The Black Dahlia Murder is a pinnacle of consistency. There hasn’t been an album in its long career that sucked. Even though the band has remained strict in style, TBDM has never fumbled the bag. However, it had to face its biggest challenge ever after the tragic loss of Trevor Strnad (everyone in the community struggled when the news hit, let’s face it), which is why I’m approaching this review differently. More than just jokes and expectations, I’m rooting for the band to show us that, despite how irreplaceable Trevor was, they can continue honoring his memory. Oh, and it’d be great if we love Servitude too! Let’s dive in.
First of all, there’s no reason to get anxious, because Servitude’s ideas, concepts, and sheer power are still typical TBDM mayhem. You’ll get that familiar and almost delicate balance between MeloDeath and Tech Death that only this band can pull off. It’s practically a school of thought within Death Metal now. It feels like everyone in the band is giving their absolute best to show us that TBDM will be around for years to come. If anything, there’s a renewed sense of urgency and drama in Servitude’s sound—it almost reminds me of Arsis’s debut.
Now, the question you all came here for: Can Brian top Trevor? Well, not exactly. I don’t think that’s the point, as nobody here is trying to copy anyone. Brian has his own style, which is just as intense and savage. This was definitely the right choice. But, as usual, the ridiculous guitar and drum work steal the show in a TBDM album. It’s also a tight album, where every track gets to the point (except “An Intermission”). If you told me the band changed vocalists without the story behind it, I’d think, “Oh, I see!” and then move on, enjoying this enfant terrible anyway, because every part of it kicks teeth out of mouths just as well.
Is there anything that fell short? Aside from the fact that many of you will still miss the old voice, we can probably just skip the intermission track, which honestly doesn’t add much to the experience. Second, as I mentioned before, don’t expect surprises. Servitude is another competent, well-executed, and reliable TBDM album that fits right in with many others in its successful catalog. There aren’t any deep changes here—it’s exactly what you’d expect.
Overall, I’m glad to report that Servitude will keep the band’s flame alive, and hopefully, it’s a sign of things to come (as in, more absurd consistency). Isn’t it nice to see a band rejuvenated after an unfathomable tragedy? It has to be! So rejoice, because we’re getting another solid album from a band whose work not even death can derail. On a side note, I know I said no jokes, but is it just me, or did I have to look twice at that cover art to make sure it wasn’t a butt hole?
Label: Metal Blade Records
Release date: 27 September, 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/theblackdahliamurderofficial/
Country: USA
Score: Overcoming incredible odds, or 3.7/5.0 for now!
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