Killswitch Engage

Killswitch Engage are one of those rare bands whose unheard of levels of success were earned solely on the merit of their quality. Along with Hatebreed, they have ushered in metalcore as the new commercial face of heavy music, quickly becoming a priority act for Roadrunner Records over the course of 2002, the chronological apex of the nu-metal movement. As Daylight Dies is their sophomore release since the induction of Blood Has Been Shed alumni Howard Jones, whose vocal performance here is nothing short of mesmerising. Honing their trademark blend of raucous Gothenburg thrash, American hardcore and sinfully memorable clean choruses, this record is a testament to the old adage, "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s not to say that Killswitch are a regular Bolt Thrower or Amon Amarth, as they choose to sharpen their trusty techniques rather than merely rehash them. "Break The Silence” boasts the group’s most emotionally affecting chorus yet, and culminates in an expertly structured refrain that clutches the listener’s heartstrings for dear life amidst the cascades of layered harmonies and thundering percussion. The opposite end of the spectrum is "For You,” which wastes no time pummelling the listener with restrained technicality and, yes, the requisite mosh-ready chugging. Tracks featuring almost entirely clean vocals, such as "The Arms of Sorrow,” pass with no finger-pointing or sell-out accusations, as the professional songwriting and overall perfection of the group’s craft is strong enough to stifle the potential revulsion. With not a weak moment or characteristic to speak of, As Daylight Dies stands as the year’s finest metalcore record, and will likely be remembered as Killswitch’s defining statement for years to come.