The Black Dahlia Murder are officially working on a new record, much to the joy of fans, and it’s the first with guitarist Brian Eschbach on vocals.
Of course, Eschbach is standing in for—but never replacing—the late, great, Trever Strnad after his untimely death. This will also be their first album with guitarst Ryan Knight since their record Abysmal in 2015.
The album was recorded by Mark Lewis, who has been working with the band on records since 2007. Drummer Alan Cassidy announced the new record on Instagram.
“Literally just finished drums for [The Black Dahlia Murder] ALBUM X (10) and number 5 for me and to say I’m exhausted is an understatement. So pumped for you all to hear it. Very proud of what we’ve written and it is some of my favorite stuff we’ve done so far. I wish Trev could hear it because I think he’d be just as proud and excited if not more so.
“Huge thank you to [Mark Lewis] for recording and housing us all for the last 2 weeks and working his ass off making sure that these drums sounded nothing short of amazing. Very much looking forward to this and everything else to come in 2024.”
The band announced in 2022 that they will continue as an active band following Strnad’s death with the new lineup.
“We spent many days thinking things like, ‘Is this over?’ None of us wanted it to be over. We still feel like there is a lot left to do. I know Trevor would keep this band going if I went down a deep, dark path and weren’t here. It’s bigger than us. When we finally started talking about it, we thought, ‘Let’s remake it from within and see if Ryan wants to return. And I’ll take a crack on the vocals and see how it goes.’ I can’t go out there and do Trevor’s voice or try to be him. I can only execute the music of the Black Dahlia Murder with respect and try to do it the most justice I can. I’ve heard Trevor perform more than anyone else alive.”
Fans can’t wait to hear this new record, and while it will never replace the work Strnad did with the band, it’s still an exciting and healing chapter for the band moving forward.
