Whitechapel | Brand of Sacrifice | 200 Stab Wounds | Alluvial | Hymns in Dissonance Tour | House of Blues

Friday, March 28th - Currently crushing their way across North America, Knoxville, Tennessee native deathcore titans Whitechapel headlined the House of Blues Chicago on Sunday night, supported by none other than deathcore heavyweights Brand of Sacrifice, along with death metal 200 Stab Wounds and Alluvial tasked with kicking things off. The full 25 date four band lineup run across the US kicked off on March 18th in Raleigh, NC and will finish up April 19th in Atlanta, GA. With the line to get in the venue wrapping around the building and spanning across the Dearborn bridge above the river, it was evident tonight would be a packed house with extremely limited tickets remaining. The House of Blues Chicago, located at 329 N. Dearborn Street in the Marina City complex, is a premier live music venue noted for its unique blend of Southern-inspired architecture and cutting-edge amenities. Situated alongside the Chicago River, House of Blues Chicago is conveniently located for both locals and visitors. Its central position in the Marina City complex places it within walking distance of numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions in downtown Chicago. As a member of the renowned House of Blues franchise, this facility provides an eclectic cultural experience that includes live music, dining, and private event hosting. The venue's design is inspired by Prague's Estavovski Opera House, which features a multi-level Music Hall with ten opera boxes and a large collection of folk art. This blend of a Mississippi Delta juke joint ambiance with classical opera house components offers a one-of-a-kind and intimate concert experience for attendees. House of Blues Chicago spans approximately 55,000 square feet and encompasses multiple distinct spaces:

Music Hall - The centerpiece of the venue, the tri-level Music Hall, can accommodate up to 1,800 guests for live performances. Equipped with a cutting-edge sound system and a spacious dance floor, it serves as the primary location for concerts and large gatherings.
Restaurant & Bar - This vibrant 4,120-square-foot area offers Southern-inspired cuisine amidst walls decorated with original bas-relief portraits of blues legends. It can host receptions for up to 400 guests or seated events for 250, making it suitable for various social and corporate functions.
Foundation Room - An upscale, exclusive space designed for intimate gatherings, the Foundation Room features a built-in stage, advanced sound system, ambient lighting, and a full-service bar. Its sophisticated setting is ideal for private parties, meetings, and special events.

House of Blues Chicago offers a comprehensive range of amenities to enhance the event experience:

Culinary Offerings - Customizable menus featuring Southern-inspired dishes, craft beer selections, and specialty cocktails.
Entertainment and Production - Access to world-class musical entertainment, full-service event production, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.
Event Enhancements - Options for experiential branding, video mapping, interactive entertainment, and customized décor to personalize events.

The venue hosts a diverse array of events, including private concerts, corporate gatherings, social celebrations, and unique weddings. One of its signature offerings is the weekly "Gospel Brunch," combining live gospel performances with a Southern-style buffet, providing guests with a distinctive cultural and culinary experience. For those interested in VIP experiences, the Foundation Room offers memberships that include benefits such as priority access, personal concierge service, premium seating, and exclusive events.

Courtesy of House of Blues Chicago

Biography

Alluvial is an American progressive death metal band known for its technical prowess, atmospheric compositions, and crushing brutality. The band was initially formed in 2016 by guitarists Keith Merrow and Wes Hauch, both highly respected musicians in the extreme metal and progressive metal communities. Merrow, known for his work as a solo artist and with "Conquering Dystopia," and Hauch, formerly of "The Faceless," sought to create a technical yet emotionally resonant metal project. Their goal was to blend elements of death metal, progressive metal, and ambient textures into a cohesive and dynamic sound. Alluvial released their debut instrumental album, "The Deep Longing for Annihilation," in 2017. This release garnered the band significant attention, with tracks like "Colony" amassing substantial streams and establishing the band's presence in the metal scene. After the release of the debut album, Keith Merrow left Alluvial, leaving Wes Hauch to take full control of the band’s direction. Rather than continuing as an instrumental project, Hauch recruited a full band lineup and introduced vocals into the mix, drastically shifting Alluvial’s sound toward progressive death metal with blackened and groove metal influences. In 2018, guitarist Wes Hauch began writing songs for what would become their sophomore album, "Sarcoma," which would be released in 2021. Recognizing the potential to broaden their sound, Hauch brought on vocalist Kevin Muller, formerly of "Suffocation." Muller's inclusion added a new layer to Alluvial's sound, transforming them from an instrumental group to a full-fledged band featuring potent vocal dynamics. Today's lineup of the band consists of: Kevin Muller – Vocals, Wes Hauch – Guitar and Vocals, Tim Walker – Bass & Zach Dean – Drums. After the release of "Sarcoma," Alluvial began gaining a strong following in the extreme metal scene, touring with bands like Rivers of Nihil, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Fallujah. Their live performances have been noted for their tight musicianship and intense energy, with Kevin Muller’s vocals being particularly powerful in a live setting. Alluvial's music digs into dark subjects, probing the intricacies of human existence and emotion. Their sound can be described as a blend of technical death metal, blackened death metal, progressive metal, and groove metal, with a strong emphasis on atmospheric elements drawing inspiration from bands like Death, Gojira, as well as performers like Opeth & The Faceless. The resulting mix produces a distinct auditory experience that balances brutality and melody. Alluvial signed with Nuclear Blast Records in 2021, marking a big milestone for the band as it joined a label renowned for its metal roster. This collaboration enabled the release of "Sarcoma" and boosted their exposure in the global metal scene. Alluvial continues to push the boundaries of their genre, delivering music that is both technically accomplished and emotionally engaging. Their path exemplifies a commitment to artistic progress and a thorough examination of the human condition via the prism of metal.

Review

The band's opening song, "Exponent," immediately hooked the audience. The track's proficient guitar work and shifting tempos displayed their technical prowess, creating a powerful atmosphere for the evening. The band maintained a high intensity level when they transitioned to "Thy Underling." The song's challenging rhythms and powerful vocals demonstrated their technical proficiency and stage presence. The title track from their 2021 album "Sarcoma" provided a melodic yet forceful presence to the stage. Its impassioned solos and atmospheric layers resonated well with the audience, displaying the band's ability to combine savagery and melody. "The Putrid Sunrise" delivered unrelenting aggression, with rapid drumming and ferocious vocals. The band's strong performance kept the audience interested, culminating in a thunderous breakdown. Introducing material from their 2024 EP Death Is But A Door, "Area Code" showcased Alluvial's evolution. The song's groove-laden riffs and dynamic shifts were performed with precision, reflecting their progressive tendencies. Continuing with another track from the EP, "Fogbelt" immersed the audience in a deep, atmospheric soundtrack. The haunting melodies and multilayered instruments demonstrated the band's variability and depth. Alluvial's performance of "Bog Dweller," which concluded the set, left an impressive impression. The song's intricate arrangements and impassioned delivery perfectly captured the band's journey, leaving the audience wanting more.

Biography

200 Stab Wounds is a death metal band from Cleveland, Ohio that formed in 2019. The band quickly became known in the underground metal community for its brutal, old-school death metal sound, which was reminiscent of genre pioneers like Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, and Dying Fetus. From the beginning, 200 Stab Wounds distinguished themselves by combining brutal death metal with groove-driven riffs, ferocious blast beats, and horror-inspired lyrical themes. The bands lineup consists of: Steve Buhl – Vocals & Guitar, Lance Buckley – Guitar, Ezra Cook – Bass & Evan Linger – Drums. Drawing from influences such as Morbid Angel, Bolt Thrower, and Obituary, the band aimed to create a punishingly heavy sound that paid homage to classic death metal while injecting their own modern aggression. 200 Stab Wounds gained a lot of attention in the underground community after releasing their 2020 demo "Piles of Festering Decomposition." The demo, which included raw production and brutal content, was well-received by death metal enthusiasts and helped generate anticipation for their debut full-length album. Tracks like "Drilling Your Head" and "Tow Rope Around the Throat" showcased their relentless intensity, earning them a growing fanbase and critical praise for their uncompromisingly heavy sound. The band's momentum led to a deal with Maggot Stomp Records, a label known for cultivating the new wave of brutal death metal acts. Under Maggot Stomp, 200 Stab Wounds released their debut full-length album, "Slave to the Scalpel", in November 2021. The album delivered a relentless onslaught of heavy, chugging riffs and guttural vocals, quickly becoming a favorite among death metal fans. It also solidified 200 Stab Wounds as one of the rising names in the underground scene. The album's old-school death metal sound mixed with a modern brutality earned comparisons to bands like Undeath and Sanguisugabogg. Following the album’s release, the band embarked on extensive touring, playing alongside death metal heavyweights such as Cannibal Corpse, Gatecreeper, and Frozen Soul. Their intense live performances, filled with aggressive stage presence and non-stop headbanging, helped elevate their reputation. In 2022, 200 Stab Wounds announced that they had signed with Metal Blade Records, a legendary label that has supported some of metal's finest groups, including Slayer, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Amon Amarth. Their debut song under Metal Blade, "Masters of Morbidity," was released in 2022 and displayed a more refined sound while maintaining their distinctive savagery. The song's pounding riffs and relentless energy demonstrated the band's continuous evolution while remaining true to their classic death metal roots. During this time, the band also went on high-profile tours, performing alongside bands like Dying Fetus, Obituary, and Cattle Decapitation. Their appearances at major metal festivals reinforced their growing notoriety. 200 Stab Wounds' ascension in the death metal world continued in early 2024 with the publication of their latest EP, "Masters of Morbidity," which was followed by significant touring. Their performances have remained a highlight, with bone-crushing versions of fan favorites such as "Fatal Reality," "Defiled Gestation," and "Gross Abuse." The band's ability to combine groove-heavy breakdowns with relentless speed and aggression has propelled them to the forefront of the new wave of death metal. Fans are eagerly anticipating a second full-length album, which is reported to be in the works at Metal Blade Records. Although still a relatively new band, 200 Stab Wounds has made a significant impact on the modern death metal scene. Their dedication to relentless brutality, combined with their ability to deliver energetic and crushing live performances, has positioned them as one of the leaders of the genre’s new wave. As they continue to tour and work on new material, their future in the death metal world looks promising, with the potential to become a major force in extreme music.

Review

Opening the set with "Hands of Eternity," the band immediately captivated the audience. This track, known for its relentless riffs and intricate solos, set a powerful tone for the evening. Following up with "Masters of Morbidity," the band maintained the intensity. The song's complex rhythms and aggressive vocals showcased their technical prowess and stage presence. "Fatal Reality" created a dynamic shift with its fast tempo shifts and violent breakdowns. The audience responded with intense enthusiasm, heightening the song's power. "Defiled Gestation" delved into darker themes, with haunting melodies interwoven with crushing heaviness, and the band's tight execution emphasized their cohesiveness and musicality. "Drilling Your Head" would feature a relentless pace and visceral lyrics that intensified the atmosphere. The band's synergy was evident as they delivered this fan favorite with precision. "Gross Abuse" stood out with its groove-laden riffs and infectious rhythms. The audience's enthusiastic response underscored its status as a standout in the setlist. Revisiting earlier material, the raw energy and unfiltered aggression of "She Was Already Dead" resonated with long-time fans, showcasing the band's evolution. With its provocative title and intense instrumentation, "Phallic Filth" delivered a performance that was both confrontational and captivating. The unsettling themes of "Skin Milk" were matched by dissonant chords and complex rhythms, creating a haunting live experience. Concluding the set, "Tow Rope Around The Throat" encapsulated the band's signature sound—combining technical skill with raw power—leaving the audience thoroughly satisfied with what they had just witnessed.

Biography

Brand of Sacrifice is a Canadian deathcore band that formed in 2018 in Toronto, Ontario. The band was founded by guitarist Michael Leo Valeri and vocalist Kyle Anderson, who had previously collaborated in the progressive metalcore band The Afterimage. They created Brand of Sacrifice to push musical boundaries and embrace a more extreme sound, blending elements of brutal death metal, deathcore, and orchestral compositions. The band's name and theme are inspired by Kentaro Miura's dark fantasy comic Berserk. Many of their songs and album concepts are based on the manga's powerful, violent, and emotive storytelling, which sets them apart from other deathcore artists. Brand of Sacrifice's debut EP, "The Interstice," was released in 2019, shortly after the band debuted. This five-track EP established their unique style, a relentless blend of brutal deathcore, technical guitar work, symphonic themes, and sci-fi/horror-inspired synths. "Eclipse" and "Crimson" featured Anderson's immense guttural vocals against Valeri's intricate, down-tuned guitar lines. The EP gained popularity in the underground metal scene, leading to opening gigs for bands such as Shadow of Intent, Within Destruction, and Lorna Shore. Later in 2019, Brand of Sacrifice signed with Unique Leader Records and released their first full-length album, "God Hand." This album improved the band's combination of severe brutality with dramatic soundscapes, with breakdowns, blast beats, and symphonic backdrops. "God Hand" received tremendous recognition for its creativity and sheer heaviness. The album debuted on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart, establishing the band as one of the most promising new talents in deathcore. Following the success of God Hand, Brand of Sacrifice took their sound to the next level with their sophomore album, Lifeblood, released in 2021 through Blood Blast Distribution. This album saw the band incorporating even more symphonic elements, cinematic soundscapes, and electronic textures while maintaining their brutal core. Lifeblood also featured high-profile guest appearances from: Ben Duerr (Shadow of Intent) on "Vengeance", Frankie Palmeri (Emmure) on "Prophecy" & Eric Vanlerberghe (I Prevail) on "Foe of the Inhuman". The album debuted at #1 on the iTunes Metal Charts and was widely regarded as one of the best deathcore albums of the year. Their live performances became known for their high-energy delivery, immersive stage visuals, and relentless brutality. In 2022, the band collaborated with We Came As Romans on the song "Darkbloom (Reimagined)", further expanding their reach beyond deathcore audiences. In 2023, Brand of Sacrifice released their EP Between Death and Dreams, marking a further evolution in their sound. This release featured a mix of their signature brutality with even more refined melodic and electronic influences. The EP demonstrated that Brand of Sacrifice was not afraid to experiment while maintaining their reputation as one of the heaviest bands in modern metal. Brand of Sacrifice has already left a massive mark on the deathcore scene in their short 6yr career. Their innovative approach to extreme metal, blending orchestral elements with unrelenting brutality, continues to set them apart from their peers. The band continues to tour heavily, tease new material, and evolve their sound, making them one of the most exciting modern deathcore acts.

Review

Serving as the opening track, "Dawn" set a foreboding atmosphere with its haunting melodies and orchestral elements, effectively drawing the audience into the band's brutal soundscape. Following up, "Demon King" intensified the energy with relentless blast beats and guttural vocals. The crowd responded with fervent moshing, mirroring the song's aggressive tempo. "Lifeblood" showcased the band's technical prowess, featuring intricate guitar work and dynamic tempo shifts. The live rendition emphasized the song's layered composition, resonating strongly with fans. Introducing a melodic undercurrent, "Altered Eyes" balanced brutality with harmony. The atmospheric synths complemented the crushing riffs, creating a captivating live experience. A standout performance, "Exodus" blended symphonic elements with deathcore intensity. The orchestral backdrops added depth, while the band's synchronized stage presence amplified the song's impact. "Purge" delivered unrelenting aggression, with rapid-fire drumming and ferocious vocals. The band's tight execution kept the audience engaged, culminating in a climactic breakdown that shook the venue. "Blinded" offered a moment of groove amidst the chaos, with headbang-inducing rhythms and catchy riffs. The crowd's enthusiastic response highlighted its appeal as a live staple. Debuting a new, unreleased track, the band provided a glimpse into their evolving sound. The song featured complex arrangements and showcased their willingness to push genre boundaries, leaving fans eager for its official release. A nod to their earlier work, "Charlotte" resonated with long-time fans. Its punishing breakdowns and visceral lyrics were delivered with raw intensity, demonstrating the band's consistent ferocity. "Millennium" and its apocalyptic themes were brought to life through atmospheric lighting and stage effects. The synergy between the visual elements and the music created an immersive experience. Closing the set, "Eclipse" combined melodic passages with crushing heaviness. The band's emotive performance left a lasting impression, ending the night on a high note. Throughout the performance, frontman Kyle Anderson's commanding presence and interaction with the audience enhanced the show's intensity. The band's cohesion and energy translated their studio recordings into a visceral live experience, solidifying their reputation as a formidable force in the deathcore scene.

Biography

Whitechapel is an American deathcore band that formed in 2006 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The band was formed by Phil Bozeman (vocals), Ben Savage (lead guitar), Alex Wade (rhythm guitar), and Brandon Cagle. They then recruited Gabe Crisp (bass) and Derek Martin (drums) to complete the group. The band's name is derived from the Whitechapel region of London, which is famed for being where Jack the Ripper committed his murders. This dark and violent inspiration echoed the band's initial themes of brutality, pain, and nihilism. From the beginning, Whitechapel distinguished itself from other deathcore bands by employing a three-guitar attack, which allowed them to create layered harmonies, crushing breakdowns, and an immense wall of sound. Whitechapel's debut album, "The Somatic Defilement," was released in 2007 on Siege of Amida Records. This album exhibits a brutal deathcore style that was greatly influenced by bands like Suffocation and Cannibal Corpse, with lyrics about Jack the Ripper's crimes as well as themes of gore, pain, and violence. Although the album did not achieve mainstream success, it garnered underground notoriety and helped establish Whitechapel as a major influence in deathcore. After signing with Metal Blade Records, Whitechapel released their second album, "This Is Exile," in 2008. This album was their breakthrough moment, entering at #118 on the Billboard 200 chart—an unusual success for a deathcore band at the time. With the release of "This Is Exile," Whitechapel began extensive touring, sharing stages with bands like Job for a Cowboy, Suicide Silence, and The Black Dahlia Murder. Whitechapel's 2010 album "A New Era of Corruption" saw band experiment with their sound, introducing groovier riffs and atmospheric elements. The album opened at #43 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating their expanding mainstream appeal. During this era, Whitechapel played major festivals like Mayhem Festival and Summer Slaughter, further solidifying their reputation as one of the biggest names in deathcore. In 2012, Whitechapel released their self-titled album, "Whitechapel," which marked a significant shift in their sound. While still rooted in deathcore, the album introduced more groove and melodic elements, influenced by bands like Pantera and Gojira. In 2014, "Our Endless War" pushed their evolution further. While some deathcore purists were skeptical of the band's shift towards groove-oriented metal, the album became one of their most commercially successful releases, debuting at #10 on the Billboard 200. Whitechapel continued to evolve with "Mark of the Blade" (2016), which featured clean vocals for the first time on tunes such as "Bring Me Home". However, their most ambitious work came in 2019 with "The Valley," an album profoundly steeped in Bozeman's personal trauma and childhood memories. This album featured more emotional depth, mixing melody, ambiance, and savagery flawlessly. "The Valley" received widespread critical acclaim, proving that Whitechapel could expand beyond deathcore while maintaining their heaviness. In 2021, Whitechapel released "Kin," which further expanded on the clean vocal elements introduced in The Valley. This album saw Bozeman experimenting with more storytelling-driven lyrics, creating an emotional yet heavy experience. "Kin" proved that Whitechapel was no longer just a deathcore band—they had become a fully-fledged, genre-bending force in modern metal. Now in 2025 the band has released their latest offering "Hymns In Dissonance". Following their exploration of melodic and progressive elements in previous albums like "The Valley" and "Kin," this record re-embraces the relentless brutality that initially defined their sound. Thematically, "Hymns in Dissonance" is a concept album that delves into the narrative of a demonic cult leader's quest for transcendence. Vocalist Phil Bozeman explained that the album's title serves as a "mockery of the true nature of what hymns are," with each track representing the seven deadly sins. This dark storyline is conveyed through intense instrumentation and Bozeman's powerful vocal delivery. Critics have lauded the album for its uncompromising heaviness and intricate composition. No Clean Singing described it as "ridiculously, almost obnoxiously, heavy," highlighting its dense and menacing nature. Guitarist Alex Wade emphasized the band's intention to create their heaviest album to date, stating, "We wanted to put out something that was shockingly menacing and brutal". Whitechapel remains one of the most influential forces in deathcore, paving the way for the genre’s growth while constantly evolving. They have influenced countless modern bands and continue to sell out tours worldwide.

Review

Whitechapel's live performance delivered an intense and dynamic setlist, showcasing their evolution in the deathcore genre. Kicking off the set with "Prisoner 666" immediately set a dark and aggressive tone, engaging the audience with its relentless riffs and Phil Bozeman's commanding vocals. The title track from their latest album "Hymns in Dissonance" demonstrated the band's return to their heavier roots, blending old-school and melodic death metal elements. Critics have noted that songs like this "dig their claws into old-school and melodic death metal more convincingly than ever before." "Brimstone" was up next, this song's crushing breakdowns and eerie atmosphere translated powerfully live, maintaining the set's intensity. The haunting melodies combined with the brutal instrumentation of "A Blood Soaked Symphony" showcased the band's ability to balance aggression with musicality. Performed with raw energy, "Forgiveness is Weakness" had the crowd even more fired up. This track's fast-paced riffs and relentless drumming kept the momentum high. A fan favorite, "I, Dementia" with its groove-laden riffs and memorable chorus elicited a strong response from the crowd. Described as "manifestly heavier than anything the band have written in the past," the live rendition of " A Visceral Retch" was a highlight, delivering sheer brutality. Infected with "the demonic theatricality of black metal," "Hate Cult Ritual" added a sinister edge to the performance, showcasing the band's versatility. A nod to their earlier work, "Prostatic Fluid Asphyxiation" and its unrelenting pace and guttural vocals resonated with long-time fans. "Possession" featuring haunting intro and dynamic shifts kept the audience captivated, highlighting the band's songwriting prowess. A classic in their repertoire, "This Is Exile" ignited the crowd, reaffirming its status as a staple in their live shows. The emotive delivery and atmospheric elements of "Let Me Burn" provided a brief yet impactful change of pace. The anthemic chorus and powerful instrumentation of "Our Endless War" made for a commanding performance, uniting the audience in a headbanging frenzy. Closing the main set with "The Saw Is The Law" ensured the energy remained high, leaving the crowd eager for more, which they would get. An encore of haunting "Doom Woods" provided a memorable conclusion, its atmospheric buildup leaving a lasting impression. Whitechapel's performance effectively bridged their past and present, delivering a set that satisfied long-time fans and showcased their ongoing evolution. The face melting tracks from their latest masterpiece "Hymns in Dissonance" highlighted their return to a heavier sound, while the inclusion of classic songs ensured a comprehensive representation of their musical journey.