ALBUM REVIEW: The Black Dahlia Murder - Servitude

This is the 10th full length studio release from the Michigan death metal outfit and the first since the untimely passing of co-founder, songwriter and vocalist, Trevor Strnad in 2022. His founding partner and the now only constant member, Brian Eschbach has taken over frontman duties, with former member Ryan Knight (2009-2016) stepping back into the fold and replacing him on rhythm guitar. The current line-up is completed by lead guitarist Brandon Ellis, who joined in 2016, and a rhythm section of Alan Cassidy on the drums and bassist, Max Lavelle, both of whom have been with the band for 12 years. 

I must admit having only previously dipped into back catalogue briefly, and they have never been my go-to death metal act; now I'm wondering why. 

The sound of the sea lapping the shore, does not prepare you for the tsunami onslaught to come. Eschbach launches into a raspy scream and a barrage of guitars hit you after the subtle start of opener, Evening Ephemeral. There is a likeness to Strnad's vocal style in the delivery that is a fitting tribute. The drum sound is good, with a clicky kick and hard-hitting snare and the sound of the metalwork is pleasing with the ride bell really ringing out. They launch straight into the waltz Panic Hysteric with no instrumental intro, and there are some nice double time/half time changes. The right and left guitars are in unison, then dual, and occasionally stray away from each other playing complimentary but different riffs, which is almost orchestral. 

Aftermath has an explosive effect, followed by a similar explosion in guitar, into a riff with time changes abound. A bit of a cliché "what does not kill you makes you stronger", but it works, as does the abrupt tempo change into the melodic solo. A slower start to Cursed Creator brings with it a slab of even heavier material than the previous tracks. Some key modulation adds to the dynamic of the song, and the album. This has a good groove to it and a nice chug before the solo. The dynamic is changed by The Intermission, which does as it says, an acoustic mellowing before the attack of Asserting Dominion, where the bass really comes alive. The track is pretty groovy, and gets more so as it goes on, with the guitars leading a merry dance. 

Title track Servitude has pinch harmonic bends a plenty, and some great lead motifs over the main riffs. The drums drive this along, the double kick isn't always constant and there are some good, syncopated parts. Mammoth's Hand is another that starts off slower, with lead guitar over power chords and it builds the tension into a ringing picked riff, and a subsequent foot tapping, head nodding groove. Most tracks have that progressive feel to them, but this is like a death metal Mastodon (prehistoric mammal connection!). The kick on this one gives it a great amount of feel. Penultimate track Transcosmic Blueprint is probably the most progressive in style on the album. It is almost jazzy in parts and has some meandering lead solos, that are a well-balanced mix of melodic and shredding. 

The album finishes with Utopia Black, a song that I could listen to all day. This really showcases that different riffing technique between the guitars and is full of hooks. It took a few listens to get into the vocal delivery, which was at times very rhythmic, and punctuating. The raspiness also took me a while to get used to; I like a bit more growl, but when I did, I enjoyed it. The different guitar parts being played, and not just the same one duplicated or harmonised is a high point for me, I think sometimes these could have been allowed to breathe a little without a vocal part for a few bars. The bass is driving and complimentary, and the drumming gave it a good feel. The mix was great. Nothing was too high or low, and as mentioned before the metalwork rang out. 

At just over 32 mins, it is a pretty short album; no track is over four-minutes, with the longest being the last track at 3.59, and it does leave you wanting for more. The only problem is that now I'm going to have to work my way properly through the back catalogue. Anyone got a machine to make more time???

Servitude is out today via Metal Blade Records

Review by Rich 'Tricky' Hudson