Whenever you hear the term ‘crossover’ you instantly think of Suicidal Tendencies and DRI clad skateboarding west coasters punking it up. The Black Dahlia Murder is possibly the best example of modern memory of a ‘crossover’ band; crossing over generations rather than Thrash and Punk however. Few bands have ever been able to bridge the gap between the old school Death Metallers and the new breed of van wearing trucker cap sporting extreme Metal fans in quite the same way as The Black Dahlia Murder. Which has lead to hostility from those extreme Metal heads who sit out of the periphery who still believe there is no school like the old school; so will album number four go away way to swaying their entrenched attitudes?

Well in a word, No! ‘Deflorate’ is a continuation of the formula that has seen the band rise from genre wannabees to genre leaders, well in popularity and press coverage at least. The album is a relative Pandora’s Box; once opened you’re in for a hell of a time. The 33 minutes that follow are a barrage of Death Metal of such ferocity it’s hard to take a breath between body blows. The At The Gates influences that have been so prevalent throughout the bands earlier works are again displayed in an abundance and while some would have you believe this is something to be ashamed of, TBDM are having none of it but rather revelling in the old school heritage.

Much of ‘Deforate’ has a familiar sound and feel to it, and while the band have gone for a more outright vicious sounding approach, leaving the more melodic interludes at a real premium, you do feel at times you’ve heard this somewhere before. This being where I think the bands biggest dividing point comes for fans and non-fans alike. Those on the side who see the band as the best thing since sliced bread would have you believe the bands re-interpretation of the classic sounds is mark of respect to everything that has gone before but with a 2009 twist. Then there are those who see it as nothing more than a lack of originality, and to be fair neither is actually wrong in their assertions.

There is a very much a ‘been here done that’ feel about not just this record but all the bands releases. Taking influences from the likes of Carcass, At The Gates amongst others will do that to your music. Yet it is hard to deny the vitality of the albums impact and craftsmanship. The riffs are pulsating, the drumming relentless and Trevor Strnad’s vocals, while often maligned has become trademark and he puts in another sterling performance. In the cold light of day any fan of Swedish Death Metal or any old school Death Metal if they were to leave their prejudice at the door would enjoy ‘Deforate’, and if taken for what it is the album is well worth the time, what it will not do is re-define the world of Death Metal.