Band:	The Black Dahlia Murder
Album:	Verminous
Style:	Melodic death metal, Metalcore
Release date:	April 17, 2020
A review by:	omne metallum

01. Verminous
02. Godlessly
03. Removal Of The Oaken Stake
04. Child Of Night
05. Sunless Empire
06. The Leather Apron's Scorn
07. How Very Dead
08. The Wereworm's Feast
09. A Womb In Dark Chrysalis (Interlude)
10. Dawn Of Rats
11. Saber The Dog Theme [Japanese bonus]
12. Their Thwarted Patience [European bonus]
13. Go To Hell [Megadeth cover] [European bonus]

Just like the Pied Piper, leading rats through the streets.

It's hard to believe that The Black Dahlia Murder have produced nine records and are fast coming up on their twentieth anniversary; time waits for no man, yet the band sound as timeless as they did on their earlier output. Verminous is the latest collection of the distinct sound of tech death that the band have made their own over the years, though now the band are evolving their sound and making subtle tweaks here and there that enhance and offer new flavours that will please both old hands and newcomers just as much.

Kicking off with a take no prisoners mentality, Verminous reintroduces the band by putting the key in the ignition and just flooring it from the off: no pleasantries or time to put your seat belt on, hang on for dear life or be left behind. The first two tracks are classic TBDM, though with the benefit of their clearest production to date, which gives you a different point of view on a classic. While the band do broaden their horizons, it is never at the expense of their trademark sound; though the band may add a few new twists and turns, you are never in doubt as to what you are listening to.

It is from the third track that you are introduced to the new elements that the band bring to the table, with the rest of the album showing a level of variance while balancing the band's trademark sound. "Sunless Empire" features what can best be described as a melodic metalcore breakdown while "A Wereworm's Feast" has a deep groove metal influence in its structure. These additions are merely the seasoning to what is otherwise the regular servings the band offer up, giving you a taste of freshness and familiarity in equal measure.

Amongst the key tools in the band's toolbox are the constant presence of vocalist Strnad and guitarist Eschbach, who have been with the band since the start, standing at the heart of the band. Strnad's unique sharp yet guttural vocals are back with a vengeance once again, who alongside Eschbach weave the new and old sounds together into one seamlessly transitioning record. Though they try new approaches such as the ear-catching chorus to "Child Of Night", it sounds familiar enough that you don't realize how different the approach has been throughout the album.

Both Strnad and Eschbach are again supported sublimely once again by the familiar line up that also includes Lavelle, Cassidy and Ellis among their ranks. Cassidy once again is a powerhouse on the drums and flails around like he is impersonating Animal from The Muppets, with his ability to add bruising yet groovy drum patterns such as on "How Very Dead" being an underrated quality. Lavelle is pushed high in the mix and is also given several spots in which the spotlight is handed over to him, such as on "The Leather Apron's Scorn", both of which he makes full use of, to the benefit of the listener. Ellis again melds the melodic and heavy aspects of the music with apparent ease, with tracks like "Removal Of The Oaken Stake" being solid examples of this.

While this has got to be one of the band's better releases, I can see those who have never been particularly enamoured by the band to still be unconverted by Verminous. However, as the band broadens their sonic borders the most on this album, those of you who are on the fence may find something that catches your ear and draws you in that way. If you were to try and meet the band halfway, then this album would be it.

The Black Dahlia Murder once again manage to keep their run of great albums going with yet another solid entry into their discography; they are surely in contention for being one of the most consistent bands around today.