Band:	The Black Dahlia Murder
Album:	Servitude
Style:	Melodic death metal, Metalcore
Release date:	September 27, 2024
A review by:	omne metallum

01. Evening Ephemeral
02. Panic Hysteric
03. Aftermath
04. Cursed Creator
05. An Intermission
06. Asserting Dominion
07. Servitude
08. Mammoth's Hand
09. Transcosmic Blueprint
10. Utopia Black

From tragedy.

It would be an understatement to say I didn't expect to be listening to this album; having assumed The Black Dahlia Murder would call it quits after the loss of Trevor Strnad, to hear new music by the band is as unexpected as it is a joy to hear. Making the decision no band wants to make in choosing whether or not to continue following the passing of a bandmate, The Black Dahlia Murder produce an album in Servitude that is as cathartic as it is enjoyable, allowing the band to heal while moving forward, and rewarding fans for continuing to support the band. It is difficult to separate the art from the artist when it comes to albums like these, with it easy to view proceedings with rose-tinted glasses; however you listen to the album, though, you will find enjoyment in much of it.

The news that Eschbach was to step into Trevor's shoes and have Knight return was reassuring to fans that, though one of their guiding forces may no longer be there, there was little to no reason to worry that the band's direction was going to alter. After listening to "Aftermath" and "Asserting Dominion", you know the band are charting the same course, even if there are different hands at the helm. Indeed, Ellis' production work ensures that Servitude slots in neatly next to the band's other work.

Servitude is otherwise another strong release by The Black Dahlia Murder, featuring a form of their trademark death metal style with a batch of quality tracks. Alongside the band's usual up-tempo powerhouses (see "Transcomic Blueprint") are songs like "Cursed Creator", which is a mid-paced, but no less powerful, effort that showcases the band's strengths as musicians; Knight and Ellis throw in some interesting riffs and solos, while Cassidy adds in some unconventional drum work, making the song a joy to listen to.

Familiar lyrical themes and vocal approaches help fans transition from Strnad to Eschbach, with "Utopia Black" hitting the same vein as the band's prior output. However, the choice to hire from within and have Eschbach shift from guitar to vocals does have its drawbacks; Eschbach does his best to fill the void and follow Strnad's blueprint, but lacks the same power and conviction that Strnad's vocals had. This has the unfortunate effect of feeling like a poor imitation on tracks like "Evening Ephemeral", where you can hear Eschbach following in Strnad's footprints, but never quite filling his shoes.

Like Atlas carrying the Earth, The Black Dahlia Murder manage to carry the weight of curiosity on their backs as an inquisitive audience of fans and metal listeners gathered to hear what the band would sound like post-Strnad. In Servitude we get an answer; The Black Dahlia Murder are still as vital and enjoyable as before, and though Strnad's missing presence is felt, the band are able to make it work, and do so in an entertaining manner.