Knoxville, Tenn., deathcore group Whitechapel has released its fourth studio album, "Whitechapel," under Metal Blade Records.
The band, which is known and revered for its fervent tempo and all-around brutal style of metal, stayed true to form on this album and delivered one of the year’s heaviest showings to date.
From the opening track, "Make it Bleed," listeners know they are getting a dose of the same with a pinch of the new from Whitechapel, and this notion adequately summarizes the album as a whole.
"Make it Bleed" begins with a beautifully composed piano intro that builds into a signature Whitechapel tune. Heavy extended-range guitars are met with a drum beat that can only be described as ferocious and, after vocalist Phil Bozeman joins the party with his signature guttural vocal style, the track is off.
In typical Whitchapel fashion, it has its share of tempo changes and breakdowns, but the theme of brutality remains for the track’s duration. The track is heavy, and it is fast. Most importantly, though, it is expertly crafted.
On previous Whitechapel releases like "This is Exile" and "A New Era of Corruption," I sometimes felt the group would ramble and meander through tracks, lost in a sea of blast beats and detuned chugging guitars.
"Whitechapel," however, delivers something different at this compositional level. Tracks on this release have distinct sections that never seem to carry on for too long a welcome change from the band.
Similarly, breakdowns and choruses are hit at just the right times, and this creates a listening experience that is gratifying and pleasant (or at least as pleasant as extreme metal can be).
Sticking with this theme of planned craftsmanship, "Whitechapel" closes the final track, "Possibilities of an Impossible Existence," with the same piano composition that opened the CD. This serves to bring the album full circle, and it is an excellent way to cool off after the intense ride that Whitechapel so graciously provided.
The latest self-titled release by Whitechapel is the best constructed of the band’s four studio efforts, and it is a great addition to the group’s catalog.
While previous albums from the Tennessee natives left me entertained but a bit disappointed and craving more, "Whitechapel" serves as a huge step forward for the group and is a downright satisfying listening experience.
For those wanting a CD that is excellently produced, heavy and pedal-to-the-metal, "Whitechapel" is the ticket to happiness.
Be the first to comment on this article!
Click here to leave a comment