KILLSWITCH ENGAGE IS FINALLY BACK!!!! Technically, they haven’t left, but their ninth album, This Consequence, is out today on Metal Blade Records! Forever honing their craft, Killswitch Engage continues to be at the forefront of the metal scene with their never-ending technical and vocal prowess. After all this time, their signature sound has remained fresh and only improves with time.

“It’s the first time since Alive Or Just Breathing that we really hashed everything out together in the same room. It was a combined effort, and there are even some things you’ve never heard from Killswitch,” said bassist Mike D’Antonio. Rehearsed and extensively demoed in their home state of Massachusetts, Killswitch Engage took the writing and recording process to the next level. The album’s production was again helmed by guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who has honed and shaped KSE’s incredible sound throughout the years.

The drums, guitars, and vocals all complement each other perfectly. It’s like how peanut butter goes with anything. Apples, bananas, pancakes, ice cream, Thai food, and chocolate are some of their tasty musical pairings. The unyielding heavy riffs only back off momentarily for the vocals and bass to shine during the choruses. There are BRUTAL blast beats, insane taping riffs, brain-frying solos, and a tasty sprinkling of death metal vocals.

TOP TRACKS:

Abandon Us:

“Abandon Us” is a phenomenally heavy way to kickstart this album and also features a classically catchy Killswitch chorus. Justin Foley’s drums are unwavering and set the stage for the album's direction. Like the rest of the album, this song transitions between crushingly heavy rhythm sections and more toned-down parts to not exhaust the listener.

Forever Aligned:

If this album is a sandwich, “Forever Aligned” is the peanut butter gluing together. This album has a bit crunchy, a spoonful of creamy, and a few giant peanuts. This song perfectly blends smooth vocals, some organically heavy drum parts, and savory guitar spreads. Okay, enough peanut butter references. This song perfectly melds the band’s impeccable melodies and rhythms.

Where It Dies:

Welcome to Riff City! It is one of the heaviest tracks on the record, and it balances the line between filthy drum parts, giving you the stank face and groovy riffs that will get heads banging. All of this melds together for another incredible Killswitch Engage track. It’s got everything a growing metal kid needs like a killer reverses dive-bomb, a wicked solo, and Justin Foley hammering away on his ride cymbal.

The Fall of Us:

“The Fall of Us” is technically excellent (like the rest of the album), and it only gets heavier and heavier without being tiresome. It is the HEAVIEST track on the record, and it would be an absolute treat to see them play it live. It's just another track that showcases the entire band’s dynamic range and creativity.

“The world is in a dark place, but we’re going to get through this,” grins Jesse. “Music has always been a light in the darkness when I feel like all hope is lost. Certain albums came along at the right time and saved me. We are giving everything we have because it’s all we got.”

Coupled with their energetic and heartfelt live performances, This Consequence will continue to grow and shape the metal scene for years. Killswitch Engage will embark on a U.S. tour beginning in March 2025, where they will scream, sing, serenade, and hammer this album out to thousands of enthusiastic fans.

4/5 Stars