Whitechapel, the deathcore darlings of Metal Blade Records, have certainly been busy since exploding on the scene about six years ago. This self-titled release is their fourth in that time span, and if you are a regular attendee of extreme metal concerts here in the US you've no doubt seen the band on countless bills the last few years. Whitechapel offers no real surprises from the bands formula, and doesn't differ a hell of a lot from what most deathcore acts are delivering (Carnifex, Job For a Cowboy, etc.), but damn if these guys just know how to create precise & brutal metal time and time again, which no doubt is one of the reasons for their popularity.
With 10 tracks filled with lethal growls, pulverizing guitar riffs, jackhammer drum blasts, and often times intricate arrangements that combine brutality with technicality, Whitechapel doesn't really let up for its near 40 minute length, despite a few brief moments of gentle piano or chilling atmosphere. For the most part things are cranked up to 11 and crashing full speed ahead! A tune such as "(Cult)uralist" contains all the elements that make this band so good, including crushing riffage, venemous vocals, and even some blazing lead guitar work. "I Dementia" surpisingly has a bit of groove to it (this is one of those rare extreme albums that you can actually hear the bass), and the breakdowns on "Section 8", "Make It Bleed" and "Hate Creation" are indeed massive. The band even throws in a tasty instrumental called "Devoid", which starts off with some piano before the brutal riffs and sweet lead guitar harmonies come into play, which then segues into the album closer "Possibilities of an Impossible Existence", a real grinding number that almost sounds like those Polish giants Vadar.
Production wise Whitechapel is pretty top notch, as all the instruments and vocals are well placed in the mix and crystal clear, with emphasis on the brutal riffs. Though the deathcore scene is pretty stale right now and it's rare that any bands break through with something really unique and exciting, Whitechapel are one of the few acts who stand out from the pack. No, there's nothing groundbreaking here, and a few of these songs have that 'samey' feel to them, but the band play with such power and conviction that you have to give them loads of props for delivering metal this kick ass. Good, solid album from a hard working metal machine.
Track Listing
1. Make It Bleed 4:12
2. Hate Creation 3:28
3. (Cult)uralist 3:42
4. I Dementia 4:43
5. Section 8 4:26
6. Faces 3:12
7. Dead Silence 4:38
8. The Night Remains 2:58
9. Devoid 2:50
10. Possibilities of an Impossible Existence 4:00
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