What I thought started off as a metal and noisecore outfit has transformed into a Satanic extreme metal riot, complete with gore-infested lyrics, black metal influence and just plain insanity.

This is what best describes The Black Dahlia Murder's new album, Nocturnal. The album is as complex as it is unholy and as devastating on the ears as it is the other senses. Amidst the barrage of blast beats, lyrics are as such: “They shall hunt/The smell of blood excites the nostrils at first cut/The sanguinary worship of red spraying punctures/A sight so divine/Clutching her carcass face frozen in time/A distorted dialect for the draining of veins/ To the flooding of bed sheets with sick crimson rain.” Much like the forefathers of goregrind, Carcass, The Black Dahlia Murder still somehow manages to rhyme their sickening lyrics. Drummer Shannon Lucas (ex-All That Remains) make his debut on this release and it is ungodly. Vocals from Trevor Strnad are varied in extreme styles, but he mostly screeches over the twisting and turning attack. Some melodic guitar melodies, coupled with the evil imagery give a strong Slayer vibe, but this is not necessarily for an average Slayer fan.

As a metal fan, be forewarned. You must be extremely adept in the era of modern extreme metal to fully appreciate or even tolerate Nocturnal. The Black Dahlia Murder offers so much that it's easy to get lost in the wall of noise and jackhammering. I am most definitely a fan of death and extreme metal. Some of my favorite acts include Morbid Angel, Carcass, Deicide and Obituary, but I even found it hard to follow much of Nocturnal. Those bands are on a level that few others can touch. The Black Dahlia Murder is completely on a level of its own. I'm just not sure if it's good or bad. If you were a fan before, then you will be rejoicing with Nocturnal (or maybe vomiting; I'm not sure what would make the band happier). If not, then stick to what you know because you'll only be frustrated and confused with this album.