Identity, one of the most important aspects of truly establishing a following. Changing their formula with the polarising self titled record Whitechapel are no strangers to experimentation. Having released Our Endless War back in 2014 the band were beginning to refine their already somewhat iconic sound. Having celebrated their tenth anniversary performing a sense of identity is now more important than ever. Returning in 2016 with Mark of The Blade, Whitechapel state their claim as true pioneers of the Deathcore genre.
[tracklist]
- The Void
- Mark of The Blade
- Elitist Ones
- Bring Me Home
- Tremors
- A Killing Industry
- Tormented
- Brotherhood
- Dwell In The Shadows
- Venomous
- Decennium
[/tracklist][details]
[length]48:00[/length]
[record_label]Metal Blade[/record_label]
[release_date]June 24th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Not ones to shy away from experimentation Whitechapel are, despite their fairly closed genre tag very open minded. Understanding the necessity of each song within the context of the album enables the band have a broad understanding of the musical tapestry. Obvious target in the crosshairs “Bring Me Home” features clean singing. Often seen as somewhat of a cash in come cop out, the band aren’t dipping their toes into the radio friendly pool but branching out their sound. The metallic harmonies within the verse call for something brooding, not to mention Bozeman’s voice fits the part perfectly. Making the decision to push the boundaries of the band’s sound is applaudable.
An overall message of positivity lies throughout the album, “The Void” for example beckons the listener to join the band. Encapsulating the incredibly important ideology behind music as an escape. Carefully pieced together the single works fantastically despite its fairly routine verse, chorus, verse structure. Whitechapel still know how to kick up a fuss however, “Elitist Ones” taking aim at the kind of people we all know, every show has one, someone that directly believes their opinion is all governing. Musically the undisputed highlight lies within instrumental “Brotherhood” and its sister track “Dwell In The Shadows“. Beginning with clean guitar the instrumental tracks builds anticipation for carefully placed melodies making the best use of the band’s three guitar attack capitalising on their genius use of harmonies. Whereas the following track brings Bozeman into the mix once again proving just how vital the band sound at this stage in their career.
Despite their somewhat clunky beginning, Whitechapel have evolved into a streamlined, well oiled machine. The likes of “Tormented” will ensure that classic Whitechapel appetite is saited but it’s the evolution of the band that should be celebrated. “Venomous” once again brings the battering ram of riffs before the band’s potentially most poignant song yet, “Decennium“. Maturing through their tenth anniversary celebration the band are able to have more of a big picture view of a song as a whole. Ending the album with a somewhat unpredicted acoustic section along with chants and fantastic placeKent yet again of harmonies that rally the band. The edifical artwork sees the burden bearing blade coupled with the snake. Shedding the musical skin of their youth the band have now grown into their blades and have left potentially their most articulate, deadly and inspired mark yet.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Determined, exploratory and truly revolutionary, Whitechapel will usher in the new age for Deathcore. Rewriting their own blueprint the band have brought an album to light that eclipses all others in the genre.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up the brand new album here!
