The Black Dahlia Murder

 I've been slacking on the updating of my concert journal, time to get back on track!

The Black Dahlia Murder, one of the few newer Melodic Death Metal bands that have escaped the cookie cutter sound that has emerged in the past decade or so. My friend Darrell and I saw them on March 30th with Skeletonwitch and Nile (there was also some other band that sucked, I forgot their name) at The Complex.

After the terrible opening act, the Blackened Thrash Metal band Skeletonwitch took the stage. I had heard of Skeletonwitch but had never listened to their music. I must say I was completely blown away by their originality and force. I instantly became a fan and can't wait for them to come back, hopefully they'll be headlining when they do return so they can play a longer set Skeletonwitch - Bringers Of Death This music video makes no sense but I love it. Human sized stuffed animals and Zombies fight to the death over the band.

Skeletonwitch

Up next on the bill was the band Nile. I was really surprised that they were not the headliners because they have been around far longer than The Black Dahlia Murder. But for whatever reason they were openers. Their style of Egyptian themed Death Metal has given them a lot of popularity, but is pretty repetitive. I have one of their albums and that is enough for me, only a few songs really stick out to me. Darrell and I noticed that the drummer REALLY enjoys the cymbals on his kit, he goes crazy on them. I'd see them again though if they came with other bands I enjoy, they were fairly entertaining, and got the crowd moving violently. Nile - Black Seeds Of Vengeance

Nile

The Black Dahlia Murder

Finally The Black Dahlia Murder comes out. They honestly look like a bunch of tattooed comic book nerds... and that is really what they are. They would not be out of place at Comic Con, but they just happen to be in a Death Metal band. They are great live performers, this was the 3rd time I've seen them and I'm always excited to see them again. Now the singer of the band waves his free hand around all crazy and in weird motions, its very dramatic and is quite fun to watch. But I once read an interview where he was asked why he waves his hand so wildly. His response was he liked to think that he was casting a spell on the crowd and moved his hand to affect everyone in attendance. Perhaps he is casting spells... Each album debuts higher on the Billboard 200 list than the previous, and their popularity has seemed to grow substantially since I first saw them at Mayhem Fest 2009, and every time I see them I become more of a fan. Sounds like magic to me... or a hardworking band... but we'll let the singer think it's magic. The Black Dahlia Murder - What A Horrible Night For A Curse

The Black Dahlia Murder