Name: Miasma
Brand: Metal Blade
SKU: 204332
Price: 14.16 USD
Availability: InStock

Miasma

Rating

Performer Notes

Personnel: Amber Blankenship (cello).
Additional personnel: Garret Gross, Randy Vanderbilt (background vocals); Amber Blankenship.
Audio Mixers: Andreas Lars Magnusson; Eric Rachel.
Recording information: Planet Red Studios, Richmond, VA (03/2005).
Author: Metal Maniacs.
Photographer: Jamey Erickson.
Unknown Contributor Roles: John Kempainen; David Lock; Brian Eschbach.
Though The Black Dahlia Murder's soaring twin-guitar leads, neo-classical, shred-influenced harmonic sensibility, and black-metal sense of high drama might suggest a Scandinavian heritage, the group is actually from Detroit, Michigan. The band's Midwestern roots do show, however, in its muscular, punkish rhythmic drive and Ted Nugent-style swagger. "Built For Sin" in particular showcases the combo's mastery of the aforementioned harmonized six-string attack, often sounding like a Florida death metal band jamming with Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force. The cleverly titled "Statutory Ape" is as wild as its name suggests, bringing a furious hardcore-like throb to its gothic horrorscapes. "A Vulgar Picture" is tough thrash with a gritty Motorhead-like sweat-and-leather feel. A bracing listen from start to finish, MIASMA delivers a uniquely American take on black metal.