Whitechapel, the Knoxville, Tennessee-born metal juggernaut, continues to be a powerhouse in the modern metal scene. With a new album on the horizon, a co-headlining tour celebrating a classic record, and a recent lineup change, 2024 promises to be a year of exciting developments for the band.
A New Drummer and a Return to the Studio
In late 2022, Whitechapel announced the departure of longtime drummer Ben Savage. While the reasons for his exit remain private, the band wasted no time finding a replacement. Enter Brandon Zackey, the powerhouse drummer from deathcore outfit Enterprise Earth. Zackey’s arrival injects a new energy into the band, and his technical prowess is sure to be on display on their upcoming album.
Speaking of the album, Whitechapel confirmed in February 2024 that they’re currently in the studio with guitarist Zach Householder, who also produced their 2010 record “A New Era of Corruption.” This marks a return to a familiar collaborator and potentially hints at a return to a slightly rawer sound compared to their recent efforts. With frontman Phil Bozeman previously stating the album will explore his childhood and his mother’s struggles, fans can expect a thematically personal and potentially emotional offering.
Celebrating a Decade of “This Is Exile”
Beyond the studio, Whitechapel has a unique tour planned for this summer. They’ll be co-headlining a North American run with fellow metal titans The Black Dahlia Murder. The twist? Both bands will be performing iconic albums in their entirety. Whitechapel will be bringing the brutality of their 2014 release “This Is Exile” back to life, celebrating a decade since the album’s initial impact. This co-headlining tour promises a night of nostalgia and face-melting metal for fans of both bands.
A Legacy of Evolution
Formed in 2006, Whitechapel quickly rose to prominence as one of the leading forces in the deathcore scene. Their early albums, like “The Somatic Defilement” (2007) and “This Is Exile,” were known for their punishing breakdowns, guttural vocals, and relentless brutality. However, over the years, the band has displayed a willingness to evolve, incorporating melodic elements and even progressive influences into their sound. Albums like “Kin” (2021) showcased a newfound maturity and willingness to experiment, while still retaining their signature intensity.
What Lies Ahead for Whitechapel?
With a new drummer, a highly anticipated album in the works, and a unique tour celebrating a past milestone, Whitechapel seems poised for a multifaceted and exciting year. Here’s what fans can look forward to:
- A New Album: The upcoming album, produced by guitarist Zach Householder, promises a return to a potentially rawer sound while exploring personal themes.
- The “This Is Exile” Anniversary Tour: Witnessing Whitechapel perform this landmark album in its entirety alongside The Black Dahlia Murder’s set promises an unforgettable live experience.
- Continued Evolution: Whitechapel’s willingness to experiment with their sound suggests their future releases could be even more diverse and unpredictable.
One thing’s for certain: Whitechapel remains a band unafraid to push boundaries and challenge expectations. With a new chapter about to unfold, fans can expect them to continue delivering music that is both brutal and thought-provoking.
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