FLIPPING THE SCRIPT
A CONVERSATION WITH KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
Twenty-five years ago, Killswitch Engage emerged as one of the pioneering bands that helped shape modern metal music into what it is today. This recognition is a rare accolade reserved for acts that successfully navigated the music industry for over two decades. Despite the challenges of longevity, Killswitch Engage has consistently proven their resilience and relevance by delivering exceptional music. Their signature sound seamlessly intertwines elements of hardcore and metal, forging a unique identity while maintaining an emotional depth characterized by a balance of raw grit and melodic introspection.
With the release of their ninth studio album, This Consequence, Killswitch Engage embarks on an evocative journey that explores diverse sonic landscapes. Throughout the ten tracks, they courageously experiment with different musical influences while distilling the essence of their sound into a collection that is both fierce and dynamic. This album showcases their ability to combine bruising intensity with moments of striking brightness, creating a rich and multifaceted listening experience.
In the creative process leading up to this album, Killswitch Engage has faced challenges and embraced opportunities, applying pressure on all fronts—lyrically, instrumentally, and emotionally. The result is one of their most vibrantly raw and decadently crafted releases to date. Each track not only reflects their growth as artists but also captures the band’s enduring spirit and commitment to their craft, reaffirming their place in the metal genre. With This Consequence, Killswitch Engage invites listeners to partake in a profound exploration of sound and emotion, one that resonates deeply in the context of their storied career.
It’s kind of hard to believe that it’s been that long since we started,” rhythm guitarist Joel Stroetzel laughs. “For us, every time we put out a new record, we want to continue to make music that we like and feel good about. Maybe stay relevant in our own way, you know, and maybe try to push forward in new ways,” he chuckles. ” I think there is thrashier, more death metal stuff going on with this new record. We try to stay fresh the best we can yet not stray too far away from the core sounds we have achieved throughout our careers.”
Returning to this record prompted the band to deeply reevaluate their artistic direction. After nearly two decades in the music scene, the stakes were high, and they recognized the need to elevate their sound to new heights. This Consequence had to stand out, showcasing not only the band’s growth but also their unwavering commitment to innovation.
Unlike many groups that settle into familiar sonic territories to please their loyal fanbase, Killswitch Engage took the bold step of stepping away from their past soundscapes. This decision, while risky, allowed them to explore new musical avenues and create a fresh experience for both new listeners and longtime fans alike.
PURCHASE THIS CONSEQUENCE
The result is a meticulously crafted record that stays true to the essence of Killswitch Engage while infusing it with vibrant energy and youthful enthusiasm. It resonates with passionate intensity, reflecting the band’s evolution. With each track, one can feel the heart and soul poured into the music, making This Consequence not just an album, but a powerful statement of their journey and artistic integrity.
“For many years, since most of us live in different parts of the country, we were kind of doing the whole “writing demos and emailing each other” and putting things together in the studio. I would say at least half of the record started out that way, the way we had been doing,” Stroetzel says. “This time around we rented some rehearsal space, and we tried to jam. So, there are a handful of songs we put together as a band. We jammed in a room like we used to when we started. It helped us get back to our roots a little bit, writing songs like we used to. The entire record isn’t that, but at least some of it is. Adam Dutkiewicz and Justin Foley; they kind of know where their songs are meant to go, so they will write stuff from scratch and say, “What do you guys think?” and we will tweak arrangements from there. I for one need help from the guys to finish stuff that I write. So, it was nice to finally get in a room with everybody and throw some ideas out there. It was really fun and refreshing. It reminded me of how we used to write songs in the past.”
Killswitch Engage’s album, This Consequence, strives to transcend the boundaries of traditional metal, venturing into an entirely new musical territory. Yet, beneath its innovative sound lies a profound and contentious narrative that wrestles with the complexities of individuality and collective existence. The record delves into the philosophical questions that define our human experience: What brings us together as a community, and what ultimately drives us apart?
Each track serves as a reflection on the choices we make and their far-reaching consequences, exploring themes of accountability and morality. The Consequence prompts one to confront their own lives—whether alive or in the memory of those who have passed—reminding us that every decision carries weight and always has an outcome, for better or worse. The emotional and lyrical depth of The Consequence invites us to ponder how our actions ripple through the lives of others, forcing us to grapple with the reality that our choices shape not only our destinies but also the fate of those around us. In this way, the album stands as a vital commentary on the interconnectedness of human life, urging us to reflect on the legacy we leave behind.
“A lot of this lyrically was on Jesse, but I think for him, it’s always been centered around these themes of triumph in the face of despair, internal struggles and how we get through them in positive ways,” reflects Stroetzel. “There is a lot of that pain and triumph all mixed together. It’s also been a volatile political climate here in the States, so I think there is a little bit of angst in the songs regarding that, and how we can all get through it and try to come together despite our differences, but also standing up for what you believe in. So, these are pretty common themes for Jesse and the things he likes to tackle. He has this way of writing that even though it could mean one thing, it’s a body of work that is always open for interpretation. So, I think people are going to take these songs in their own way and process them in a way that means something to them. He’s very poetic in how he writes, so I think it’s very cool that you can always interpret it how its meant to effect you personally.”
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