Search - Black Dahlia Murder :: Miasma

True Metal

Knowledgeable DemiGod | Seattle, WA | 08/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Authors of two negative reviews for this CD demonstrate their worth in musical judgement in different reviews; one says that his favorite band is Norma Jean, the other gives From Autumn To Ashes' "Too Bad You're Beautiful" a five star review.



"Miasma" is a five star epic. It destroys the cliched metalcore laden with breakdown after breakdown (see: Norma Jean) and the wussy/emo infused hardcore that kids cry to (see: FATA), and does exactly what it is supposed to: brutalizes the listener for ten straight songs. The Black Dahlia Murder have displayed a unique approach to Swedish metal by giving it a noticeably American edge, and "Miasma" is the perfect follow up to "Unhallowed" that will be appreciated by any listener who hoped this band would grow (and really, how can you beat the fast and beautiful Egyptian-style solos throughout?). The disappointed few need to get over it: the CD isn't another "Unhallowed".



If you are looking for hardcore, or if you are looking for something tame - "Miasma" should not be your choice. But if you like to thrash and to feel aurally defiled from the sheer intensity of a metal record...then this is the metal record for you.



Buy it."

...that damn "bang your head against the wall" crap

tormentor | portland, or | 07/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These guys have definitely grown in leaps and bounds since UNHALLOWED...the guitar playing is nothing short of perfection, and their harmonies are so tight that they would be hell for any other band to pull off live, but for these guys it definitely won't be a problem. the only letdown for me on this album are the solos... on UNHALLOWED, there were only a couple, but they hinted at greatness to come on future releases, but the solos here are no more complex than the ones on the last album, there are just more of them. I was hoping for serious shred, and they do deliver to a certain extent, but not full on. everything else about this band has only gotten better with time. If you haven't seen these guys live, they will blow your mind. I didn't think it was physically possible to switch back and forth between Trevor's growl and scream...i figured they would have one of the guitarists do the highs live, but apparently it is possible, because he does it with ease...and the new drummer is a friggin madman, to say the least."

Crushing everything its path

Concatenation | West Lin, OR ,United States | 07/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Black Dahlia Murder have successfully taken what they started with their fantastic debut "Unhallowed" and evolved it into a modern extreme music masterpiece with "Miasma".



There are a couple important things to consider in regards to "Miasma". First of all, its faster, heavier, more brutal and more complex than "Unhallowed". Where as before, TBDM have always sort of straddled the line between hardcore influence with some touches of Carcass and At The Gates worship (that is not a putdown). With this record, they have taken a step to the side and leaned more into the death metal and grindcore side of things. At points during their completely battering and relentless assault upon your senses they seem to be channeling vintage Cannibal Corpse and Cryptopsy. Besides the evolved songwriting, a large part of this is new drummer Zach Gibson, who more than fills the shoes of original drummer Cory Grady.



With increased complexity, will come detractors. As music becomes more complex, it takes more patience to fully understand and absorb. I think some may initially be somewhat let down, as is inevitably the case when a band releases a sophomore album after an amazing debut. I think however, for those who enjoy bands pushing extremes, "Miasma" is a very rewarding... and exhausting... experience. Some will even feel "Miasma" surpasses "Unhallowed".



Like Unhallowed, the record starts off with a great intro track that feeds into the real opener "I'm Charming", and from that explosion on, its clear that TBDM have upped the ante of brutality. The next few excellent tracks, "Flies", "Statutory Ape, and the albums first single "A Vulgar Picture" continue to decimate your senses with breakdowns, blast beats, solos and mind bending melodies swirling through the chaos.



I'm happy to say that Trevor Strnad's madman high screams and death growl trade offs are back in full force, which only tickles my nostalgia senses and reminds me of the glory years of Steer and Walker and Carcass. As a long time fan of extreme music, The Black Dahlia Murder, with their 2 fantastic releases, have moved into the realm of the greats of extreme music for me. They have a place among Carcass, Death, Morbid Angel, Napalm Death, Cryptopsy, Suffocation.



The Black Dahlia murder now move into my favorite release of 2005 category (at least until new Opeth)



And finally, as with all metal, PLAY IT LOUD!!!!"