Whitechapel - Self Titled

Whitechapel have been one of the innovators and pioneers of the 'Deathcore' scene and have done so with consistency for quite a few years now. This new album I feel is them trying to branch out from that genre and become known not just for breakdowns and moshpit anthems. They've tried something different here and it works, a mature sounding Whitechapel with some of their best work to date. If you didn't like Whitechapel before, this album probably won't change your mind. Why? Because it's not like they've completely started from scratch again, they've just added a few new ideas which I think have played off quite well.

I wasn't expecting a piano intro when I first put this CD on, then after about thirty seconds you hear an incredible guitar riff that makes you feel quite satisfied. A very good way to start off the album with this track 'Make It Bleed' because it kind of gives you a sneak peak at their new and evolved sound and sets you up for the rest of your listening. One of the standout tracks is the second song 'Hate Creation' because of the catchy riff at the start. A riff that you don't want to go away, but it does, then it comes back! Whitechapel's signature heaviness is all over this song and it makes for a very strong start to the album.

There are solos, not something you'd find all over their previous 3 albums. They've blended in some modern use of 'djent' guitar sounds, but they've done it wisely. Not one track sounds like you've already heard it before when listening to this album, which is great. Phil Bozeman has added some more range to his vocal itinerary making him even more of a standout frontman in the world of Metal music. The lyrics are straight to the point and memorable, with some well-structured choruses as you will find in songs such as 'Faces' and 'Section 8'. They are probably one of the only bands I can think of in the genre who keep getting better with each album. The shortness of the album (being only nine songs and one instrumental) isn't necessarily a bad thing either; it makes each track stand out more and leaving very little room for filler. The production on this album is top notch, with every instrument shining through along with Phil's incredibly heavy vocals. Evolve is probably the best word to describe 'Whitechapel'. Don't worry; the breakdowns are still there for you fans of their earlier work. But the breakdowns here just sound so much better placed and they don't take over the whole album. They've also incorporated more of a 'groove metal' sound here, mostly made famous by 'Pantera' and more recently 'Lamb Of God'.

A self-titled album usually is the defining one. It's pretty much the soundtrack of the band and it can incorporate past, present and future sounds. Whitechapel have created an album that will separate them from all the other Deathcore bands, I don't think they are ashamed of the genre at all by the way. It's always great to see a band evolve and try different things here and there and not only make it sound good but have it become their best work to date. This album will be remembered as the defining moment for Whitechapel in the future. I already look forward to hearing what they can come up with on their next offering.

8.5/10