Pop Break Live: Whitechapel with Entheos, Signs of the Swarm and Archspire at The Palladium in Worcester, MA on April 22, 2023
Words + Photos by Lina Glasir
Whitechapel’s recent US headlining tour that made a stop in Worcester city was a fantastic night of metal music. The band performed their 2019 record The Valley in full along with other cuts from their seminal hard and heavy catalog.
The support acts for the night, Entheos, Signs Of The Swarm, and Archspire, all put on bombastic performances that set the tone for the rest of the night.
Prog metal supergroup Entheos (featuring members of Animosity, Animals as Leaders, and The Faceless) kicked off the night with an energetic and powerful performance that had the crowd surfing from the very start.
Pittsburgh, PA-based deathcore outfit Signs of the Swarm wasted no time in keeping the energy going with an impressive display of non-stop energy. The band released their fourth and most recent album Absolvere on September 24, 2021.
Archspire brought something unique to the stage with a Twister board that the crowd could play with in the pit. The band’s energetic performance was infectious, and the crowd was in a state of pure ecstasy as they moshed along.
Whitechapel took the stage and immediately got the mosh pit started with their crushing riffs and extreme vocals. The band played a mix of powerful and fast songs with more melodic moments, showcasing their versatility and skill. Phil Bozeman, the band’s lead singer, commanded the stage and seemed to tower over the audience as he walked across the monitors.
Overall, the night was a success, and Whitechapel’s performance was a definite highlight. The band’s ability to combine powerful music with fun and energetic stage presence made for an unforgettable night of metal music. If you have the chance to catch them on tour, I highly recommend it.
Whitechapel Setlist (via setlist.fm):
When a Demon Defiles a Witch
Forgiveness Is Weakness
Brimstone
Hickory Creek
Black Bear
We Are One
The Other Side
Third Depth
Lovelace
Doom Woods
I Will Find You
Prostatic Fluid Asphyxiation
Possession
This Is Exile
additional writing by bill bodkin
