Review: Killswitch Engage – Self-Titled (2009)

Sergio reviews Killswitch Engage’s new self-titled album.

Artist Name: Killswitch Engage
Album Name: Killswitch Engage
Year: 2009
Genre: Metalcore

Killswitch Engage’s latest self-titled release has progressed heavily towards a more commercial metal sound than their earlier hardcore-inspired albums. This is not necessarily a bad move, considering the lungs on their talented frontman, Howard Jones. Much like Corey Taylor from Slipknot, he possesses a sonic-crushing growl and exceptional melodic voice, which allows for a more diverse sound than the average metal band.

The inclusion of Brendan O’Brien as producer has also paid off. Make no mistake, there is still the unique Adam D touch, which all KsE fans have become accustomed to, but the band has been challenged to mature musically, while still retaining their distinctive sound. Just have a listen to the galloping riff and epic lead in ‘The Forgotten’ – its headbanging heaven!

Much like nu-metal in the late 90s, metalcore has turned into the latest curse word in heavy music. It has become an overpopulated genre inhabited by many mediocre bands that deserve no mention whatsoever in this review. Yet despite this, KsE continue to defy critics and redefine the monster they pioneered with every new album, proving that there is always a light in a darkened world. Overall, it’s a brilliant new chapter in the legacy of Killswitch Engage. Pure melodic mayhem.

On a lighter note, I heard the stupidest comment the other day. A nameless troll told me that KsE had gone hair metal. After being restrained from nuclear warfare, I managed to explain that the use of high pitched notes doesn’t necessarily make it *shudder* hair metal. And besides, 4/5 of the band has short hair or no hair at all!

Best Tracks: ‘Starting Over’, ‘The Forgotten’, ‘A Light in a Darkened World’ and ‘I Would Do Anything’

86/100

- Sergio Pereira
sergio@musicreview.co.za