Deflorate sounds from The Black Dahlia Murder
Throughout the history of rock music, lineup changes have become a well-known kiss of death. However, in the face of this daunting preconception, The Black Dahlia Murder’s latest album shattered the wavering expectations of fans of the death metal scene. Death metal o.g. veteran, Ryan Knight (formerly of Arsis), has filled the vacancy left by founding guitarist John Kempainen’s departure. This lineup change, though displeasing to the band’s die hard fans, has allowed progress in the band’s song writing, which becomes immediately apparent after a listen to the band’s newest effort.
The album, Deflorate, is the Michigan quintet’s fourth full length release. The new album breaks the mold that their previous lead guitarist had lived within. Knight has introduced the band to tapping and scale techniques that, until now, were uncharted waters in the bands writing process. The addition of Knight led to a change in the bands chemistry that is quite pleasing to the ear. Knight and co-guitarist Brian Eschbach compliment each others guitar work perfectly, both in rhythm and solos.
As far as vocals and lyrics are concerned, vocalist Trevor Strnad didn’t fix what wasn’t broken. The album’s lyrical content is still dark, morbid, haunting and enjoyably twisted. The album’s first single, “A Selection Unnatural” is a dark satire of Darwin’s Natural Selection theory. Strnad’s vocal technique didn’t changed much on Deflorate. His signature sound combines low guttural growling with searing banshee screams. The result, both live and in the studio, never fails to send chills down your spine. However, in this album, the band took advantage of studio magic, layering his screams and growls and creating a sound that is simultaneously brutal and beautiful.
Drumming for a death metal band is often times more of an exercise in endurance rather than skill and talent. However, drummer Shannon Lucas keeps up the pace with his double bass and blast beat style without relying on them as a crutch. The drumming on Deflorate is possibly one of its strongest aspects. The drums are mixed perfectly, not too loud or obnoxious, but also not completely drowned out by the rest of the band like you hear so much of in today’s music.
Now, I admit that death metal is somewhat of an obscure niche in the overall music scene. That being said, for those looking for some technical, brutal metal that keeps impressing track after track… this is for you. The band’s technical guitar work, chilling vocals, and face melting drumming make Deflorate an album worth listening to. Keep an eye out for their next tour; they have a tendency to never disappoint.
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