ryan Knight to take his place on guitar.

The Black Dahlia Murder was reborn to some degree, but during a time of grief and soul-searching. Which, understandingly has some within the fanbase sceptical about the future. Could The Black Dahlia Murder carry on and be an important part of the metal scene going forward?

A big question, and one that is emphatically answered on this brand-new album. One that looks to answer the sceptics by staying true to what all have come to expect from The Black Dahlia Murder. This isn’t a forward-thinking record (there will be time for that) and there’s nothing particularly challenging here, but it is a riotous showcase of how this band always manages to make their melodic metal sound like necessary listening.

Which is exactly what we get with the frenetic and ferocious start that is Evening Ephemeral. A thrashy vein runs through this, blending with crunchier death metal harmony nicely. However, while this is a solid start, it’s the following Panic Hysteric and Aftermath that really excite the senses. Both have ‘throwback’ elements that will please long-term fans. The former riff-driven, the latter aggressively heavy, and both with big melodic metal vibes.

While these might not be the most inspired of listens, they certainly prove that the instrumental aspects of The Black Dahlia Murder that made them so beloved is at the forefront. Whereas Eschbach throws so much passion into his growls, shouts, and screams. Doing a very admirable job of filling shoes that are way too big.

One particular highlight of Eschbach’s vocals though is Cursed Creator. Where his voice, scathing as hell, works alongside an addictive heavy rhythm very well.

Following An Intermission, 29 seconds of guitar melody, it’s back to melodeath basics with the ferocious intensity of Asserting Dominion and the manic title track. The Black Dahlia Murder making sure there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that this album is still wholly focused on being fast, ruthlessly heavy, and with grand melodic stances.

It’s enjoyable metal, but a bit of variety is welcome and a slower and groovier pace with Mammoth’s Head delivers. Easily one of the album’s best as it shows the broader palette that this version of The Black Dahlia Murder has.

Finally, it’s two more all-out efforts, The Black Dahlia Murder keeping the album sharp and pointed with Transcosmic Blueprint and Utopia Black. Two big beastly efforts that keep the energy up, the head banging, and the smile plastered all over the face.

This had to be the album The Black Dahlia Murder released, even if, personally, it would have been nice to see them be a bit more imaginative. The wounds are still fresh, many are still grieving, and the transition into this era of The Black Dahlia Murder is going to take a little while to get used to. With all of that in mind, it’s incredible that the album is as enjoyable as it is. The Black Dahlia Murder are back, and what this record lacks in boldness, it makes up for with beloved melodeath familiarity.

The Black Dahlia Murder – Servitude Track Listing:

1. Evening Ephemeral
2. Panic Hysteric
3. Aftermath
4. Cursed Creator
5. An Intermission
6. Asserting Dominion
7. Servitude
8. Mammoth’s Hand
9. Transcosmic Blueprint
10. Utopia Black

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