THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER — Deflorate (review)

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER — Deflorate album cover Album · 2009 · Melodic Death Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Deflorate" is the 4th full-length studio album by US, Michigan based death metal act The Black Dahlia Murder. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in September 2009. It´s the successor to "Nocturnal" from 2007 and features one lineup change since the predecessor as guitarist John Kempainen has been replaced by Ryan Knight.

Stylistically "Deflorate" pretty much continues the melodic, highly energetic, and predominantly uptempo death metal style of "Nocturnal (2007)". The Black Dahlia Murder are a very consistent act both when it comes to musical style, but more importantly also when it comes to the quality of their output. And the quality is high here. To a point where my jaw drops several times during the playing time. Either because of the brilliance of the songwriting or because of the high level performances. Sure there are a song or two, which sound a bit too much alike, which is a slight issue on most of the band´s releases, but there are some pretty damn brilliant tracks here too and the band deserve a lot of praise for that.

"Deflorate" is not a particularly long album, featuring only 10 tracks and a total playing time of 34:01 minutes, but the relatively short playing time is spend effectively. The album opens with "Black Valor" and "Necropolis" and the stage is immediately set for a fast-paced, melodic, and at times quite brutal assault on the ears (featuring Trevor Strnad´s trademark high-pitched screaming alternating with his brutal growls). Although there are heavier parts on the album, The Black Dahlia Murder are a highly energetic act, and "Deflorate" features very few moments to catch your breath. One of those moments happens to be the highlight of the album though. The closing track "I Will Return" opens fairly heavy and melodic, and although it picks up pace along the way, it ends heavy and melodic again, and fades out with a soaring melodic lead (played by producer Jason Suecof). Absolutely brilliant and one of the most memorable tracks in the band´s career.

"Deflorate" features a powerful, raw, and detailed sound production, which suits the material perfectly. It´s small details which make it different from the sound on "Nocturnal (2007)", which also featured a strong sound production, but this one is just a notch better sounding. So upon conclusion The Black Dahlia Murder aren´t finished climbing the latter towards perfection and still better themselves from album to album. I´ve mentioned my minor issue with some tracks sounding a bit too much alike, but listened to individually even the least standout tracks on the album are of a high quality. A 4 - 4.5 star (85%) rating is deserved.
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