Killswitch Engage – This Consequence: CD Review

20th February 2025 0 By Jess Mather

Killswitch Engage, formed in 1999 in Westfield, Massachusetts, is a pioneer of metalcore, blending hardcore, thrash, and melodic death metal. Their 2002 album Alive or Just Breathing helped define the genre, while The End of Heartache (2004) and As Daylight Dies (2006) brought commercial success. After Howard Jones’ tenure, original vocalist Jesse Leach returned in 2012, with Disarm the Descent (2013) debuting in the Billboard 200’s top 10.

With over four million U.S. record sales, Killswitch Engage is set to release their ninth album, ‘This Consequence’, delivering the signature blend of melodic metalcore and crushing heaviness that Killswitch Engage is known for. The guitar work by Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel is sharp and powerful, with tight riffs and soaring leads that add depth and emotion. The rhythm sections, driven by Mike D’Antonio’s bass and Justin Foley’s precise drumming, provide a solid foundation throughout the album. Jesse Leach’s vocal performance is passionate and versatile, effortlessly switching between harsh screams and clean singing. His emotional delivery adds depth to the lyrics.

The songwriting on ‘This Consequence’ is well-structured, balancing aggression with melody. Tracks like “Forever Aligned” and “Discordant Nation” stand out for their dynamic shifts and powerful choruses. Lyrically, the album explores themes of frustration, betrayal, and empowerment all delivered with sincerity and emotional weight. While impactful, some lyrics lean toward familiar territory, occasionally lacking the freshness found in previous works.

The album flows smoothly, with each track naturally progressing into the next. The pacing is well-balanced, and the songs mix fast, and aggressively with slower, more melodic moments. Production is crisp, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining a heavy, polished sound. However, some may find the production a bit too clean, slightly reducing the raw intensity of earlier albums.

‘This Consequence’ is a solid and well-crafted album that stays true to Killswitch Engage’s signature sound, blending heavy riffs, melodic choruses, and introspective lyrics. While it may not quite reach the iconic status of albums like Alive or Just Breathing or The End of Heartache. The album has strong replay value, especially for fans of the band. Its strong performances and solid songwriting make it a worthy addition to the band’s catalog.

Supporting the album, the band will launch a North American tour on March 5, 2025, with Kublai Khan TX, Fit for a King, and Frozen Soul. With anticipation high, ‘This Consequence’ promises to be another powerful chapter in their legacy.

Final Score: 8/10

TRACK LISTING:
1. Abandon Us (3:38)
2. Discordant Nation (2:40)
3. Aftermath (3:38)
4. Forever Aligned (4:05)
5. I Believe (3:54)
6. Where It Dies (3:27)
7. Collusion (3:22)
8. The Fall of Us (4:18)
9. Broken Glass (2:30)
10. Requiem (3:29)