Killswitch Engage have long stood as one of metalcore’s defining acts, carefully honing a sound that balances intensity and melody with an unmatched emotional core. With 'This Consequence', their ninth studio album, the Massachusetts heavyweights have reaffirmed their legacy while embracing fresh energy and renewed focus. On this new record, KsE don’t just remind us why they’re metalcore pioneers, they prove they still have more to say, and they’re saying it louder than ever.
Unlike their previous records, which were often written remotely, 'This Consequence' was crafted with the entire band in the same room, creating a sense of immediacy and cohesion. This unified approach is reflected in every track, with the band’s vision and direction feeling more aligned than ever. The result is an album brimming with chemistry and consistency, reminiscent of the classic Killswitch Engage sound but with a fresh, modern twist that many heavyweight bands seem to miss the mark on. Few bands manage to refine their signature sound without losing their edge, but KsE have once again evolved without compromise.
From the moment ‘Abandon Us’ kicks in, it’s abundantly clear that 'This Consequence' is a force to be reckoned with. A drum-driven intro gives way to a relentless attack of razor-sharp riffs and Jesse Leach’s signature mix of guttural screams and soaring cleans. It’s the perfect opener, setting the tone for an album that leaves no prisoners. ‘Discordant Nation’ follows, offering a politically charged anthem that captures the band’s ability to channel real-world frustrations into cathartic heaviness. The interplay between Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel’s guitars is on full display, and the two work together flawlessly, weaving tight harmonies with punishing chugs.
Lead single ‘Forever Aligned’ leans into the band’s signature formula, utilising ferocious verses contrasted with a huge, emotive chorus. Although this approach can sometimes feel overused, Killswitch Engage executes it with such conviction that it still feels new and fresh. Similarly, ‘I Believe’ serves as the album’s introspective moment, with Leach reflecting on resilience and hope in the face of adversity. 'This Consequence' isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a battle cry, a moment of reckoning, and a testament to the power of melody and aggression in perfect harmony.
While these tracks showcase everything Killswitch Engage do best and explain why they are so highly regarded, it’s the album’s closing moments that truly steal the show. For all of 'This Consequence’s strengths, ‘Requiem’ is the track that lingers the longest. A slightly calmer introduction sets the stage for a perfect eruption of aggression. It encapsulates everything the band has mastered over the years, a feat that many bands struggle to replicate with such skill and finesse. A song like ‘Requiem’ doesn’t just close an album, it cements its place in the band’s legacy.
‘My Curse’ may have once set the standard, but ‘Requiem’ strikes a key balance between extreme raw vocals and polished melodies that is both darker and heavier, yet more refined. The opening passage is haunting, gradually layering in instrumentation before exploding into an unforgettable, riff-driven assault. Leach delivers one of his strongest performances on the album here, seamlessly transitioning between his most feral screams and some of the catchiest vocal lines the band has written in years. The chorus is infectious yet crushing, lingering in your mind long after the album closes. If ‘My Curse’ was the anthem that defined a generation of metalcore fans, ‘Requiem’ is the track that will define this era of Killswitch Engage. It’s a song built for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike, destined to become a modern staple in their live set.
From a production standpoint, 'This Consequence' is razor-sharp. Dutkiewicz ensures every element shines without sacrificing the band’s raw edge, a challenging feat in a genre where dynamic sound is often sacrificed for compression and volume. The guitars are massive, the drums punch hard, and the vocals cut through with both clarity and grit. Where so many modern metalcore albums fall victim to lifeless overproduction, 'This Consequence' thrives on its raw, dynamic mix - proof that bigger isn’t always better.
Lyrically they've also upheld themselves in fine fashion. The album feels like both a personal reckoning for the band and a wider social commentary, which is a very thin tightrope to walk but they've managed it very successfully. Themes of awakening, defiance, and perseverance run throughout, making for one of the band’s most thematically cohesive records in years.
While Killswitch Engage have never truly faltered, 'This Consequence' feels like a definitive statement that not only honors their past but also pushes their sound- and the entire metalcore genre- forward. The riffs hit harder, the melodies soar higher, and the intensity is more palpable than ever. With ‘Requiem,’ they may have crafted one of the strongest songs of their career. By embracing older mixing and mastering techniques, KsE inject life and energy into their sound, delivering an album that doesn’t just sound heavy; it feels heavy. KsE's ninth effort also sparks hope that more metalcore bands will embrace older mixing and mastering techniques, and reintroduce dynamic range into their studio tracks.
With 'This Consequence', Killswitch Engage prove once again why they remain at the forefront of metalcore. It’s a record brimming with energy, passion, and some of their best songwriting to date. ‘Requiem’ is the clear standout, a modern classic in the making, while the rest of the album delivers everything fans could hope for: aggression, melody, and a renewed sense of purpose.
If 'Disarm the Descent' was their comeback, and 'Atonement' was their refinement, then 'This Consequence' is their reawakening, and it’s one hell of a ride that we’re excited to be a part of.
'This Consequence' will be released on February 21st 2025 via Metal Blade Records.
Words: Vee Richardson
Photos: Killswitch Engage
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