Review | Killswitch Engage – This Consequence

Metal Blade Records

Killswitch Engage’s new offering, `This Consequence’ marks the band‘s return after a six-year hiatus, and it’s a testament to their enduring influence in the metal scene. On top, this ninth studio album showcases the evolution of Killswitch Engage while staying true to their metalcore roots. Blending past and present, they manage to maintain their heavy prowess and strike with genuine passion, delivering the goods.

A MORE RAW SOUND

The album opens with ,,Abandon Us’’, a track that immediately sets the tone with its chunky riffs and energetic delivery. Its opening is tremendous and fierce, with marching stance kicked forward with thrashing storm. Jesse Leach‘s vocals are as powerful as ever, transitioning between guttural screams and melodic clean singing. The production, however, takes a surprising turn towards a rawer sound, switching back and forth between intensity and melodic valor.

,,Discordant Nation’’ follows, raising the bets with its melodic death metal influences and a chorus that demands attention. This track hints at the album’s potential, revealing a more personal and angry side of Killswitch Engage. It connects the dots and unleashes its sheer anger not on the vocal delivery but its instrumental break halfway in, where the collision of blastbeats and scorching guitars drops.

This ability to blend aggression with melody shines through, particularly in songs like the ponderous ,,Forever Aligned’’ with its drumbeats and vocal lines phrased aligned, and the scorching ,,The Fall of Us’’ and ,,Requiem”. It is Killswitch at its most engaging and erupting force.

THE WILL TO PUSH BOUNDARIES

One of the album’s strengths lies in its willingness to push boundaries. ,,Collusion’’ opens with insane dynamic drum discharge and gutted vocals, and ,,The Fall of Us” ventures into (melodic) death core territory, featuring impressive breakdowns and deep growls intertwined with insane melodic soaring vocals. This alternation of styles ultimately satisfies even the most ardent extreme metal fans. These tracks showcase the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment within their established sound.

When they display their intrinsic creative force, like on the wonderful opening to ,,Aftermath” and alternation between melody and death metal ferocity, Killswitch Engage stand tall, revealing their wide scope on music and lyrical mastery, with Jesse adding his insane range and feeling for drama and anger. He even cooks up a Volbeat vibe on ,,I Believe” revealing his wonderful register and tone.

However, ,,This Consequence” leans on the explosiveness but also suffers from a lack of variety, with certain tracks blending due to similar structures its productional tour-de-force. This production, while intentionally gritty, hinders rather than enhances the overall impact of the songs. It occasionally seems to smother the anger-laden potency in its mid-range. Highlighting the melodic segment saves the day.

THE LYRICS

Lyrically, the album tackles themes of personal struggle, social issues and society’s current challenges, and hope in the face of modern day distress. Conveying the intensity with dosed portions of anger-laden delivery, Killswitch switches between the darkest and most ominous without lacking the melodic stance to underline their uniqueness. While not breaking new ground, the lyrics remain authentic, reflecting the band’s maturity and life experiences, hitting home.

Despite its productional flaw, `This Consequence’ demonstrates that Killswitch Engage still can create compelling metal music, loaded with extreme vigor and heartfelt passion. Tracks like the doom-gloomed ,,Broken Glass’’ and ,,The Fall of Us’’ stand out, showcasing the band’s technical prowess and emotional depth. For reference, check the technical melodic constructions of Adam Dutkiewiecz and Joel Stroetzel’s guitar interaction on ,,Requiem”, which is exceptional.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – THE CONCLUSION

As Killswitch Engage celebrates their 25th anniversary with `This Consequence’ that serves as a solid addition to their discography. While it may not immediately touch their classics, it proves that the band can still deliver powerful, engaging potion of extreme metal that will resonate with long-time fans and newcomers alike. Killswitch Engage continues to hold their ground firmly. `This Consequence’ may not be a ground-breaking release, but it’s a worthy chapter in the band‘s ongoing legacy, and it will land well with their fans like me.

Release date: 21 February 2025