Search - The Black Dahlia Murder :: Nocturnal

A Solid Offering

Joseph Fletcher | North Carolina, USA | 09/19/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This release is just what you'd expect from one of America's best Death Metal bands, with lightning fast guitars, dual-vocals, and killer riffs. I was a little unsure about the packaging concept with album, though. With bands out there like Behemoth and Gorgoroth, who take themselves and their "evilness" so seriously that they can be downright comical at times, I was somewhat surprised by Nocturnal's Black Metal look. While it looks pretty cool, I'm somewhat suspicious of its sincerity.



While a little predictable in my opinion, this album far from disappoints. Darkness Spawned simply crushes, while seemingly speeding by without giving you a chance to breath. The surprise track is To Breathless Oblivion, with its epic scope and sweeping guitar lines. Black Dahlia has a bad habit of holding all their cords for the same amount of time on every song, while the cords on this song are held longer giving it a more epic feel. It also has the best lead on the album. For these reasons, this track stands head and shoulders above the rest of the album. I think Nocturnal would have flowed a little better had this track been the closer instead of Warborn, which is somewhat overshadowed by To Breathless Oblivion, despite its unique 3/4 section towards the end. However, there is much here that needs multiple listens to fully digest - another excellent trait of this band. The production on this album is an improvement over Miasma in the same proportion as Miasma was over Unhallowed, and the tone of Nocturnal is darker than both - a big improvement in my book.



While the packaging art is certainly a "new" step for Black Dahlia, Nocturnal really doesn't deviate much from Miasma. Judging from the fact that there seems to be a new Black Dahlia clone every week, I can't really blame them for sticking to their guns. But for my money, I'd like to see Black Dahlia take a chance with their forth album. With two excellent releases in their discography, this album is a little safe for my taste."

It will devastate your nether regions.

John Dudek | Michigan, United States | 10/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Black Dahlia Murder is a near unstoppable force plain and simple. this album shows the strong progression they've made from their early days. Combining the best Unhallowed and Miasma had to conjure up this little bit. The whole album clocks in around 34 mins, though it feels considerably longer, in a very good way. The whole band brings top notch work to play, drums enhance the atmosphere, the guitar work is damn fine, bass deserves a tip of that hat, and Trevor brings his best as well. More aggressive than the previous releases, but also very powerful in mood. Bought it the first day it released and I'm glad i did."

How do they keep topping their last release?

A. Seilbach | Vallejo, CA | 10/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Black Dahlia Murder (TBDM) keep upping the ante in the realm of melodically influenced death metal with their most recent release: 'Nocturnal'. First, I was curious after listening to 'Unhallowed', then I was a sure fire fan after 'Miasma', and now I am wondering how these guys keep churing out the best american death metal yet! With the addition of drummer Shannon Lucas, they are in synch like never before. Brian Eschbach(sp?)pretty much wrote the whole thing and it is damn near a masterpiece. John Kempanien's (sp?) lead work is once again OUTSTANDING. Ryan Williams' bass is on time and flawless... oh yeah and you can actually hear the bass guitar on this record! And Trevor Strnad has returned to his thematic horror narrative, weaving a tapestry of black gore and fear throughout every track. Whereas 'Miasma' had some of the same lyrical content as 'Unhallowed' save for a few songs about partying (i'm charming, vice campaign, Miasma etc..), 'Nocturnal' is a clear journey back to their roots on the 'Unhallowed' record. One thing I have noticed on every record from TBDM is that the members of the band aren't bound to one another musically. Each one of then plays independently from one another. You hear bassist Williams playing something besides the same riffs as the rhythm guitar, but he still stays locked in with drummer Lucas. And in case you haven't looked in your CD booklet, there is only one lead singer in TBDM. All of the vocals on this record are done by Strnad. Live, Rhythm guitarist Eschbach fills in some. But an amazing talent to switch from the 'Growl' of death metal, to more of an 'At the Gates' style scream. One last thing: no filler songs on this record, which is great. My picks for fave tracks: 'Warborn', 'What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse', 'Deathmask Divine' um... naw... the whole album is awesome, no need for fave tracks. If you get a chance to see them live, do so. Awesome show. No posturing, just five guys ripping the stage and having fun."