Review Summary: The Black Dahlia Murder release what is possibly their most accomplished release to date whilst still relying on a tried and tested formula.
The Black Dahlia Murder have had quite a colourful music career since releasing their debut album Unhallowed back in 2003. Several albums later, it can be said that the melodic death metal band have relied very heavily on their typical formula of speedy, frenetic death metal interspersed with dark melodies, to the point where it became apparent that maybe they were becoming stagnant. Thus we come to their eighth studio album, Nightbringers - have the band
churned out a predictable and stale release? Most certainly not, so it seems.
Nightbringers is quite possibly one of the band's most accomplished releases to date. Even though the band are still relying on a formula that they have been using since day one, one has to admit that the term 'if it isn't broke, don't fix it' comes to mind. However, everything here is top tier BDM. The riffs sound fresh and inspired and the solos are some of the best the band have produced for years. Trevor sounds demonic throughout, with his lows sounding guttural and his highs scathing. The transitions from these lows to highs are smooth and pulled off with good flair and technique. Album opener Widowmaker wastes no time in thrusting the listener headfirst into the chaos - plenty of double bass pedal madness coupled with well written melodic death metal chops, topped off with schizophrenic
vocal stylings from Trevor.
Through the course of Nightbringers, it can be duly noted that every member of the band is on top form. The title track is an early album highlight, slowing the pace down just a little and treating the listener to a thoroughly headbangable set of riffs as well as a meticulously superb guitar solo. The bass is highly audible in the mix and hugs the guitars well to provide a thick low end, occasionally branching out with small yet noticeable sections of its own. Catacomb Hecatomb proves to be another very strong highlight, with the chorus melodies being some of the strongest and catchiest of the bands career.
In conclusion, The Black Dahlia Murder have released what is possibly their best album of their career thus far. Plus, they have managed to do so using a tried and tested formula that they have rarely deviated from during their tenure in the melodic death metal business. Everything here is more than solid - right from the start the riffs are great and the accompanying instruments all play their part well. A well deserved pat on the back is due
it seems as I can find little to no flaws within the nine tracks present on Nightbringers.
Recommended Tracks
Of God and Serpent, of Spectre and Snake
Nightbringers
Catacomb Hecatomb
