Review KILLSWITCH ENGAGE “This Consequence”

Time flies when you have fun. That is what I thought when I received the new album from Killswitch Engage. The band started 25 years ago and it somehow feels like yesterday when I was listening to their self-titled debut album for the first time.

To date, the five-piece has released seven albums and it is the new one, called “This Consequence”, that ends a six-year wait. With the furious “Forever Aligned” and the more melodic “I Believe”, the band unleashed two lead singles that herald an album marking a next step for the band.

Killswitch Engage don’t change the formula for success, as the new songs still rely on a fusion of raging metal outbursts and melodic elements that allow a wider audience to appreciate what’s coming out of the speakers.

Lyrically, the two songs also have something to say. While “Forever Aligned” reflects on the connections and bonds between people, “I Believe” deals with tough times and a way to get through those moments in life. It is also a more personal reflection of frontman Jesse Leach, where hope is important and in some ways even life-saving.

The start of the album is a roaring one. “Abandon Us” features raspy vocals and a brutal riff. It is a dark start to the album with a pulsating rhythm that gives the song the right dynamic. Together with the melodic chorus we get a typical Killswitch Engage song that demonstrates that the band hasn’t lost any of its vehemence in the last few years.

The same can be said for the up-tempo “Discordant Nation. Clocking in at less than three minutes, the song is an unrelenting ode to the energy of modern metal. The lyrics match the fury of the song, as the five-piece addresses government corruption and conformity to the system.

“This Consequence” is an album that hits the mark. It is a straightforward metal record with crushing songs that are spot on. Killswitch Engage keep things short and to the point. There are no songs of epic length and there are no frills. Instead, we are listening to an album that includes songs like “Collusion” where melodic clean vocals compete with massive growls.

Fast as an arrow, that’s “The Fall of Us”. The latter is a massive strike, a musical punch in the face. Clean vocals and melodies are present, but more in the background, while the focus is on speed and aggressiveness. “The Fall of Us” is a blistering metal song without any compromises.

“Broken Glass” follows and is different. The song is about liars and abuse in family or relationships. “Broken Glass” is a metaphor with the music reflecting the lyrical concept in a great way.

“Requiem” heralds the end of the album and is another song that emphasizes hope and willpower to not give up. It’s about fighting for what’s right as Killswitch Engage showcase all of their trademark sound elements from furious outbursts to melodic moments with hope and confidence.

“This Consequence” is in line with the previous releases of the band from Westfield, Massachusetts. It is a typical Killswitch Engage album with all the characteristic musical elements being present. It also shows that the band hasn’t lost any of its furious power over the past six years. “The Consequence” is a roaring record that provides sublime modern metal by blending aggression and melody.