

Whitechapel’s Hymns in Dissonance is a brutal and experimental journey through extreme metal, combining dissonant riffs and atmospheric heaviness. The band pushes the boundaries of their signature sound—crushing riffs and guttural vocals—by incorporating emotional depth and introspective moments, making this album one of their most complex and unique releases. Opening with Prisoner 666, the album immediately establishes its aggressive tone. The relentless guitar riffs and growls drag listeners into the band’s chaotic world, signaling their departure from the familiar. This track is a warning—Whitechapel is ready to experiment, and they’re not holding back. The title track, Hymns in Dissonance, blends heavy aggression with an eerie atmosphere. It mixes punishing riffs with unsettling moments at just over five minutes, creating a sonic rollercoaster. This track showcases the dissonance that defines the album, both musically and thematically. The raw intensity, juxtaposed with softer passages, immerses listeners in its bleak soundscape.
Diabolic Slumber is one of the slower tracks on the album, but don’t be fooled. The sludgy riffs are heavy, dragging you into a suffocating abyss. The pacing of this track builds tension, making the moments of intensity feel even more crushing. It’s a slow burn that leaves a lasting impact. A Visceral Retch is a chaotic, full-on assault. Fast and furious, it’s a perfect example of Whitechapel’s aggressive energy. The track stands out due to its technical precision—frantic but purposeful, it captures the band’s chaotic energy in its purest form. The accompanying video amplifies this intensity, enhancing the grotesque feel. Ex Infernis, meaning “From Hell,” delivers a punishing atmosphere with frenetic guitar work. This track embraces chaos, yet it’s far from random. A calculated intensity makes it one of the most aggressive tracks on the album, taking listeners on a brutal journey through madness.
Hate Cult Ritual invites listeners to embrace the darker side of human nature. The pounding guitars and frantic drumming create a ritualistic feel. The lyrics explore alienation and self-destruction, and the music mirrors these themes, with its intensity and hypnotic quality. It’s impossible to ignore. In The Abysmal Gospel, Whitechapel shows their emotional depth. While still heavy, this track carries a haunting quality, with a sense of loss and desperation woven into its atmosphere. The balance between melodic guitar work and harsh vocals adds emotional weight, making it one of the album’s most memorable moments. Bedlam lives up to its title with chaotic, unpredictable shifts in tempo and rhythm. The song’s instability mirrors internal turmoil, and its refusal to be easy to digest makes it compelling. The sense of madness that runs through it pulls the listener into its chaos.
Mammoth God delivers massive riffs and relentless rhythms that reflect the song’s themes of power, godhood, and self-destruction. It’s a bold track, building in intensity and leaving a sense of grandeur. The album closes with Nothing Is Coming for Any of Us, a somber, introspective track that encapsulates the nihilism running throughout the album. It’s slower pacing reinforces the sense of dread, leaving the listener with a haunting emptiness. Hymns in Dissonance is a bold step forward for Whitechapel. The band blends their trademark brutality with a more emotional, atmospheric approach, creating a complex and memorable album that pushes the limits of extreme metal. If you’re a genre fan, this is an album you won’t want to miss.