SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – THIS CONSEQUENCE

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
THIS CONSEQUENCE
METAL BLADE RECORDS

Within the universe of modern metal, bands like Killswitch Engage are the cream of the crop when it comes to acts that not only were one of the luminaries that shaped the current scene, but their formula of galvanized lyricism, lofty clean vocals, and infectious guitar licks, have created the roadmap for which many bands have found inspiration in with the evolvement of the genre. Despite their ongoing success and popularity in the music scene, some fans began to question whether the band’s creative drive had diminished over the years. With their new release, This Consequence, Killswitch Engage gives their sound a bit of an interesting thrashy facelift while distilling much of their signature sound that has made them one of the metal genre’s best crowning achievements in 2 1/2 decades.

From the beginning, This Consequence punches its listeners in the face with tour-de-force moments, “Abandon Us” and “Discordant Nation”, then softens the blow a bit with one of its strongest tracks, “Aftermath”. Showing that the metal stalwarts have not lost a pep in their step, each experience gives track for track a divergent display of sharp and fluid vocal and instrumental elements that showcase the band’s strengths when it comes to utilizing its melodic textures within its crude dynamic forces at play. While still so early into the album, the confident energy radiating from these emerging moments opens the door for other amazing experiences to surface on This Consequence.

“Forever Aligned”, “I Believe”, and “Where It Dies” continue to impress and captivate us with their aggressive and anthemic energy. However, despite their technical prowess, “Forever Aligned” and “I Believe” are somewhat among the weaker tracks on the album, delivering less of an impactful punch compared to the introductory experiences. Fortunately, “Where It Dies” more than compensates for this with its powerful double-pedal drumming, pummeling through intricate guitar riffs and showcasing Killswitch Engage’s signature, powerful vocals.

“Collusion”, “The Fall of Us”, and “Broken Glass” consistently elevate the emotional intensity within their pessimistic examination of manipulation, secret handshakes, and backroom deals, of those more powerful than us, exploring each theme with the precision of a stingray’s sharp edge. For all its pent-up aggression and frustration, This Consequence delves into human experience, drawing us deeper into the canticles of hope behind despair. With the tension building into the last remaining tracks, Killswitch Engage takes each track and challenges the conventions and boundaries of the last, pushing the listener to reflect on the fragility of morality, and what is hidden beneath the surface of human relationships, its smiles, promises, and platitudes.

This Consequence ends with a striking and heartfelt final moment, “Requiem”. Creating a lasting impression that resonates beyond its final words, “Requiem” illustrates the idea that, despite the world’s overwhelming dark cloud of darkness we are experiencing, it reminds us that there is a soft, although dimly lit glow of hope and light that guides us forward before concluding its powerful message.

Throughout the peaks and valleys, some noteworthy, others somewhat fleeting, This Consequence is a record that conveys a way back to their roots, resilience, and perseverance, reminding us that one can overcome adversity and emerge stronger if we keep fighting for something better. This Consequence’s depth is all about reflection between the good, and bad, and the balance between despair and hope within our own lives. While some might feel the record shift in some consistency, what lies beyond this is a moving record that inspires one to keep going, and for all parts of the world today, it’s a message worth hearing.

SPILL FEATURE: FLIPPING THE SCRIPT – A CONVERSATION WITH KILLSWITCH ENGAGE

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