Originally written by Jason Jordan.
Is it just me, or are bands releasing shorter albums these days…and getting away with it? I mean, Miasma only reaches the thirty-three minute mark by way of ten songs. At any rate, The Black Dahlia Murder are on the verge of loosening the chains on their sophomore record, which again finds its home with Metal Blade Records. Those who choose to berate the band probably characterize them as metalcore, while those who fancy the quintet most likely pigeonhole them as melodic death. But, no matter which descriptor(s) Miasma adheres to, it’s blatantly obvious that the aforementioned is just all right.
With the advent of The Agony Scene – newcomers to Roadrunner Records – comparisons to The Black Dahlia Murder are inevitable. The latter are much more brutal (in a liberal sense), but they both share similar traits. The vocals are in the same vein, and the music carries a modern feel that can be attributed to the ritzy production. These metallers don’t rely on metalcore vox all the time, however. Though the predominant vocalizations are of the metalcore persuasion, death growls do traipse about intermittently. As was the case with Unhallowed, the group’s debut, the music is fast, riddled with double-bass, and isn’t energetic enough to upstage efforts by their peers.
Short records are a pet peeve of mine (unless they’re singles, EP’s, etc.), so Miasma is actually akin to downing a shot: it gets the job done, but it’s not something to be savored or cherished. Numerous tracks zip by in a mere three or four minutes, sans the introduction and the title track that functions as the caboose. Anyhow, it’s not as if the current opus by The Black Dahlia Murder is devoid of nod-inducing songs. The most potent recommendation, in my humble opinion, is “Vice Campaign” – it is straight to the point, volatile, and chock full of polished aggression.
Needless to say, I’m positive Metal Blade Records struck gold by signing The Black Dahlia Murder, and I’m obligated to confess that the aforesaid do fairly well in the quality department. The above label does have more impressive bands frequenting the stores though, and you probably thought of at least one before I even finished this sentence. I’ve been lauding Losa recently. So kill me.
