Everblack flourishes with fluently crafted guitar solos and misleading melodies that combine together to create an album that is both catchy and insanely brutal at the same time.
The Black Dahlia Murder’s sixth album is bookended by two of the most invigorating songs the band has to offer. The first track, In Hell Is Where She Waits For Me, rips through the speakers after a solemn yet brief introduction of pouring rain before the opening melody kicks in. The main hook catches the listener slightly off kilter as the progression is familiar but alters ever so slightly just enough to keep things fresh.
The last song of the album, Map Of Scars, is sure to be a staple of the bands live set as the song tempts anyone who is subject to its catchiness and morbid march-like rhythm to start a riot in their own living room.
Whilst being catchy and heavy at the same time isn’t exactly a new approach within the current world of metal, The Black Dahlia Murder are absolute pro’s at the formula and haven’t abandoned their signature sound. Vocalist Trevor Strnad is at the forefront of the mix with his combination of super high pitched black metal screeches and guttural low growls which sound as if he is on the verge of vomiting.
Newcomer Ryan Knight injects some highly addictive whammy bar orientated guitar solos which can be classified as rewind-worthy. The song-writing has come a long way since 2005’s Miasma and the inclusion of a mandolin and a demonically out of tune choir sprinkle some extra interest throughout the ten tracks and break up the album briefly before continuing the onslaught of what could be one of the fastest albums of 2013.
There’s Gothenberg melodic death metal, and then there’s The Black Dahlia Murder melodic death metal.
Available through regular CD outlets June 11th
