Whitechapel, the Tennessee-based deathcore band, has once again pushed the boundaries of their genre with their latest release, Hymns in Dissonance due to be released on 7th March, 2025 via Metal Blade Records. Known for their relentless brutality and technical prowess, Whitechapel has established themselves as a formidable force in the metal world. However, with this new album, they have ventured into uncharted territories, exploring complex themes and intricate musical compositions that challenge both themselves and their fans.
Hymns in Dissonance is an ambitious project that showcases Whitechapel’s growth as musicians and their willingness to experiment. The album features a fusion of deathcore, progressive metal, and melodic elements, creating a dissonant yet harmonious experience. The production quality is top-notch, with a polished sound that allows each instrument to shine while maintaining the raw intensity that fans have come to expect.
Guitarist Alex Wade explains:
No holds barred; there is nothing nice about HID, from the riffs to the lyrics to the overall vibe of the album. We attempted to write our heaviest album to date. We wanted to put out something that was shockingly menacing and brutal. The album follows the story of a cultist who is gathering worthy people to his cult and there are moments in the storyline where the cult followers are singing an evil hymn to open a portal for the head cultist to enter.
Phil Bozeman adds:
Hymns in Dissonance is a mockery of the true nature of what hymns are. Hymns are melodious and harmonious. Dissonance is the opposite of melody and harmony. Dissonance represents evil. The tracks on the record are the hymns, which represent the seven deadly sins, beginning from Track 3 to Track 10. Tracks one and two are the introduction.
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A common theme throughout the record is the sheer brutality of it. Hymns in Dissonance opens with “Prisoner 666” which just screams early Whitechapel meets modern approaches. Breakdowns everywhere with intense blast beats and ominous grooves. The title track however is beyond explosive and pummels you into submission. The title track is a masterclass in musical complexity. The song transitions seamlessly between ferociously unrelenting speed and crushing breakdowns, showcasing the band’s versatility. The dissonant chords and intricate rhythms create a sense of unease that lingers throughout. Tracks such as “Diabolic Slumber” and “The Abysmal Gospel” draw inspiration from early Whitechapel once again, complete with earth-shattering breakdowns, melodeath guitar riffs and scorching guitar solos. “A Visceral Retch” focuses on spiraling death metal riffs and rampaging deathcore elements with rapid-fire drumming and ridiculous face-melting breakdowns whilst alternating between venomous goblin screams and hellish growls.
The closest thing you will get to a reprieve from the brutality is the “Ex Infernis” instrumental at the halfway point. However, don’t expect it to be all butterflies and roses as it capitalises on the uneasy, sinister nature and themes of a demonic cult. Ritualistic, evil and literally rising from the bowels of hell, it flows seamlessly into the furious “Hate Cult Ritual” complete with chant-worthy choruses, intricate guitar solos and blistering blast-beats. The closing chapter of the record focuses on chugging groove and trudging, mid-tempo stomps accompanied by ominous, slamming guitar tones and thunderous attitude. “Mammoth God” stands out in particular with its dark and melodic opening guitar riff, rhythmical stomps and a killer guitar solo. As with any Whitechapel record, it closes with an artistic epic soundscape; “Nothing Is Coming For Any Of Us” is both beautiful and incredibly unsettling which serves as an apt conclusion to a thematically evil record.
Whitechapel has delivered a powerful and thought-provoking record that cements their status as one of the most innovative and influential bands in the metal scene today. Tackling themes of evil cults, the seven deadly sins and demonic rituals on a backdrop of blistering guitars, devastating breakdowns and furious intensity, Hymns in Dissonance is a testament to Whitechapel’s evolution and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their music. The album is a challenging and rewarding listen that will leave a lasting impression on both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
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Hymns In Dissonance is out on March 7th
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