WHITECHAPEL on Vocals, Addictions, Mental Disorders, the Deathcore genre & more | Metal Injection

Frank sits down with Phil Bozeman of Whitechapel to discuss his new vocal approach, the details surrounding his parents passing, how it sits with his lyrical content, his awareness of addictions growing up and his own personal stance on it, experience with therapy and importance of mental health, how psychiatry helped his life, his feelings on acting in music videos, what he would tell his parents if they were still here and much more!
00:00 - Discussing new vocal approach
01:20 - Explaining how the band tries new things
02:30 - His feelings on the “Deathcore” label
05:26 - The full story surrounding his parents’ death
09:10 - The memories of his parents and “history is silent”
10:32 - His awareness of addictions growing up
11:26 - His stance on using drugs
13:05 - Reopening wounds and healing by talking about the pain
15:30 - Experience with therapy and psychiatry
17:45 - Mental health & hiding emotions in metal
21:20 - Acting in “A Blood Soaked Symphony”
22:50 - What he’d say to his parents if they were still alive
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[@SeanMichaelWesley]

I’m so sick of people NEVER being able to accept deathcore. Grow up. It’ll always be a huge part of metal history.

[@frantradugalvez5407]

I think Lorna Shore and Slaughter to Prevail are bringing a lot of us metal heads to appreciate Deathcore as the massively brutal genre that it is. I am discovering a lot of great bands now and that’s awesome, I feel like a teenager again dude.

[@SeanMichaelWesley]

@@frantradugalvez5407 Right there with you.

[@JamesThomas-dz4vj]

@@frantradugalvez5407 I was going to mention those exact two bands. Whitechapel is one of my favorite bands of all time, but Lorna Shore and Slaughter to Prevail are great as well. It's more difficult to stand out in the deathcore genre due to the stylistic limitations, but those bands do manage to stand above the rest.

[@Brian-wf9xy]

I'm more sick of people NEVER being able to accept a new sound from a band.

[@dreck250]

@@Brian-wf9xy for real with the valley and kin whitechapels new sound and feel is amazing. We still get phils brutal gutterals and the dirty riffs and killer drums but phil is an amazing singer his cleans are fuckin beautiful and im so glad he continued using them for this album

[@mord0]

Such a quality guy. Transforming his pain into power instead of letting it destroy him.

[@user-ed7rk3ff5f]

What a sad story about Phil's parents! I empathize him!

[@lostkauz83]

Orphan was a complete surprise for me , that being said I LOVED IT as much as blood soaked symphony . He’s really showing his depth and his ability to be completely opposite of the rage he came from . It’s almost as the emotional roller coaster has finally leveled out from the rage down to the sadness and regret for what transpired . It’s a beautiful ride into ones soul through their music . Thanks Phil , the true fans really appreciate it ! I’d rather see all sides of you then just the rage .

[@123cillitbang]

Well said👏👏👏

[@Akerfeldtfan]

I appreciate how honest and mature he is about things like therapy, trauma, and medications. It's so important to destigmatize these topics. No matter how brutal you are, you cry too! Yuppp

[@The_JustJoshing]

Awesome interview. Phil is an amazing vocalist and very genuine person. Hoping to catch Whitechapel on their tour with Cannibal Corpse

[@michaelshannon2880]

Definitely going, especially with Shadow of Intent!

[@josh19930]

That’s an amazing line up tour.

[@drprodrpro6501]

Yeah I can’t wait to see them In February

[@michaelshannon2880]

@@drprodrpro6501 That's when I'm going too. Going to the NC show.

[@xXxDisplayNamexXx]

WHEN IS THIS TOUR

[@Stargazer_Liz]

I love Phil so much! When I heard the new Album, Kin come out I bursted into tears listening to Blood Soaked Symphony and Orphan. My mother passed suddenly too last month (June 12, 2023) from a sudden stroke. I tried to give her CPR while the EMT were on there way but nothing could have been done. I thought of Phil and what he went through when losing his parents. I understand these songs so much more and feel it with more depth in my soul. I remember sharing these songs to her because she would still cry over her mother after 30 years. She felt empathy towards Phil. And now I understand how it feels.... It has not been easy and I feel lucky to have seen this interview giving more in depth of Phil and the loss of his parents. As well as Frank who recently lost his father. Thank you Gentelmen for a great interview.

[@Bassgangvt]

I used to shy away from deathcore because of the vocals, but Lorna shore and whitechapel got me into it, and now I love it

[@BIGFELLA96]

Literally exactly what's happening to me right now!

[@Maniacdeathcore]

​@@BIGFELLA96y'all should check out old Suicide Silence with Mitch Lucker he passes away in 2012 but is still considered one of the best vocalist in the genre 🤘🏼

[@ojmcclanahan689]

Phil's lyrics on The Valley and Kin really hit home for me. My dad passed away suddenly on April 20, 2017 of a heart attack. He died on the back porch. I gave him CPR, but it didn't work. It's still pretty heavy to think about.

[@lucasmoffatt7449]

Damn dude, my dad passed suddenly 2 years after yours. Tell me A Bloodsoaked Symphony doesn't hit home for you?!😢

[@ojmcclanahan689]

@@lucasmoffatt7449 Absolutely.

[@felixcooks5435]

All the best to you, brother

[@ojmcclanahan689]

@@felixcooks5435 Thank you, brother. I appreciate that.

[@jg8049]

You are a hell of a vocalist phil! I'm glad you didnt go down the same path as mom and dad. It can be so easy to get dragged down by others when you are young and impressionable.

[@adammassacre4715]

I've followed these guys from this is exile its crazy the progression and watching them how they've grown not only as musicians but as people i love their new stuff Phil's vocal really reminds me of Tool/A perfect circle and surely that's not a bad thing at all...in fact its pretty awesome. I'm glad they shifted things in terms of style imagine if they kept releasing the same album over and over that would get boring pretty quickly.

[@shawnkip7958]

Phil and Mich have to be the biggest influences on "deathcore" Gotta love him man.

[@Williams1505]

I met Phil back in 2011. If i would of known his story back then. I would have just gave him a hug. Whitechapel has been such a inspiration for me.

[@TomPolymathPR]

Frank, condolences to you for your loss, man. Glad you're speaking to people. Was really interesting to hear Phil chat across a range of topics.

[@Ryo7_7]

Cheers to Whitechapel. I've known about some of the personal struggle but man, what a diamond it produced. You guy's rock and you're right, metal is open minded (which is why I love playing it.) Keep rockin bro.🤘🏾

[@waheela4508]

I keep listening to 'History is silent' all the time, what a great song ! The first one - by the way - that I really could not hold my tears back once with goosebumps all over my back ...quite similar to 'Diggs Road' Really impressive

[@user-ed7rk3ff5f]

Phil's voice touches my heart!

[@GammaX13]

I’ve always loved and respected Phil immensely. Knew about his struggle with his parental losses and everything he’s gone through. I met him back in 2010 and got a signed poster by the band and when I got up to him, just said some quick comment about how much his music touched me (there was a massive line behind us), and he gave me a hug and told me “love you dude thank you so much for coming out”. Nothing but respect for the guy.

[@toxsin2207]

Phil has an uncanny resemblance to Jensen Ackles.

[@solidsn4ck]

It's strange coincedence and maybe it is complitely not related, but three days ago i was listening to The Valley. On the next day my mom passed away and i'm only 17. I will take an example from you, Phil on how to stay strong. Also my heart hurts for you because i can't even imagine what pain you must've felt and how hard it was. Kin is an amazing album. Vocals, gituars, everything is mesmerizing. Thank you Whitechapel for telling this story for us.

[@sk8allday091]

Amazing interview. Massive kudos to Phil for being so open.

[@stateofmind19379]

Thank you Phil for this incredible interview. For being one of the more brutal vocalists in the deathcore genre then talking about how important it is to release those pent aggressions from losing a loved one, I've grown to truly appreciate you as an individual. When my brother passed away, I listened to Bring Me Home constantly because I finally felt a sample of your pain and learning what it's like to carry that tragedy with you for the rest of your days along with still being able to wake up and look forward to the day ahead because there are others that need you and love you and absolutely cherish your existence. I hope one day we can sit down, you and I, and talk. As I've gotten older, a good conversation is something I treasure whether I remember it or not. It'll be in the moment in time that will have the strongest impact.

[@loompy1440]

I appreciate your empathetic and straight forward interviewing style man. I also appreciate him for sharing his story so candidly. I just got sober from hard drugs a year ago and my sister is still trapped in that hellish addiction cycle to the point I fear I’m going to lose her. The helpless feeling it gives me makes me sick that I put my loved ones through the same thing, but we all have to actively make the decision to not run away from our problems in destructive ways every day so I have no ill will towards addicts after knowing the kind of pain and trauma that creates and sustains one. I have a pretty severe mental illness myself, but the same anxiety disorder that caused me to resort to deadly substances to cope also instilled in me a very enduring sense of self preservation that eventually got me to the point that I escaped meth and heroin before it killed me. I can relate to foggy memories where you instinctually push details out of your mind to the point that a cohesive picture doesn’t exist anymore. It can be disorienting, but sometimes you just have to accept things the way they are and move forward with the lessons and coping skills that adversity affords. Music is a great way to cope and I want to thank whitechapel for their meaningful contributions to music and metal

[@Quake18]

Cant say enough about Phil, met him at a show in pensacola, FL as a dumb kid and he was a hero then. Knowing around what time that was for him and what he was carrying just makes that interaction massive. Love Phil.. And I love you too Frank : )

[@recklesstapedeck]

I only discovered Whitechapel 12 months ago and I have enjoyed every moment researching the music and them. Further more Phil is such an amazing inspirational guy with his life experiences.

[@dolorosaenigmakil]

‘Time is your best friend, just keep doing what you’re doing, things will get better…’. I’m going to put those words into a song I’m writing and if it comes true, I hope Phil hears my gratitude. I’ve never been so 50/50 in my thoughts with regards to whether or not I want to end life as I am now. And it’s a strange feeling. It’s not the wanting to die but rather the yearning to live but feeling that impossible that makes for suicidal dreams. But this interview was somewhat cathartic, and the new album is one of my albums of the year. Thank you 🦋

[@salvatorecarrera1209]

Love you Phil! Been a fan since somatic defilement man and have always loved Whitechapel and everything you guys have done for the genre and community!

[@bearsgarage272]

I can empathize with phils loss, i really feel his emotion in their work. Whitechapel is one band ive really connected with and has gotten me thru a tough time

[@bhbuzzco7719]

Years ago i have seen WC live but kinda group them in with all the death metal and such, which I thought they were good but just not into them. Flash forward i am now listening to them like crazy and been listening to back catalogue and everything! Took me years to super appreciate them like finding a new band! Plus alex joining the band and he is from my home town 😉

[@muneshxge]

Alex is a beast, glad he's a member now

[@williamthompson9450]

Fantastic Interview, love Phil and Whitechapel, it's difficult losing close loved one's.

[@alexisrinconz.2275]

Phil is the best deathcore singer!!! I love and respect this man a lot, what a great human being and man!

[@Kev_Rema]

I was in college when these guys first came about and got back into them lately. I love that Phil doesn’t care about labels etc because the growth in their music has been amazing. Not to mention Phil has such a great healthy outlook on life and mental health issues, which is such a good thing since so many people turn to music to deal and cope with what they’re going through. You’re a real one Phil 🤘

[@bbdill]

Phil has always been so down to Earth and real.

[@wutsittoya]

I really appreciate that he doesn't shy away from his use of antidepressants and how he tried going without it but only made him feel the worst. mental health and antidepressants are demonized and push this ignorant idea that "you just have toughen up and deal with it" glad he's getting the help and man enough to improve his mental health. great example for people that suffer with depression and anxiety.

[@fallenfreak828]

I appreciate Phil sharing this. I knew some of it from Diggs road but I hope he can heal from that trauma

[@toxsin2207]

It takes more strength to be vulnerable and express your emotions than it does to hide them.

[@user-ed7rk3ff5f]

Whitechapel are one of my favourite deathcore bands🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@TooCringeTooSee]

man my respect for phil as a vocalist and a great frontman is just clap clap clap

[@Rob_Cary]

The A list Hollywood movie looking photo of Phil in the thumbnail is just 👌 perfection haha. Phil's ability to do spitfire lyrics and his breathing techniques are always something I admired. He is a great vocalist. Whenever he tries something new, he succeeds there too.

[@raven_g6667]

I grew up with Whitechapel. They inducted me into the deathcore genre. It's been great being there thru their evolution.

[@metalflower9543]

Phil is a really awesome guy.

[@mhdibm7515]

I really like how chill phil is

[@KeeshKush]

THIS IS AN EPIC INTERVIEW OMG

[@bradfoster8146]

Sheesh I feel like this was one of the most intimate interviews I've ever seen. I feel like I know these dudes personally now

[@alexanderqbe]

11:49 *Same here!* Three times trying weed with very long time spans in between - I've never been relaxed or cheerful. All I had was this rabid paranoia, fear and silenced behaviour, severe avoidance of talking so no-one could get in touch with me. Never again, thank you very much

[@boost219]

I have an extremely bad reaction to it as well. I can’t control myself and hyperventilate.

[@gSWG3R]

I used to be fine with it, but these days I just cannot.

[@lazerbeamlightningstorm5844]

Phil is cool af, I like the way he really comes across as just another person rather than a celebrity, even though he is. Even People who dislike metal can probably relate to him. What a boss.

[@donfrisch3747]

You're the man Phil! Ignore the Deathcore purists and keep telling your story. The Valley was amazing. Thank you for being genuine

[@adolfdaikun8012]

Didn't know about his loss. It makes Bloodsoaked Symphony hit even harder in the feels.

[@marianlegan7999]

Always been a fan of Whitechapel - since I heard the somatic defilement, you go Phil !!

[@Mrs.Frankenstein]

This album is AMAZING.

[@choprox01]

solid dude Phil....just saw him in Phoenix this past week at a show...they kicked ass

[@antonmarek6377]

Phil is featured on the new Shadow of Intent song, and absolutely kills it!

[@user-if1ef9iv8n]

Metal is all about evolving how you are going to change your sound, how you are going to stay heavy and brutal yet experiment with something different. Who would have thought 14 years ago when the entire Metal community first heard this man would think he would evolve his vocals like this. I think it's awesome how they went from pure Deathcore to now Progressive Metal. They are on a whole new level now and I welcome it

[@skotyb]

Phil, you're a legend!

[@DaddyKhaos]

I guess all I have to say is thank you Phil Bozeman.

[@ragegrowler8367]

When I listened to The Valley and Kin it reminds me of how Opeth made Ghost Reveries and Watershed plus other albums made by Opeth. I like this direction Whitechapel is going since I like both clean vocals and unclean vocals like its respective that mellow parts have clean vocals and the heavy parts have unclean vocals. It makes perfect balance of a good metal song in general the subgenre of Progressive Metal. Either that I think Whitechapel was inspired on making those two albums which I mentioned since their inspired by Opeth which is one of my favorite metal bands but still love Whitechapel either way and I respect them either what direction their heading to their future music.

[@emilyfackler2001]

Awesome interview

[@mikedavis186]

I met Phil Years ago at a small venue in Alaska, he was totally chill, took the time to take a few pics with me, talked and had a cigarette... He was humble as fuck 🤘🤘

[@paulpulverspools1940]

Great interview 🤘🤘

[@CW19941]

I really still love Whitechapel🤟🏻🤟🏻The last few albums have been very good! IMO

[@Thordur94]

God bless Phil, keep rocking and rock fucking hard buddy. Always respected you and your music.

[@johnskiecalisanga5994]

White chapel has become like Opeth, cause hearing those clean vocals style, man they're incredible with that I kinda liked their new stuff bringing back the First elements of their first album, their debut was a massive killer💀🤘.

[@alexanderjwilde]

Amazing band, amazing individuals, you guys rock and if people don’t like it, they can go elsewhere! 💪🤘

[@manifeststation5354]

Met hin in 2007? 2008? In Memphis WhiteChapel and Impending Doom tour. Phil joined Impending Doom for a few songs. I still have merch from back then

[@XxDerWolfKingxX]

I totally agree with the music is for the ears.

[@negative1310]

Nice shirt. Type o negative is my favorite band. Im really into Whitechapel too they kick ass

[@anthonyrivera45]

18:56 I needed to hear that.

[@beth5633]

He is such a great guy!

[@spilltheteaalloverme8810]

A true alchemist- turning shit into gold love it

[@Alex54321]

Kin is so fucking good I love it

[@user-if1ef9iv8n]

"If Cannibal Corpse released an acoustic song tomorrow with George singing yeah it's going to be weird. I mean it's going to be very unexpected but if it was written well and performed well. Then, you know, just take the visuals out of it and use your ears. That's what music is all about" I could not agree more. As I get older I learn to appreciate music for what it is regardless if it's a Death Metal singer playing an acoustic guitar or a Rap artist trying to get into the Metal scene. Music is music. I never understood the amount of hatred people have when bands change their sound. Biggest example would be Slipknot. They went from their Iowa album screaming, growling, heavy chugging guitar riffs, blast beat drums, etc, etc, then on Vol 3 they completely switched lanes and was more softer but it was still cool

[@maikweber6205]

Legend!

[@reereemoma7777]

What an awesome human.

[@spilltheteaalloverme8810]

Condolences to loosing your dad - and in your arms is even tougher I think ((((((((hugs))))))))) to you bro

[@ekakuswara268]

My idol 🔥

[@LeaveMeDead]

Bloodsoaked Symphony has a whole new chilling meaning for me now after hearing about his parents, fuck..........................

[@EIBBOR33]

I like that they are getting out there and broadening their horizon, but ima 12+ year listener and I honestly want the somatic defilement/this is exile type of music back. Not a band on this planet can top the power and sheer energy that somatic defilement had.

[@daviddidder3781]

Simply put, song 1 and 4 in this album, 1st time hearing them. Thought I found next new metal band since Fear Factory or Pantera…. Turns out this is like your 9th album or something I was told. You guys, in this album has for my money, the greatest band to have EVER walked this earth……….TOOL type traits. I’ve always left them in their own category, and you guys just knock on their door, with this one. Lever thought I would say that about any band. Keep it up, from one old Metal head, to another 😉

[@Djangonex]

Humble creative men

[@rebekahcarter8120]

People are obsessed with labels... Amen. So true.

[@TheRyRy1987]

Great interview. Phil’s a solid guy. Much respect dude. See you guys in seattle with cannibal 🤘🖤

[@jailenbailey]

From a musical perspective, Whitechapel takes this massive risk of losing fans because of change (although they clearly do not give a fuck, and that shows how genuinely happy they are with their music), and creates an absolute work of art on a record that could almost be considered a comple 180 from TSD. Looking at this album from an emotional perspective, it's almost as if the piece of the puzzle fits. I think they portray a perfect image of what it is like to express what they are trying to get across through a song that may be a bit different for say. AOY for sure, no questions asked

[@SnackPack913]

Phil seems like a good guy. Same with the rest of the band from what I’ve seen

[@DarthValkyra]

It's funny because my, let's say, "mantra" (I don't want to seem so spiritual but..) is that 'Yes I know a good person in the world, I have a good friend, and he is ' time', the one who is always there, who really helps. I have always thought that Phil is a perfect boy (the most in the world , ea) both as a musician and as a person, he is a brave man like many of us who have gone through hard things since our brain was forming, the most critical phase, and that was noticeable just by looking him, and in small details. In just a bit of testimony he shows it well, as always. It is also true what he says that in metal community are greater acceptance, more people with internal demons with whom to learn to live well, but also very hard and critical, and we should support each other more. Well, what a long-winded (no sé cómo se dice "Qué rollazo "en inglés informal xD), but Phil has always given me hope in life and people.. thanks with all my heart, < 3 . Ahh, good interview in general, of course!

[@gingabread2690]

i just want to sit down and have a conversation with Phil.

[@toxsin2207]

I used to take Zoloft and had to stop after it made me a zombie and killed my testosterone. I dealt with and still deal with depression since I was 4 years old I'm now 47 and basically deal with it on my own. I am thankful though that I have a strong support system and great friends dedicated to being there for me and helping me to get through it but I do support therapy and counseling in a professional setting.

[@codybischoff1010]

I take a generic for Zoloft. I actually feel pretty solid taking it thankfully because I was so worried about feeling like that. Hang in there 💪

[@cummywummy2896]

Not a fan of their newer material but I respect them leaving their deathcore period on a high note and respect the new direction

[@justinohea6086]

There is a ton of research coming out about withdrawl/dependency from psychotropic medications, particularly SSRIs. That bottoming out is concerning. There are manuals for titrating off of those medications.

[@lucatyven]

LO QUIERO

[@danielzamora3374]

❤️

[@user-ed7rk3ff5f]

Phil Bozeman is such a cool man👍🤘✌

[@jerrywayne3467]

First like 👍🏻

[@METALHEAD-fh8qc]

I'm 16 and deal with depression, anger, and anxiety!! I lost my dog, my friends (drifted away), and my happiness with what the world used to be to me!! Also, My hormones in my brain are changing which is part of this shit!!

[@BassPlayer9000]

Enjoy your life because you have a long ways to go. Sounds like you are already off to a bad start so instead of complaining about it go out there and kick some ass at life and do something to change the things that made your life so bad

[@AnimosityIncarnate]

​@@BassPlayer9000 can't. Nothing changes it. I could be a king and I'd still feel completely empty bro. Some of us just got the shit hand, take the aces and don't shame us for not being as lucky as you, life experience you still have to learn 😂

[@bookreaderson]

Eric Harris from Columbine was on zoloft

[@EricSmith-xc5kd]

Whoa my gandma had scleroderma. I’ve never known anyone else that had relatives that hadbit

[@failuretolaunchdrums]

Zoloft gang rise up! Jk. Love you Phil

[@raphaelmacedo4467]

Phil can sure sing like a demon, but has a beautiful heart. Whitechapel deserves every piece of success

[@D0ntkn0h3r]

Scleroderma is one of the most absolutely horrible diseases that a person can suffer through. Its so emotionally and physically draining for the person living with it, and for their family members who have to watch them suffer.

[@pigmyandtheamazon4154]

He looks so much happier than he used to, say what you will but progression rarely gets accepted fully until years after the fact

[@kiradetox93]

I hope Phil beforehand knew about the questions. The topics were a bit heavy. Other than that great interview.