Rock Music Critic

	Black Dahlia Murder, The
	Unhallowed

	The Black Dahlia Murder takes their name from a grisly 1947 murder case that was never solved. The Black Dahlia Murder hail from my home state of Michigan, from the stinking cesspool that is Detroit. The CD was recorded in Redford, Michigan, even closer to home. Alas, Michigan is no longer home, but it's nice to have the occasional reminder that home is still out there. Their bio draws comparisons to At The Gates, Dissection, and Carcass. So far these seem like pretty good comparisons. The music definitely has a taste of Swedish death going on. Vocally it combines the mid-high Swedish death screech with the low American death growl to nice effect. The production on this is nice, sounds pretty good. It isn't muddy sounding like so many bad death albums can be. That's one thing that always bothers me about a CD. While this is a technically proficient album, and it sounds really good, it really isn't breaking any new ground. I'm not trying to speak poorly of this CD, it's a good CD, but if you are looking for something new and innovative in the metal world this is not your album. They could really improve things by varying the dynamics a little so it's not always the same. On the other hand, if what you want is good, brutal, melodic death metal in a classic time proven style, I expect you will like this CD. I give them bonus points for sounding like they do while coming from Detroit; Their style is very European to be originating from such an American urban setting. Then again, this is also their first album, so for a first album this is certainly no slouch. Maybe with a little more experience under their belt they will take some chances and try some new tricks. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for their next release.
TRACKLIST: Unhallowed Funeral Thirst Elder Misanthropy Contagion When the Last Grave Has Emptied Thy Horror Cosmic The Blackest Incarnation Hymn for the Wretched Closed Casket Reqiuem Apex