Concert Review: The Black Dahlia Murder & Whitechapel “Nightbringers/This is Exile” Tour

“Nightbringers / This Is Exile Tour 2018”
Whitechapel, The Black Dahlia Murder, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Aversions Crown, Shadow of Intent
Wednesday, June 13th, 2018
Montage Music Hall, Rochester, NY

Our score: 5 out of 5 stars

Death Metal staples The Black Dahlia Murder and Whitechapel made a stop in Rochester, NY with special guests Shadow of Intent, Aversions Crown, and Fleshgod Apocalypse as part of a co-headlining tour which has the tours headliners each performing a selected album in full from start to finish

With the rarity of both headliners playing each of these albums (Nightbringers/This Is Exhile) in their entirety it was well before the first notes rang out that those in attendance knew they were in for a treat. Shadow of Intent opened up the evening with a brief yet ferocious set which was the perfect catalyst the evening ahead. Aversions Crown would follow performing tracks from their new album including the song “The Breeding Process.” Standout Italian metallers Fleshgod Apocalypse were a welcomed breath of fresh air which helped diversify the bill. Drummer David Falchitto was an absolute show stealer throughout the set especially on the song “The Violation.” If you have never checked out this band before defiantly give them a listen.

The Black Dahlia Murder would hit the stage next where they proceeded to rip through their latest album “Nightbringers”. Highlighting the set were songs such as “Catacomb Hecatomb” and “The Lonely Deceased”. Longtime fans worry not, as the band did sprinkle in a few classic ragers including “Everything Went Black” and “Deathmask Divine.” The Black Dahlia Murder continues to execute their live sets masterfully earning them status as a modern death metal powerhouse. Whitechapel would close out the night with a full performance of their second album “This Is Exile”. The universe imploded when vocalist Phil Bozeman and crew unleashed the crushing “Possession” which fueled the bands momentum as they continued on through the night. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical upon first hearing the band was performing this album in whole. However, it transitioned very well live and the band delivered on all levels.

This tour is an absolute must see for fans of Whitechapel and The Black Dahlia Murder. Fans of modern death metal, metal-core, and slam will not be disappointed as the package has a little something for everyone so if the tour is in your town I highly suggest you check it out!

The Black Dahlia Set List:

1.) Widowmaker
2.) Of God and Serpent, Of Spectre and Snake
3.) Matriarch
4.) Nightbringers
5.) Jars
6.) Kings of the Nightworld
7.) Catacomb/Hecatomb
8.) As Good As Dead
9.) The Lonely Deceased

Whitechapel Set List

1.) Father of Lies
2.) This Is Exile
3.) Possession
4.) To All That Are Dead
5.) Exalt
6.) Somatically Incorrect
7.) Death Becomes Him
8.) Daemon (The Procreated)
9.) Eternal Refuge
10.) Of Legions
11.) Messiahabolical

CD Review: Whitechapel “Our Endless War”

“Our Endless War”
Whitechapel
Metal Blade Records
Produced by: Mark Lewis
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Returning with the fifth full-length of their decimating career, there is no stopping the juggernaut that is Whitechapel. The album titled “Our Endless War” is the culmination of everything the band from Knoxville, TN has worked toward since their inception in 2006. The album is being released via Metal Blade Records and features 12 ruthless tracks produced by Mark Lewis.

The newest album from Whitechapel is everything you have come to love about the band while taking it a step further. The group has forged new ground with this release elevating them to the next level of heavy metal music mastery. From the albums opening instrumental track “Rise” which subtlety builds before giving way to the album’s explosive title track “Our Endless War” which is instantly kicked into gear by singer Phil Bozeman’s guttural vocals. The album features some really great instrumentation which I felt showcased each of the members the bands growth as musicians.

Probably my favorite track off the release is the track titled “The Saw is the Law” as it features a pounding rhythm section and fast paced, demonic like vocal rants that instantly grab your attention. Other notable tracks were “Psychopathy” which features an intro ala Ozzy Osbourne’s “Diary of a Madman” while one of the albums bonus tracks titled “Fall of the Hypocrites” is about as heavy as you can get as the songs shear power could literally blasts you across the room when turned up load enough.

Track Listing:
1.) Rise
2.) Our Endless War
3.) The Saw is the Law
4.) Mono
5.) Let Me Burn
6.) Worship the Digital Age
7.) How Times Have Changed
8.) Psychopathy
9.) Blacked Out
10.) Diggs Road
11.) A Process so Familiar (Bonus Track)
12.) Fall of Hypocrites (Bonus Track)