Killswitch Engage – Self Titled (2009)
Filed under: Album Reviews by ChrisNo Comments »
The Massachusetts 5-piece are back with their 5th Studio album, released early last month, and it’s everything you’d expect from a KSE album. Over the course of the last few years, the band have been slowly progressing along their own musical path – each album since front man Howard Jones joined has been less about revolutionising their sound and more about tightening the screws and honing their trade. Most of the other bands who came to the fore during the ‘Roadrunner Records’ explosion a few years ago have fallen by the wayside (looking at you, Trivium), but KSE have really managed to hold their ground simply by being better than everybody else. That’s exactly what you’ve got here, on their second self titled album.
Everything on offer here is a step further along than their last, whilst retaining the signature heavy melodies, intricate drumming and exemplary mix of vocal styles. There are very few bands who can pull this off, as I’ve gotten a bit of flack for pointing out recently. But really, there are few other bands of this type with vocals of this calibre. Right across the spectrum, Jones’ shows he can handle it all. Couple this with some of the most ferocious and inventive riffs to come out of the genre and you have yourself one hell of an album.
‘The Forgotten’ is an early highlight and showcases everything mentioned above brilliantly well. From the harsh/soft vocals to the excellent breakdown mid-way through, it’s almost a perfect KSE track. What I’ve always liked about them is the individuality they instil into each of their songs. On the surface, they rarely stray from the genre but there’s something unique about their music – you can easily identify a new KSE song after a few seconds listen. The quality and passion that exists in each track is definitely helps them stand out amongst their peers.
Having said that though, ‘The Return’ does take a step towards the more commercial/TV-friendly fare. Almost entirely made up of clean, layered vocals and soaring melodies, I’d be surprised if this wasn’t a single at some point. It’s still Killswitch Engage, but lacking some of their trademark ticks.
In my opinion, the stand out track is ‘I Would Do Anything’, where everything clicks into place and every element to the song compliment each other. A suitably hyperactive opening gives way to chunky riffs and intense drumming. It’s a genuinely impressive song on a brilliant album.
Any metal band want to know how to do it properly? Give this a listen. But, you know, try not to copy it directly. Thanks.
5 out of 5. You couldn’t call it innovative exactly, but it’s the best album of it’s type until they make a new one.
