Interviews

Brian Eschbach – THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER ‘TO A PRECIOUS OBLIVION’

Will Oakeshott

Mar 27, 2024

7 min read

“October 28th 2022 was a heavy day. We practiced for several days leading up to it, but nothing really prepares you for something like that.”

This is the wholeheartedly honest response Brian Eschbach from Michigan’s melodic death metal luminaries The Black Dahlia Murder provided when Wall Of Sound enquired about his unveiling as the new frontman. As is sorrowfully known throughout the heavy music universe, former vocalist and adored gentleman Trevor Strnad tragically passed away May 10^th of 2022. A truly unexpected and devastating event that left devotees worldwide, friends, family, loved ones and fellow musicians and artists distraught at the loss of the beloved and enigmatic god-like metal entertainer.

But what was to become of The Black Dahlia Murder?

After an extremely necessary prolonged time of grieving, the band announced that they will be carrying on out of respect for Trevor’s legacy, and with the grateful understanding that TBDM was bigger than the members themselves. In September of 2022, a stirring statement was issued that on October 28^th that year, The Black Dahlia Murder were to play a tribute show for Trevor Strnad in Detroit, and it would be the official launch of Brian as the new vocalist. As Mr. Eschbach recollects the performance, he describes an overpowering element of transcendence that comprehensively remains unforgettable.

“It was more of a spiritual experience for us and the people in attendance.” He illustrates dreamily – “It was surreal to experience the mixture of grief and celebration. Celebrating the life and work of Trevor and ours and being embraced as we took our first step forward without him. Overwhelming is an understatement. I tried to keep as busy as I could that day to not have to really stop and feel anything.”

From the shared footage of the memorable exhibition, the showcase was a distinguished triumph. A sold-out audience chanting “Trevor” numerous times throughout the celebration is unquestionably breathtaking and poetically emotional. Bassist Max Lavelle, drummer Alan Cassidy, guitarists Brandon Ellis and Ryan Knight and of course Brian deliver a powerful production, often holding a passionate gaze of gratitude to their fans for being present at their affectionate retrospective to their brother Trevor. Spectacularly each member performed with all their hearts, souls, and devotion to their admirers in a heroic showpiece. This was historic and beyond remarkable.

However, the footage only really puts the outsiders’ perspectives on display. It therefore plagued this writer to ask Mr. Eschbach how he felt walking out onto the Saint Andrew’s Hall stage with his new role as the voice of Black Dahlia?

“Awkward. That’s how it felt coming out and singing for the first time.” He answers in thoughtful reflection. “That crowd pulled me through it though. Once we were going up there, the energy was a bit intoxicating.”

What about the move to frontman? It is a pretty enormous step for any musician.

“I can’t say it isn’t fun. It’s just a totally different beast than playing guitar. I remember feeling naked at first without the guitar, but now I don’t even notice. What I have noticed is that my back is loving not wearing a guitar (laughs). The biggest challenge so far is drinking all that nasty tea to maintain my voice. Shit is nasty.”

Nasty tea aside, The Black Dahlia Murder are forging ahead just as Trevor and the heavy music world hoped they would. This momentum will see the quintet return to Australian shores in April with Liverpool’s extreme metal royalty Carcass for what is arguably one of the most anticipated co-headline extreme metal tours in Australia’s recent history. ‘Dahlia certainly have a strong affinity with “down under” so it felt essential to ask if this “anticipation” was shared?

“So stoked to come back and play for y’all.” Brian enthuses without hesitance. “We’re finally coming back after a lot of years and, well just a LOT. With Carcass! We couldn’t be more thrilled really. The craziest thing I ever saw was the $10 footlong at Subway.”

For those who are yet to undergo a dive into the five-piece’s past and character, TBDM are well-known for their wittiness and fun-loving attitude. A quick internet search of ‘Statutory Ape’ may help in the assistance of understanding their comedy, as believe it or not, there is a mascot for the cherished song. But will this manic monkey be making an appearance on and off the stages of the Great Southern Land?

“The Ape has made several appearances on our two tours in 2023, so I think it’s safe to assume yes on that.”

In a final notification of marvellous news, it was revealed in November 2023 that ‘Dahlia had entered the studio with long time producer and friend Mark Lewis to begin work on studio LP number 10. Undoubtedly this is a moving and miraculous prospect that possesses an immeasurable level of excitement and prominence; understandably an update was more than required.

“The album is mixed, mastered, and off to the presses for release this coming fall. Each of us (Brandon) Ellis, (Ryan) Knight, and myself wrote songs for this album so you will get a very Dahlia mix of riffs. The music has always been written before the lyrics in the Dahlia camp, so I think the music always has and always will set the tone for where the story goes.”

Will a new song be premiered in “The Lucky Country”?

“I’m sorry to disappoint, but we won’t be playing anything new until later this summer. We appreciate your patience in this matter.”

The Black Dahlia Murder will never forget their brother and “Shepherd of good times” Trevor Strnad and their continuous love for him is magnified, especially by those who were lucky enough to be in his presence. There is a very fitting portrayal of him the band crafted that reads: “it was his life to be your show”.

So let’s give Trevor Strnad our collective eternal thanks together.

Interview by Will Oakeshott @TeenWolfWill

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