Abysmal
The Black Dahlia Murder · 2015
37 min · 10 tracks · melodic death metal
A relentless barrage of intricate riffs and guttural vocals paired with haunting melodies that define the essence of melodic death metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Vlad, Son of the Dragon — This track stands out with its infectious rhythm and storytelling, drawing listeners into a narrative inspired by historical horror. Its energetic pace and memorable hooks exemplify the band’s ability to fuse melody with ferocity.
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Abysmal — The title track encapsulates the album's dark aesthetic, weaving intricate guitar work with chilling vocal delivery that reflects on themes of despair. Its dynamic shifts showcase the band's skill in crafting engaging musical landscapes.
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Threat Level No. 3 — This song features relentless drumming and rapid-fire guitar riffs, representing a high point in the album's intensity. Its aggressive energy and clever lyrical content resonate strongly within the context of modern societal fears.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and skilled execution, though it remains within familiar genre boundaries.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of rapid tempo changes, with tracks alternating between blast beats and slower, melodic sections.
- Guttural vocals are layered over intricate guitar riffs, often employing harmonized leads that create a haunting atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements and ambient interludes, which serve to enhance the darker themes present in the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo intensity
- immersive auditory descent
- relentless riff-driven experience
- dark thematic exploration
- focused listening commitment
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, upbeat tracks
- prefer melodic softness
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2015, Abysmal marked The Black Dahlia Murder's seventh studio album during a period of growing recognition within the melodic death metal scene. Following their previous album, Everblack, which showcased their established sound, this release further solidified their reputation for technical prowess and engaging lyricism.
- Stylistic neighbors
- At the Gates· Soilwork· In Flames
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Receipt 4:02
- 2 Vlad, Son of the Dragon 2:56
- 3 Abysmal 3:41
- 4 Re‐Faced 3:50
- 5 Threat Level No. 3 3:46
- 6 The Fog 3:50
- 7 Stygiophobic 3:14
- 8 Asylum 3:38
- 9 The Advent 3:41
- 10 That Cannot Die Which Eternally Is Dead 4:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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