Genre: Metalcore
Label: Metal Blade records
Date of Release: 21 February, 2025
Line Up:
Mike D’Antonio – Bass
Adam Dutkiewicz – Guitar
Joel Stroetzel – Guitar
Jesse Leach – Vocals
Justin Foley – Drums
Tracklist
Abandon Us
Discordant Nation
Aftermath
Forever Aligned
I Believe
Where it Dies
Collusion
The Fall of Us
Broken Glass
Requiem
In a break from their more recent writing process, this latest album is the culmination of the band members’ creative input conducted in the melting pot of a Massachusetts studio. This face to face process enabled all the band members to push themselves. Bassist Mike D’Antonio comments “It felt like everyone put a ton of effort into this, It’s the first time since Alive Or Just Breathing that we really hashed everything out together in the same room. It was a combined effort, and there are even some things you’ve never heard from Killswitch.“
To date, the band has released two tracks as singles “Forever Aligned” and “I Believe“, the first of which commences with pounding drums before being joined by angry guttural vocals before moving into more melodic singing and Killswitch’s trademark style that truly appeals to their followers. It is this contrast between the vocal stylings that has had me hooked since seeing them live at the O2 in Brixton 11 years ago. The second single in comparison shows the other side of the band with less anger but no less emotion as the band brings their story of hope to the listeners. The message from the band is clear, don’t give up, things will get better.
When asked about the themes in the lyrics for the album Jess Leach explained: “It’s really about coming out of a dark time. The aftermath of the world coming out of an abusive situation, the PTSD of it. You have an awakening that the life you’ve been living is sort of a lie. So, it’s in reference to the dark, clandestine forces of the powers that be and what they imposed upon the common people. It’s very much a revolutionary fight back. It all stems from me for the times we’re living in now.” – Metal Hammer, Jan 2025.
As per usual the album is riff heavy with tracks such as “Where it Dies” or the opening to “Requiem” that showcase the band’s ability to blend the riffs with more technical elements such as the well positioned pinched harmonics. The band knows how to add guitar-based interest to tracks to add to the overall effectiveness.
There are elements of the album that feel heavier in sections than previous work. This includes the almost Death Metal sections of “The Fall of Us” and these work well but are a slight deviation from the band’s normal material but as they are interlaced with more traditional Killswitch stylings it will not alienate the faithful fan base.
Overall the album is a fine addition to the band’s catalogue. It stays true to the band’s core material whilst pushing the boundaries in some areas and I very much look forward to seeing the material performed live when next on tour. Having seen the band live four times they have never delivered anything but a top notch show and this material feels like it will translate well to the live forum.
The band’s US tour will start a couple of weeks after the release of the album in Nashville on the 5th March.
Written by: Dave Martin
Ratings: 8/10
About Author
