The Black Dahlia Murder has released the official music video for the song “Utopia Black”. The fiery new tune comes off the band’s tenth studio album, “Servitude”, which came out on September 27 via Metal Blade Records.
With the tragic passing of the band’s frontman and co-founder Trevor Strnadin 2022, guitarist Brian Eschbach, bassist Max Lavelle, drummer Alan Cassidy , and producer/guitarist Brandon Ellis were faced with a decision: close the door on one of the most beloved death metal bands of the last twenty years, or carry on in their fallen brother’s charismatic spirit?
The members of The Black Dahlia Murder knew that some would be skeptical of an album without Trevor’s inimitable presence. But many fans have already embraced the band’s decision to move forward.
“More than pressures or expectations from the fanbase, I feel their trust and support,” Ellis says. “We’ve always done what we do for them, and they’ve appreciated our consistency over the years. The global outcry following Trevor’s passing has shown us how important the band’s music has been to so many people, and how important it is that we continue in his honor. Under all that weight, I think we all knew what needed to be done.”
“We put in everything we had, and this is the album that felt right to make,” he adds. “I’m proud of it and proud of the five of us. You can never please everybody, but I know that this music will be a healing and positive force for those who embrace it!“
The guitars, bass, and vocals for “Servitude” were recorded at Ellis’ home studio in New Jersey. The drums were recorded by Mark Lewis in Nashville, Tennessee where the album was also mixed. “Servitude” was mastered by Ted Jensen.
“Servitude” was released on digipak CD, cassette, and digital formats as well as vinyl, and can be ordered in the following color variants and special editions:
- Electromagnetic (US)
- Rising Smoke (US)
- Transcosmic Blue (US)
- Endless Tide (US)
- Utopian Black (US)
- Cursed Creation (US – Exclusive Band Tour Variant)
- Limited Edition Box Set *w/ Ephemeral vinyl variant and a bonus LP that Includes 3 Live Tracks (US – Ltd. 400 / EU – Ltd. 600)
- 180g Black (EU)
- Bloody Pulp (EU – Ltd. 1000)
- Nature’s Grain (Impericon Exclusive – Ltd. 300)
- Blood Spray (EMP Exclusive – Ltd. 200)
- Stone Cold (EU – Ltd. 200)
- Lost Nobility (UK – Ltd. 300)
“Servitude” Track Listing:
- Evening Ephemeral
- Panic Hysteric
- Aftermath
- Cursed Creator
- An Intermission
- Asserting Dominion
- Servitude
- Mammoth’s Hand
- Transcosmic Blueprint
- Utopia Black