Of the classic storylines in the world one of the most pertinent is the concept of good vs evil. Frequently resulting in our positive counterparts triumphing over the terrifying and often dwarfing enemies. Portrayed in innumerous ways throughout history hell has been one of the most influential. From the abstract ideas of hell being relative, each person living their own personal nightmare to the brash unadulterated horrors of the world below. Delving into the unknown to find the elusive Elisabeth Short this locale is familiar to the Detroit born destroyers.
[tracklist]
1. Receipt
2. Vlad, Son Of The Dragon
3. Abysmal
4. Re-Faced
5. Threat Level Number Three
6. The Fog
7. Stygiophobic
8. Asylum
9. The Advent
10. That Which Cannot Dead That Is Eternally Dead
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]37:00[/length]
[record_label]Metal Blade Records[/record_label]
[release_date]September 18th 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
Exploring this classic theme our bloodsoaked bunch return for album number seven, Abysmal. Among others the band have decided to return to a back to basics approach, in this day and age bands aim to produce material that is picture perfect with pristine production. On their brand new effort, the group aim to bring Death Metal back to it’s rough roots, no doubt sure to be a trend set now from the influential standpoint the band retain. Returning back to the soul of Ritual the album begins with the strings of “Receipt” a tale detailing the more personal side of hell, which after the violin picking introduction thrusts firmly into the soul of Abysmal. Guitar lines coming thick and fast with a typically melodic solo from Knight.
Master of gruesome stories, the lyrics on the album are still in keeping with the classic worldclass status both in their delivery and inception. “Re-Faced” details the idea of a molester who has been castrated and forced to live tortured with the reality of his crimes. Along with the surprisingly short “Stygiophobic” beckoned in with the empty and disparate sounds the song is a slower number that details the idea of hell being a phobia forcing people to live a sheltered and ultimately uninteresting lives. An excellent slow moving song, though personally I felt that perhaps it could have gone on slightly longer with the ending feeling abrupt.
Despite this however the pace is ramped way back up with the melodic leanings of “Asylum”. Known for their masterful incorporation of melody in their material the track features excellent guitar lines that slowly grow throughout the song. Simple dynamics of changing drum patterns give the song pace, creating tension before a biting solo from Knight once again. Initially hearing lead single “Vlad, Son Of The Dragon” a Dracula inspired tale, it brought to mind that the band might have simplified their approach, “The Advent” proving me sorely wrong with the genius coupling of atmospheric keyboards leading the chorus to have a haunting resonance. All the while experimenting whilst retaining their iconic sound.
Title track “Abysmal” yet again brings the sense of pained melody flirting with the classic Melodic Death Metal of a swedish origin before a gallopping riff appears amongst the tremolo picking before moving into the steamroller groove. Creativity never seems to elude the band particularly with “The Fog” which featuring yet another solo from Knight glides over all sorts of modes, including a slight augmented feel giving the track a Blues kick, definitely a first for Death Metal.
As the record comes to it’s close we move to the final act of our bloodied drama see’s the return of our beleagured strings for a nicely bookended finish. Before unleashing the real highlight of Abysmal, known for their grand finale’s with Deflorate’s “I Will Return” becoming essential in the band’s set list “That Cannot Die Which Is Eternally Dead” does exactly the same. Reminding us, the listener why this band are one of the best around. With fluid song writing, the band are able to introduce memorable hooks all the while not “selling out” so to speak. Sticking to their dirt clad Death Metal ways they appeal to both the newer age of fans as well as the stubborn Death Metallers.
The Black Dahlia Murder have proved once again that they sit atop their bloodied Death Metal throne. Not only do the band have the ability to deliver consistently reliable material but are able to step out of their comfort zone, introducing foreign concepts. Making a conscious decision to switch production to a more whole sound, along with the experimentation musically and thematically, Abysmal is the band thriving on creativity and is an essential addition to the band’s already stellar canon.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Feasting upon creativity and innovation Abysmal takes influence from the band’s previous material, whilst simultaneously throwing themselves out of their comfort zone. The perfect soundtrack to hell itself. [/why]
