The Black Dahlia Murder Unhallowed
  full reviewuser ratings (360) 
Tracklist:
1. Unhallowed
2. Funeral Thirst
3. Elder Misanthropy
4. Contagion
5. When The Last Grave Has Emptied
6. Thy Horror Cosmic
7. Blackest Incarnation
8. Hymn For The Wretched
9. Closed Casket Requiem
10. Apex

Ranking: #90 for 2003

user rating
3.8
excellent
Chart.
other reviews
rasputin CONTRIBUTOR (3.5)
A decent debut album that manages to overcome its array of flaws, to an extent....

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  On 18 Lists

5.0
classic
SiKPsyko USER (1 Reviews)

2005-01-14 | 90 comments | 6,143 views

7 of 8 thought this review was well written

Lineup:
Cory Grady- drums
David Lock- bass
John Kempainen- guitar
Trevor Strnad- vocals
Brian Eschbach- guitars

Background Info:
A very unique and inspiring record. Many bands have tried to accomplish this kind of sound and style but few have succeeded. Becoming an even bigger band by each tour they headline and co-headline, along with videos being played on MTV2, they are becoming a leader in the new movement for death metal in the mainstream.

This is a great album. At times it can be very heavy and dark, but other times the melodic riffs and solos shine through. In the end, everything pieces together so well. The production value is perfect. Every instrument can be heard (except for the bass, which fits best shadowed by the rhythm guitar, giving it a heavy low end). The double bass is insane on the drums along with relentless blast beats. The tone of the guitar is perfect, enough said. The transition from power chords to tremelo picking is neat. The vocals are well orchestrated alongside the music. There is only one vocalist but he switches between high pitched screaming to the standard death metal growling style of vocals. The lyrics on each song are different. Hard to explain what they mean exactly but once you read the lyrics you can get a feel for what they mean.

Some of the best songs of the album (in my opinion) are as follows:

Unhallowed/Funeral Thirst: While "Unhallowed" is the opening track/intro, it leads right into "Funeral Thirst". "Funeral Thirst" basically introduces you to every aspect the album offers you. Fast, Heavy, Unrelenting and catchy. In the middle of the song you get a nice, beautiful solo.

Elder Misanthropy: Personally, this is one of my favorite songs of this album, favorite song of TBDM and one of my favorite songs ever. It is just amazing. The riffs are brutal, the vocals are some of the best on the album and the drumming is destructive. The best part of the song is when it gets to the chorus (which is highly melodic). The followed by some breakdowns then ending by chorus and an outro. I love this song.

Contagion: The opening riff/main riff is unforgetable. You will not be disappointed in this song. It has everything. Thrash style riffs, Hardcore style riffs and amazing solo in the middle of the song.

Closed Casket Requiem: The song is a pretty good song. Listen to it, enjoy it.

Positives: This album is appealing to anyone who likes death metal, melodic death metal, hardcore or metalcore (as long as you have an open-minded listening experience). Alot of the album is catchy and unforgettable. Very brutal and fun.

Negatives: The really isn't any negatives. Only that "Elder Misanthropy" and "Contagion" should be longer songs. Other than that, it is a matter of personal decision.

The album is a perfect chance to listen to something new and different whether to trash your room with or relax with a six pack. I highly recommend buying it. Give it a listen first to see if it is in your taste of style of music. It isn't that expensive either. About $10-$12 anywhere you can pick it up. Definitely a worthwhile record.

Rating: 5/5

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Comments:Add a Comment 
SubtleDagger


Comments: 737
07.23.04


I like the fact that you did this album, but I really don't think it's a five. The mixing's way off. I do really like "Contagion", though.

iliketoplaydrums10111


Comments: 128
07.23.04


I would rate this band 3/5, they are good and talented, but they do have some downfalls

40 oz 2 freedom


Comments: 96
07.24.04


I love the album, but I wouldn't give it a 5. This band is much better to see live, IMO.

SiKPsyko


Comments: 2
07.24.04


yes, they are great live. I saw them July 3rd w/ Cannibal Corpse, Severed Saviour and Art Of Destruction. Decapitated were supposed to play but cancelled and Severed Saviour took their place. TBDM were amazing and the best there.

BuddyBigsby


Comments: 531
07.24.04


I like them and all but "a very unique record"? Come on.

40 oz 2 freedom


Comments: 96
07.25.04


Haha, yeah they aren't the most original band. I might see them again with Cannibal Corpse on Tuesday, but I'm not sure.

Shadows
Moderator


Comments: 2530
08.26.04

Album Rating: 2.5

I've heard a few songs and they seem really good. Can't wait to check out more.

MakeJobsNotWar


Comments: 7
08.28.04


Love this band with a passion, i seriously think they are worth more than cannibal corpse, i hate that **** so much.

Contagion is an awesome song and the video its just great.

UnskathedGuitar


Comments: 18
04.22.05

Album Rating: 4.5

This album rocks.

Apathy


Comments: 645
09.30.05


This or Miasma?

Shadows
Moderator


Comments: 2530
09.30.05

Album Rating: 2.5

These guys are kind of hit or miss with me. They're fast, heavy, and catchy, but their riffs are reptitive and simplistic.

I would like to hear Miasma though.

Laafe


Comments: 347
09.30.05


shitdickcockmaster

UnskathedGuitar


Comments: 18
10.01.05

Album Rating: 4.5

The Black Dahlia Murder is my favorite band, they definaly have more talent, and more intricate and challenging guitar work than any of the newest "heavy music" that's floating around out there.

I personally like Miasma better, but Unhallowed just kicks it.This Message Edited On 10.01.05This Message Edited On 10.01.05

Shattered_Future


Comments: 1502
02.15.06


I really, really don't see what is so special about this band. IMO, they sound rather generic compared with the rest of the scene they associate with...

Arucard


Comments: 332
02.16.06


The scene they accosiate with is the American Metal scene, which you don't get more generic than. These guys are actually adding real Death Metal sounds to their music, with awesome riffage.

Misama is better though.

Digging: Sylosis - Conclusion Of An Age

This Never Happens


Comments: 8
03.17.06


Thier best work is thier earlier stuff ie to you contortionist, and burning the hive. Most people probably would disagree but then i would have to call them pussies

Confessed2005


Comments: 3290
03.17.06

Album Rating: 4.5

This album is awesome from what I have heard - most of the stuff I hear from these guys is top notch. It doesn't necessarily have to be original or unique to be good. These guys basically take melodic death metal and add their own style; the outcome is pretty awesome!

Drunken Viking


Comments: 1022
03.17.06


This cd was meh.

DEATH MUFFIN


Comments: 3
05.11.06


this cd in my opinion is amazing. It has everything that I love. Insane riff's (although it does lack a bit on solo's), some of the best lyrical writing in all of metal, and amazing drumming. and although the bass is a bit drowned out it doesn't even matter for this CD. This is one of the best CD's i have ever purchased, i would suggest it to any metal fan.
Once again, just as i stated under Miasma, FUCK ALL YOU D-BAGS THAT SAY THAT THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER IS EMO, YOU'RE ALL IDIOTS.

rustysurf84


Comments: 326
05.14.06


If anyone says TBDM is emo, they deserve to be slapped.
This is American Metal at it's best. Solos, not overuse of breakdowns, good vocals, and no attempts to appeal to the mainstream.

This sets TBDM apart.
Great review

Digging: Brand New - Daisy



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