What makes Nightbringers by The Black Dahlia Murder notable?

Nightbringers debuted at number 28 on the Billboard 200 chart, signifying a strong commercial performance. The album received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its technical proficiency and thematic depth, further cementing The Black Dahlia Murder's status as a leading force within the metal genre. Released in 2017, Nightbringers is The Black Dahlia Murder's seventh studio album, marking a continuation of their established sound following the critically acclaimed Abysmal from 2015. By this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the melodic death metal scene, with Nightbringers showcasing their evolution while maintaining the intensity fans had come to expect.

Who is Nightbringers for?

Nightbringers works well if you're into ferocious riffs energize listeners, haunting melodies for reflection and exploration of horror themes.

How many songs are on Nightbringers?

Nightbringers has 9 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Nightbringers

The Black Dahlia Murder · 2017

33 min · 9 tracks · melodic death metal

A relentless onslaught of melodic riffs and guttural growls, weaving intricate tales of darkness and despair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nightbringers — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its dynamic shifts between aggression and melody, showcasing the band's signature style while introducing new elements.
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Matriarch — This track features intricate guitar work and haunting lyrics that explore themes of power and femininity, reflecting the album's darker motifs.
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Of God and Serpent, of Spectre and Snake — This song stands out for its complex arrangements and philosophical lyrics, illustrating the band's lyrical depth while maintaining a frenetic pace.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong technical execution and thematic depth, though it follows established genre conventions.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
Each song features complex guitar work with layered melodies and harmonies, often alternating between aggressive riffs and melodic interludes.
Vocals switch between guttural growls and higher screams, creating a dynamic contrast that enhances the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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

ferocious riffs energize listeners
haunting melodies for reflection
exploration of horror themes

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
seek lighthearted listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2017, Nightbringers is The Black Dahlia Murder's seventh studio album, marking a continuation of their established sound following the critically acclaimed Abysmal from 2015. By this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the melodic death metal scene, with Nightbringers showcasing their evolution while maintaining the intensity fans had come to expect.
Stylistic neighbors: At the Gates· Soilwork· In Flames