This Wretched Underworld

AFTER NEARLY 20 years in the game, the Black Dahlia Murder are an undeniable institution of death metal. Their pummeling fusion of American death metal’s rhythmic churn, European death metal’s melodic sensibilities, prog’s technicality and the vicious riffing of classic thrash has developed over the years into a truly unique sound; this is a band with a distinct musical personality that strikes a remarkable balance between innovation and familiarity. Throughout their discography, the Black Dahlia Murder have shirked metal’s ever-shifting trends, electing instead to hone and elaborate upon their own sound. With their latest LP, Verminous, the Michigan-bred crew have spawned their most cohesive and focused collection of songs yet.

is a 10-track maelstrom of stank-face-inducing riffs and searing lead guitar vignettes that recall the melodic intrigue, whammy bar abuse and wide vibrato drama of your favorite Eighties guitar heroes. The man behind stunning lead guitar work (as well as the album’s production and much of its songwriting) is the band’s newest member, Brandon Ellis. While Ellis was on hand for the band’s last record, 2017’s , he was fresh to the group at the, his contributions as a songwriter, producer and soloist provide the X-factor that make the album a fresh and streamlined take on the Black Dahlia Murder’s sound.