The Black Dahlia Murder is a metal band from Michigan, clearly named after the murder of Elizabeth Short, (a.k.a. Black Dahlia) in 1947. The band has been around since 2011 and though I hear of them often I haven't really given them the time they deserve. Ten years in the metal racket is admirable to say the least. When performers such as Dennis Lee of Alesana name check them its really time to get on board and give them a listen.
I can say without hesitation that this band is quite metal. Strong and violent guitar work and some of the most aggressive drumming I have heard in a great while. They currently have 5 album spanning 2003 to present and I intend to give each one a listen. What I have heard so far makes me wonder why I have yet to see them on one of the mega festival tours I attend so often. These guys have to have a strong fan base for the longevity and the ability to tour without the typical cattle call of bands. Other than 2009's Rockstar Mayhem, they have really taken it on their own. Pretty darn impressive.
I watched the video for "Funeral Thirst" , that's some pretty interesting filming. The headbanging's gotta give you a humongous neck ache to say the least. If I for a moment, tried to mimic the drummer, I would not only lose and eye, but I'd end up in traction. Great stuff. "Statutory Ape", hilarious title, a tad lame in the visuals but its concert footage so I let it slide. The greatest thing about discovering a band mid way through their career is that everything is new. The greatest thing for current Black Dahlia fans is that you'll have something new on June 21. Their latest LP drops that day. Titled, "Ritual", is expected to be a well promoted event as the band continues to add to their fan base.
To quote frontman Trevor Strnd,
"We had the vision that we wanted to take the band to more people, that we wanted to have something bigger than just playing at the crappy ass local bar," he explains. "Being a metal band, I think, is being an underdog. To play music you know is not digestible on purpose, to preach to a certain kind of depraved person…It's a lofty goal to have anyone want to hear what we have to say. We've been really, really lucky, but at the same time we're always looking to the future and trying to do what we do better and better. And I would say this time, with 'Ritual', we really nailed it even harder than we have before."
Now off I go to catch up on their older stuff before the new release.