Back home in Tennessee for their 9th annual Christmas show, Whitechapel delivered a ferocious performance at Marathon Music Works as part of their Tennessee Takeover tour. The headlining act was supported by Gates to Hell, Peeling Flesh, and Sanguisugabogg, creating an unforgettable lineup of relentless brutality. The tour spanned Chattanooga, Nashville, and culminated in a completely sold-out show in Knoxville. The current lineup—Phil Bozeman (vocals), Alex Wade, Ben Savage, Zach Householder (guitars), Brandon Zackey (drums), and Gabe Crisp (bass)—demonstrated why they remain a dominant force in modern metal. Before Whitechapel even took the stage, the anticipation was intense, with the crowd chanting their name in unison. When they opened with “This Is Exile” from their album This Is Exile, it was like a bomb went off in the room. Bozeman’s guttural vocals tore through the venue, commanding the crowd with raw intensity, while the triple-guitar attack created a wall of sound that was both crushing and hypnotic, sending the mosh pit into a frenzy.
As the set progressed, Whitechapel showcased their signature blend of technical precision and raw emotional delivery. They performed with a perfect balance of chaos and beauty, with each member contributing to the relentless energy that filled the room. The ninth song, a brand-new track titled “Hymns in Dissonance,” was a standout moment. Introducing it as a preview of their upcoming 2025 material and the title of their announced spring tour, the band gave fans a glimpse of what’s to come—breakdowns that left the audience hungry for more. The band temporarily exited the stage after playing the title track from their album Our Endless War. However, the crowd was far from ready for the night to end. Chants of “Saw! Saw!” echoed throughout the venue, demanding their return. Whitechapel obliged with an encore of their iconic anthem, “The Saw Is the Law,” a track they dedicated to Tennessee. The energy in the room peaked as Bozeman shouted the unforgettable mantra, “When you’re with us, the saw is the law.”
- Michelle Jacks
Photos Courtesy of Ashlee Riggins (For Bell Music Magazine)
