'This Consequence' Marks Fresh Era For Killswitch Engage

Metalcore icons Killswitch Engage have returned with their latest album 'This Consequence', six years after their latest studio record. The Massachusetts group has been on the scene since 1999 and is proving they can remain relevant whilst staying true to the sound which has made them so recognisable.

The first single released from the new album released under Metal Blade Records is 'Forever Aligned'. It is able to showcase the talents of the entire band. A stand-out is the poignant use of percussion from drummer Justin Foley. He's able to ensure the beat remains one of the strongest aspects of a song that is full of hard-hitting instruments, something that is not easy to achieve. The bass playing from Mike D'Antonio is able to compliment and build upon this drum beat nicely. As the track reaches the bridge, the distinct melody shines through and the song progression feels expertly crafted.

The ten-song record is the ninth full-length LP for the band and yet the energy is still raw and full of passion. The track 'Where It Dies' is quintessential Killswitch Engage. Vocalist Jesse Leach is able to provide his varied and precise vocal style, from powerful screams to careful melodies in the chorus. As a whole the band are able to demonstrate their musicianship in this record. This particular song has a strong lead guitar, led by Adam Dutkiewicz. The licks used keep the track vibrant and break through the strong tempo which carries the majority of the album. 

In their career spanning over twenty-five years, the band has proven themselves again and again. With multiple Grammy award nominations under their belts and premier spots at some of the biggest festivals in metal such as Download and Bloodstock Open Air. 

The ninth track on their latest record, 'Broken Glass' is able to prove how they've become so highly regarded in the genre. It confronts the feelings that are a prominent theme throughout the group's discography - feeling like an outsider, someone who doesn't fit in. It also discusses corruption with lyrics that tell an ancient story. The line "Too blind to understand / In the end, you will repent" feels like a timeless message to insert into the pre-chorus. 

The modern metalcore scene continues to be at the height of its relevancy in alternative subcultures as the band's contemporaries also push the genre to new heights. Bands such as Trivium and Parkway Drive, who have both toured alongside Killswitch Engage, are consistently at the forefront of conversations revolving around the genre. ‘This Consequence' is definitely an album that is able to ensure that this group is not losing any momentum just yet. The high-speed aggression in the drumming and the mastery of the dual guitar solos are a theme throughout the album that manages to not lose its power, even in the final few tracks. Closing the album with 'Requiem' perfectly reinforces this point. 

Killswitch Engage has once again proved they deserve to be recognised as one of the pioneers of modern metalcore. They're able to stick with the origins that helped to garner their large fanbase whilst continuing to push the genre into new directions. Information about their upcoming tour dates is available on their official website.

Emily Teague

@easter.everywhere

Image: 'This Consequence' Official Album Cover

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