The Black Dahlia Murder

Detroit’s the Black Dahlia Murder, named for the infamous 1947 slaying of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short, aka the Black Dahlia, actually sounds like they should live in Scandinavia, whence originates much of the frenetic brand of death and black metal that inspires them. Formed in January 2001, the group followed their six-song What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse demo with the four-track A Cold-Blooded Epitaph EP, which was released on their own Lovelost Records. With a number of acclaimed concerts appearances like the Milwaukee Metal Fest already under their belts, the group -- comprised of vocalist Trevor Strnad, guitarists Brian Eschbach and Jon Kemppainen, bassist David Lock, and drummer Cory Grady -- then signed with Metal Blade in 2003 and were soon recording their debut album, Unhallowed. 2005’s Miasma and 2007’s Nocturnal kept death metal as the group’s foundation, though the band began exhibiting an increasingly melodic streak that came to fruition on 2009’s brutal, but majestic Deflorate. ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide