Whitechapel’s Hymns in Dissonance elevates their signature deathcore sound, seamlessly blending punishing grooves, haunting atmospheres, and razor-sharp technical precision. The album builds on the band’s established brutality while incorporating fresh elements that push their sonic boundaries further than ever before.
Opening with Prisoner 666, the album wastes no time setting an ominous tone. The track begins with eerie, sparse guitar strums, creating an unsettling tension before detonating into a maelstrom of thunderous drums and bold, chugging riffs reminiscent of their This Is Exile era. Phil Bozeman’s vocals fluctuate between guttural roars and higher-pitched shrieks, channeling pure aggression as the song’s relentless pacing pummels the listener. Technical solos weave in and out, adding layers of complexity to its ferocious return-to-form sound.
The title track, Hymns in Dissonance, turns the intensity up a notch with an onslaught of massive riffs, pummeling drums, and Bozeman’s raw, commanding vocal work. Dueling guitars inject a thrashy edge, amplifying the song’s urgency before culminating in a devastating breakdown that serves as the perfect climax.
Diabolic Slumber echoes the dark, unsettling aura of Prisoner 666, with eerie riff work and crushing, palm-muted chugs that anchor the song in pure sonic devastation. The track maintains a massive, almost apocalyptic vibe, accentuated by soaring, melodic solos that provide a contrast to the sheer brutality.
As the album progresses, A Visceral Retch pulls listeners into even darker territory. Dense, claustrophobic riffs and abyssal vocals create a suffocating sense of evil, the kind that seeps into every note. The track’s unrelenting ferocity is both hypnotic and overwhelming, solidifying its place as one of the album’s heaviest moments.
Ex Infernis builds upon this sinister atmosphere with bold, commanding rimshot-driven drum patterns that evoke the feeling of marching toward an inevitable battle. The guitars churn with an almost blackened quality, adding an extra layer of menace that makes this track stand out.
Shifting the mood slightly, Hate Cult Ritual introduces hypnotic, groove-laden riffs that slow things down without sacrificing intensity. The song’s darkly ritualistic feel is further enhanced by its dynamic shifts, keeping listeners engaged from start to finish.
The Abysmal Gospel reintroduces the slow, chug-heavy groove but incorporates tight, thrashy drum work that injects a powerful sense of momentum. The result is a track that feels both crushing and anthemic, evoking a hardcore energy reminiscent of Hatebreed’s unrelenting ferocity.
Keeping the heaviness dialed to eleven, Bedlam delivers precision-drilled drums, low-tuned bass, and suffocating riffs that leave no room for respite. Bozeman’s performance remains a force of nature, never relenting in his monstrous vocal assault.
Mammoth God offers a momentary shift in approach, slowing things down to create an atmosphere dripping with menace. The song’s haunting, brooding nature is underscored by restrained guitar work and fiery drum builds that eventually erupt into bursts of raw power. The track’s dynamic tension makes it one of the most memorable on the album.
Finally, Nothing Is Coming for Any of Us serves as a crushing finale, unleashing one last barrage of punishing heaviness. Featuring devastating breakdowns and a suffocatingly dense atmosphere, the track ensures the album closes on an appropriately brutal note, leaving no doubt about Whitechapel’s ability to maintain both intensity and cohesion throughout.
Ultimately, Hymns in Dissonance is a masterclass in modern deathcore, skillfully weaving together elements of groove, melody, and unrelenting aggression. Whitechapel has once again proven their ability to evolve while staying true to the raw power that has defined their sound, making this album an essential listen for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
RATING: 9.5/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Prisoner 666
.Hymns in Dissonance
A Visceral Retch
The Abysmal Gospel
Nothing Is Coming for Any of Us