The Black Dahlia Murder - Everblack

I remember well discovering The Black Dahlia Murder way back in 2003 when I was a lad, hearing 'Funeral Thirst' and having my face ripped off. Good times. Unhallowed may not be the strongest in the lineage of this band, but as a starting point it was a solid one and a very catchy, diverse and had that distinct sound that they are still blasting out today, and long may it continue. Fast forward a decade, with two core members being replaced (drummer Shannon Lucas & bass player Bart Williams), can Everblack live up to the expectations of the huge fanbase the band has accrued as well as the critics and reporters of the metal community? Read on...

Proceedings open with a take it or leave it intro, a little too long for a record aiming at impact rather than atmosphere. The first tune 'In Hell Is Where She Waits For Me' is dynamic, jumping out of the gates with pounding forward motion and catchy riffs. I was sold on the song 'Phantom Limb Masturbation' by the title alone. Turns out the song is a meaty churning organic vessel of heaviness, echoing the filthy 'Eaten' by Swedish all-star band Bloodbath both thematically and musically. 'Every Rope A Noose' is the heaviest, most malicious track on the album in terms of pure atmosphere rather than the crushing element of the rest of the record. It could easily be on a black metal release, and probably trump it – it's that good.

'Raped In Hatred By Vines Of Thorn' sounds like Be'lakor at the beginning, but soon feels like a vintage 'Dahlia Murder track. This is a similar vibe to the title track which is good indeed and in the vein of previous work, but lies a little flat compared to the explosions that some songs deliver. Another track which is a little bit of a dud is 'Goat of Departure'. Definitely a departure from the high standards of the rest of the album, c'mon guys – gang vocals on a melodic death metal track? Fail.

This is no game-changer so don't lose your shit, this is simply a solid album by a solid band, unperturbed by line-up change, the inevitable haters and other pitfalls. The mighty metal blade have got themselves a institution on their hands here. The Black Dahlia Murder are a mainstay of the metal scene - like it or not!