The Black Dahlia Murder – Servitude
Reviewed by: Shell Dahlia
Review Score: 9
Metal fans around the world were shaken to their core when the death of Trevor Strnad, former lead vocalist of The Black Dahlia Murder, became public knowledge. People were left with the question on their lips, ‘Will the band continue and who will they choose to fill the shoes of not only a unique, distinguishable vocal style but also a persona which which captivated audiences with his energy and charisma?’
When they announced that original member, Brian Eschbach, formerly guitarist and back up vocals, was going to take on the role of lead vocals, fans were anxious to see how Brian would adapt and make it his own.
Having recently attended a show with the new line-up, I can confidently say they made a great decision. His front man energy brought out the muscle flexes just like the good ol’ days. With Trevor being one of my idols for many years, I knew that a conscious effort had to be made to keep comparisons at bay and embrace the new sound that Brian brings to the table at shows and on new album.
Along with the new lead vocalist, former TBDM guitarist Ryan Knight has joined the group again completing the new line up along with current members Max Lavelle on bass, Alan Cassidy on drums and Brandon Ellis on lead guitar and back up vocals.
With powerful crushing riffs, melodic solos technical percussion and alluring horror themed lyrics being the symphonious orchestration which creates the familiar and identifiable uniqueness of the band’s sound, Servitude is unmistakably a TBDM through and through. Familiar sounds of previous crowd favourites, Miasma and Nocturnal, create feelings of nostalgia.
The first single dropped, ‘Aftermath,’ being the fastest song on the album, was purposely chosen to create a hype train amongst fans which was full steam ahead once it hit the ears of the public. The second single was ‘Mammoths Hand’ which is a bit slower but oozes lyrical theatrics and chunky tones. The entire album start to finish has a great flow and the new vocal styles of Brian gel with instrumental melodies nicely. With interesting story telling and familiar instrumental sound the new album ‘Servitude’ is one to get excited about. I have been a long-time TBDM fan and couldn’t wipe the smile off my face from the beginning to end. The TBDM boys have truely put together something special that would make the big guy, Pappa Trev, proud.
Set your reminders people because ‘Servitude’ will be available on all main streaming platforms on the 27th of September!