KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
"The
End of Heartache" (Roadrunner; 2004)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Taking the metal world by storm is not an easy task, yet the five men that comprise Killswitch Engage have done exactly that through endless touring, cascading metal compositions, and flawless musicianship over the last few years.
With the lead singer and drumming positions filled permanently by members of the crushing Blood Has Been Shed, the band's latest release, "The End of Heartache," further showcases KSE's love affair with emotionally-tinged, potently heavy, and all around enchanting metal. The twelve track collection exhibits a group whose punishing metal output, found on tracks like the pounding "World Ablaze" as well as the hammering opener "A Bid Farewell," stands up alongside any of the scene's current faves. Yet, there's so many nuances possessed by KSE that give this band the edge to reign supreme - like Howard Jones' transformation from melodic wailer to death metal vocalist during the course of a single song - that make KSE damn near untouchable.
Blending the perfect balance of ferocious verses with memorable choruses, this sophomore effort shines from beginning to end as a veritable piece of classic metal that you can crank up right next to your Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slayer discs. Jam packed with spurts of brutal beauty and pristine powerhousing, tracks like the driving "When Darkness Falls" and the breakneck staccato of "Breathe Life" are among the many highlights Killswitch Engage's latest album brings to the thirsty metal ears that have heard it all before ... but never quite like this.
"The End of Heartache" is a true metal gem that any metal fan needs to get their hands on at any cost.
For more information, check out http://www.killswitchengage.com.
"Alive
or Just Breathing" (Roadrunner; 2002)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
I have to admit that I wasn't too excited when I saw that a Roadrunner release ended up in my box for review. Being open-minded I put Killswitch Engage's "Alive Or Just Breathing" in the ol' CD player with low expectations. Then I heard the aggressive music soon followed by harsh vocals which I have come to love over the last few years. And then the flair for vocal melodies strikes during the choruses and I was blown away.
Shame on me, I should have known better. I made a similar mistake with Angel Dust's "Bleed" a few years back and convinced myself I wouldn't dismiss a band so easily ever again - once again the last laugh is on me and I have Killswitch Engage to thank.
Killswitch Engage play a vibrant form of metalcore with a healthy dose of melodic passages, both musical and vocal, that infuse the 'Gothenburg sound' into their sound. In fact, Killswitch Engage have the yin and yang of Soilwork's growling/clean vocals - you may regard that as a very high compliment.
The lyrics have the quintessential positive vibe of self-improvement and inner strength that has been a staple of American hardcore for the better part of nearly three decades. It's nice to see a younger generation of bands continue that particular thread. Actually, Killswitch Engage aren't newcomers to the music business as their members have performed in the legendary Overcast as well as Aftershock and Nothing Stays Cold. In any case, Killswitch Engage have a particular blend of experience and pizzazz that have them poised for success. You can hear instantly.
Of particular note are the tracks "Self Revolution," "Fixation On The Darkness," and "Life To Lifeless." Each of these songs blend aggressive riffing and melodies in catchy ways that seem like a breath of fresh air. Most of the tracks are concise, aggressive nuggets of metalcore with (dare I say it?) beautiful choruses that enlighten the band's brutality with grace and power. The bottom-line: "Alive Or Just Breathing" is a remarkable aural experience.
"Alive Or Just Breathing" was produced by Adam Dutkiewicz.
Killswitch Engage is Jesse David Leach on vocals, Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz on guitars, Mike D'Antonio on bass, and Tom Gomes on drums.
For more information visit http://www.killswitchengage.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 12 Nov 2008 01:09:58 -0600.
