Whitechapel: This Is Exile
Released: July 08th, 2008
Label: Metal Blade
Band Website:www.whitechapelmetal.com

Review by Nathan Dufour

Okay kids, lets do some math. Whitechapel formed in 2006. This is the year 2008 and yet, somehow these lads must have been shredding since, well, approximately the last time Jack The Ripper killed some poor sap in London. Whitechapel is the name of that inner city area, and Whitechapel is the name of one of the most brilliant bands to emerge from the deathcore quagmire, ever.

Being somewhat of an anomaly within modern metal, Whitechapel are definitely deserving the hype that has been heaved upon them like the merciless punch of Mike Tyson after he remembers how bad his childhood was. From the very first note of "This Is Exile," any discerning listener will instantly know that they are in for a full-on, no holds barred, grinding metal assault of positively gargantuan proportion. With no less than three, yes three, guitarists in tow, tracks flow together with the subtlety of a head on collision. Groove entwines itself awkwardly with the almighty blast, vocals dance and weave serpentine between intricate bass work all backed by drumming that does not let up. Also, Jonny Fay, who produced this album, should be commended. In spite of the busy aspects of the form, each instrument comes forward with a crystal clarity, which inevitably leads to more funny math from music geeks wondering what the hell time signature just roared past them into the stratosphere. A stunning display of musicianship and foresight, eschewing conventions of the ?core tag in favor of a true hybrid form of battery. Stunning.

Never lagging for a minute, after the first spin of "This Is Exile" I can guarantee that you will want more. Expect big things from Whitechapel. Maybe another guitar?

Visit Whitechapel's official website: www.whitechapelmetal.com