Chicago amps up for a night of insanity with Whitechapel

On April 20, 2026, Whitechapel put on a seriously heavy performance as they opened for Slaughter to Prevail - at the Aragon Ballroom. I, along with a few other friends, got a chance to head-bang our night away... what a way to to start off the week - with some seriously kick-ass energy to let loose.

The show was absolutely insane and the crowd was equally as hyped. Early on in the show, people were already being thrown up in the air and crowdsurfing. While you would think that this is normal at a metal show, it was the sheer number of surfers, and the speed in which people were being tossed to the front, that was the outrageous part. There would be times where the security team barely had enough time to catch the crowd - almost knocking both of them down. I don't blame them.. Whitechapel just has that effect on you. As someone that usually just sticks to head-banging, I was almost tempted to join the pit. Instead, by having my buddy next me, I just got a hold of him and shoved him around... sometimes you just have to be the one to disrupt the peace.

Not related to the this specific set, but you really never know what you're getting with Whitechapel. One minute you're yelling your lungs out, throwing out your voice trying to match the growl, and the next you have songs like "Anticure" and "Hickory Creek" that will slow you down - songs that will have you listening in silence as you they hit you deep in your core.

I also have to add how impressive it is that they are able to play only a handful of songs during their set. Maybe it was just me, but it felt like some of those songs were way longer than they should have been. In no way is that a bad thing, but it makes me wonder how long their set would be if they performed one or two of their full albums - top to bottom. I'm just going to talk openly here and say that I'd like to see that happen; I don't think I would be the only one who backs this idea, either.

That all said, if you're in the mood to get thrown around and meet some really cool friends, going to a Whitechapel show is definitely one of the best ways to do it. You get to listen to some crazy vocals, captivating riffs, and percussions that if they were any louder, you would start to feel your heart skipping a beat or two. 10/10 would recommend and would do this again.

Huge shout out to Whitechapel and their team for having me! You guys rock, and I cannot wait to actually join the pit next time around!