Reviews list for Whitechapel - The Somatic Defilement (2007)

Although the kind of deathcore I prefer is when bands perform the genre with progressive (Veil of Maya, Born of Osiris) and symphonic (Lorna Shore, Make Them Suffer) elements, the heavier standard deathcore has spawned a few better bands of that kind. It's quite interesting, considering they're named after basically murder central for the infamous Jack the Ripper. Of course, what makes this band more suitable for me is their recent alt-/prog metal material, which we'll get to as my review journey goes on...

You can expect positive reviews from open-minded critics, but you can also expect scathing negative reviews from pure metalheads who want nothing to do with deathcore since Job for a Cowboy at that time. However, Whitechapel is not as horrible as those people think, and even their least awesome yet still great debut proves it!

The Somatic Defilement begins with a spooky horror intro "Necrotizing" as the deathcore drumming rises. Then rolling in is the crushing title track, non-stop brutal fury until the one-minute orchestral outro. The intro riff in "Devirgination Studies" stands out, along with eerie ambience in the breakdown midway through. Another intro riff stands out in  "Prostatic Fluid Asphyxiation", though not as much as in the previous track.

There's more of an earlier blackened death metal influence in "Fairy Fay". Continuing on, a breakdown and soloing harmonies are combined in "Ear to Ear" that make that song one of the highlights here, and prove that 3 guitars don't spoil the broth. Starting "Alone In The Morgue" is another standout riff.

You can hear a bit of grindcore in the suitably shorter and furious "Festering Fiesta". The death metal side of the band "Vicer Exciser" is more brutal, worth moshing along to the beat. The vocal layers work the best in the 4-minute closing track "Articulo Mortis", especially at the end when vocalist Phil Bozeman says "And then you rot" in both his high screams and low growls before fading into feedback. Ain't that a spine-chilling way to end!

If you're up for the more deathly side of The Revolution clan, The Somatic Defilement has gory yet unique lyrics based on the legend in which its hometown would inspire the band's name, and an extreme sound without ever going experimental or progressive. See? This solid brand of deathcore is never as disappointing as you would believe....

Favorites: "The Somatic Defilement", "Devirgination Studies", "Ear to Ear", "Alone In The Morgue", "Articulo Mortis"