Album review: The Black Dahlia Murder – Servitude

With the untimely passing of Trevor Strnad in 2022, The Black Dahlia Murder lost not just a singer, but their co-founder, lyricist and spokesman. Nobody would have been surprised had the remaining members called time on the band; that they chose to continue is testament to their heroic spirit, as well as a fitting tribute to Trevor and his lifelong dedication to metal.

Servitude – their 10th album, a worthy achievement under any circumstances – finds them playing to the strengths that have made TBDM one of the 21st century’s most visible death metal success stories. Panic Hysteria and Utopia Black offer vivid examples of their melodic Swedeath sounds; Transcosmic Blueprint and the title-track conjure head-spinning technicality with violent finesse.

The thrashy groove of Asserting Dominion and swords-raised grandeur of Mammoth’s Hand add different colour and mood to proceedings, while first single Aftermath just comes out swinging with speed and savagery, the most turbo-charged of a collection of songs seemingly designed to knock you off your feet as often as possible within a four-minute running time.

As the band’s remaining constant, Brian Eschbach knows what makes TBDM tick better than anyone, and the vocal performance he unleashes in Trevor’s stead fits perfectly. Former member Ryan Knight has been re-recruited to fill Brian’s vacant guitar spot, lining up alongside fellow six-stringer (and, previously, his own replacement) Brandon Ellis to form an impressive partnership, whether dishing out ferocious riffs or some glorious twin lead action.

In terms of the future of the band, the release of Servitude faces down existential concerns with determination and defiance. Forged from tragedy and loss, it honours their fallen friend while celebrating the survival of The Black Dahlia Murder as an ongoing entity.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: At The Gates, Carcass, Darkest Hour

Servitude is released on September 27 via Metal Blade