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Concert Photo Review: WHITECHAPEL @ Ace Of Spades @ Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA

By capitalchaostv on April 15, 2025 • ( 0 )

Whitechapel Brings Hymns to Ace of Spades

I picked the right show to return to Sacramento’s Ace of Spades after an extended time away. I knew I loved Whitechapel performing live and loved the challenge of photographing the band and their crazy lights. I missed the energy of a full crowd’s anticipation, and that energy was heightened after Alluvial, 200 Stab Wounds, and Brand of Sacrifice thoroughly entertained the crowd. But three hours after music first filled the air, Whitechapel started their set as they did their most recent album, with “Prisoner 666” followed by the title track off of their ninth studio album, Hymns in Dissonance. And it was so worth the wait! The first two aggressive, heavy, dark songs reminded us of Whitechapel’s deathcore roots. However, I was not there to pinpoint a subgenre…just to enjoy the artistry and refinement that Whitechapel brings to any metal genre.

When Phil played through Hymns in Dissonance on Twitch, he described the album as being a lyrical sequel to This Is Exile that journeys through the seven deadly sins. He said “Prisoner 666” is the first of two intro tracks where the younger brother relinquishes his faith, turns to evil, and becomes the successor to evil. Since the end of “Prisoner 666” is the intro to “Hymns in Dissonance,” it makes sense that they kept these two songs together to kick off the set. “Hymns in Dissonance” has the main character or cult leader gathering people, coming into his own, and turning everyone into darkness—into subhuman people. The crowd appreciated the early Hymns song choices. Later in the set, they performed “A Visceral Retch,” which is the gluttony sin song, and they treated us to the only other song on the album not tied to a deadly sin, “Hate Cult Ritual,” a song about horrible, evil beings who are about to go to war. The live Hymns lyrics and music created the perfect mesmerizing, dark vibe.

Whether a fan of old Whitechapel or new, there was much for all to enjoy with a 15-song set that included the current top four songs from their new concept album, but also one song from Somatic Defilement, two from This is Exile, one from Whitechapel, three from Our Endless War, three from The Valley that were sprinkled throughout the set for those who love some cleaner vocals, and one from Kin. The set was a thoughtful distribution of songs highlighting brutality…in the best possible way, of course. Do not miss Whitechapel when they come through your town; I am so glad I never do!