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The Black Dahlia Murder formed in 2001 in Waterford, Michigan. Known for their intense sound and energetic performances, the band has released ten studio albums, including Nocturnal, Ritual, Nightbringers, and Servitude. Their music has made significant impacts on the death metal genre, characterized by fast tempos, melodic elements, and aggressive vocals. Throughout their career, The Black Dahlia Murder has seen numerous lineup changes but has consistently maintained a strong presence in the metal scene, touring extensively and gaining a dedicated fan base. Following the death of founding vocalist Trevor Strnad in 2022, founding guitarist Brian Eschbach moved to lead vocals and former guitarist Ryan Knight returned to the band. The group remained active in 2026.
Brian Eschbach
Brian Eschbach, a founding member of The Black Dahlia Murder, played rhythm guitar and contributed backing vocals from the band’s formation until 2022. Following the death of Trevor Strnad, Eschbach moved from guitar to lead vocals as the band decided to continue. He made his recorded debut as the band’s lead vocalist and lyricist on Servitude in 2024. Eschbach has appeared on all of the band’s studio albums and has contributed significantly to its songwriting and overall sound.
Max Lavelle
Max Lavelle joined The Black Dahlia Murder as the bassist in 2012. He first appeared on the album Everblack in 2013 and has been a part of every subsequent studio release through Servitude. His heavy and precise bass lines have added depth to the band’s sound. Before joining The Black Dahlia Murder, Lavelle played in bands including Despised Icon.
Alan Cassidy
Alan Cassidy became the drummer for The Black Dahlia Murder in 2012, following his work with Abigail Williams. His technical skill and speed were first showcased on the band’s 2013 album Everblack, and he has since remained an integral part of their rhythm section, contributing through Servitude.
Ryan Knight
Ryan Knight first joined The Black Dahlia Murder as a guitarist in 2008 and remained with the band until 2016. He played on albums including Deflorate, Ritual, Everblack, and Abysmal, contributing technical skill and melodic guitar work to some of the band’s most acclaimed releases. Following Trevor Strnad’s death in 2022, Knight returned to the band when Brian Eschbach moved from guitar to lead vocals. Knight then appeared on Servitude in 2024 and remained part of the band in 2026.
Current Touring Member
Wes Hauch
Wes Hauch joined The Black Dahlia Murder’s live lineup as a touring guitarist in 2025 following Brandon Ellis’s departure. Brian Eschbach introduced Hauch ahead of the band’s 2025 festival appearances and said fans could expect to see him performing with the group for the foreseeable future. Hauch is also known for his work with Alluvial and The Faceless.
Past Members
Trevor Strnad
Trevor Strnad was the iconic lead vocalist and a founding member of The Black Dahlia Murder from 2001 until his death in 2022. His unique vocal style and deep involvement in writing the band’s lyrics defined much of their thematic and artistic output. Strnad performed on the band’s first nine studio albums, from Unhallowed through Verminous.
Brandon Ellis
Brandon Ellis joined The Black Dahlia Murder as lead guitarist in 2016 after Ryan Knight’s departure. He made his recording debut with the band on the 2017 album Nightbringers and also contributed heavily to Verminous and Servitude as a guitarist, songwriter, recording engineer, and producer. Ellis announced his departure from The Black Dahlia Murder in February 2025 after nine years with the band.
John Deering
John Deering played guitar during the earliest stage of The Black Dahlia Murder from 2001 to 2002. He was part of the band before its Metal Blade debut but left before the recording and release of Unhallowed.
Mike Schepman
Mike Schepman was one of The Black Dahlia Murder’s earliest bassists in 2001. His tenure came during the band’s formative period before its first full-length album, and he did not appear on the major studio releases that followed.
Cory Grady
Cory Grady was The Black Dahlia Murder’s original drummer and remained with the group from 2001 until 2004. He played drums on the band’s 2003 debut album, Unhallowed, before leaving during the band’s early career.
Sean Gauvreau
Sean Gauvreau played bass with The Black Dahlia Murder from 2001 to 2002 during the band’s early demo and EP period. He left before the recording of the band’s 2003 debut album, Unhallowed.
John Kempainen
John Kempainen joined The Black Dahlia Murder as lead guitarist in 2002 and remained with the band until 2008. He played on Unhallowed, Miasma, and Nocturnal, contributing important lead guitar work during the band’s rise through the melodic death metal scene.
David Lock
David Lock was The Black Dahlia Murder’s bassist from 2002 until 2005. He played bass on both Unhallowed and Miasma, making him part of the lineups behind the band’s first two studio albums.
Ryan “Bart” Williams
Ryan “Bart” Williams began touring with The Black Dahlia Murder in the mid-2000s and became the band’s full-time bassist, remaining with the group until 2012. He performed on albums including Nocturnal, Deflorate, and Ritual. Williams also worked as an engineer on The Black Dahlia Murder recordings and continued contributing to the band’s studio work after leaving the touring lineup.
Zach Gibson
Zach Gibson was The Black Dahlia Murder’s drummer during 2004 and 2005. He played drums on the band’s second studio album, Miasma, before departing later in 2005.
Pierre Langlois
Pierre Langlois played drums briefly with The Black Dahlia Murder in 2006. His tenure came between Zach Gibson and Shannon Lucas, and he did not appear on one of the band’s full-length studio albums.
Shannon Lucas
Shannon Lucas was the drummer for The Black Dahlia Murder from 2007 to 2012. He was featured on albums including Nocturnal, Deflorate, and Ritual. His technical prowess and aggressive drumming style were crucial during his tenure.
Mahlon Orrin
Mahlon Orrin was one of several bassists who played with The Black Dahlia Murder during the band’s formative 2001 period. His brief tenure took place before the group established the lineup that would record its debut album.
Mark Ratay
Mark Ratay also played bass with The Black Dahlia Murder during the band’s early 2001 period. Like several other early bassists, his time with the group came before the band’s first full-length studio release.
Joe Boccuto
Joe Boccuto played bass with The Black Dahlia Murder during part of 2003. He stepped into the touring lineup during a period of personnel changes following the release of Unhallowed.
Former Touring Members
Anthony Ezzi
Anthony Ezzi of Arson temporarily handled lead vocals for The Black Dahlia Murder during part of the band’s 2003 touring schedule when Trevor Strnad was temporarily absent from the lineup. Ezzi’s role was a short-term touring position rather than permanent membership.
Tony Laureano
Tony Laureano, known for his work with bands including Nile and Dimmu Borgir, performed live drums with The Black Dahlia Murder during part of 2005 while the band was moving between permanent drummers.
Kevin Talley
Kevin Talley served as a touring drummer for The Black Dahlia Murder during part of 2006. His time with the group came during the transition between the Miasma and Nocturnal album lineups.
Matthew Paulazzo
Matthew Paulazzo performed as a touring drummer with The Black Dahlia Murder during selected shows in 2017, filling in for Alan Cassidy.
Guy Kozowyk
Guy Kozowyk of The Red Chord temporarily filled in on lead vocals for The Black Dahlia Murder at two festival appearances in May 2025 when Brian Eschbach was unable to perform because of personal circumstances. Eschbach returned to the band afterward.
Read More: Complete List Of The Black Dahlia Murder Albums And Discography
Read More: Top 10 The Black Dahlia Murder Songs
Updated August 26, 2026.
Complete List Of The Black Dahlia Murder Band Members article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026
