Killswitch Engage

While Killswitch Engage have effectively retained their place on the top of the melodic metalcore heap commercially, long-term fans and casual observers alike have expressed misgivings about the direction recent efforts have taken. Ultimately, their formula hasn't changed all that much, at least until now. The band's second self-titled effort, while not breaking away from what they're known for in a huge way, shakes it up just enough to improve upon 2006's As Daylight Dies. The expected melodramatic clean choruses, Gothenburg/Bay area fusion riffs and intermittent breakdowns have not been excised; it's the song structures that have been tinkered with. The band utilize a more prominent loud/soft dynamic and are now comfortable with including three tracks with almost entirely clean vocals. Unlike their prior release, each track is clearly distinct from the last. Howard Jones's polarizing vocal presence won't win the group new fans but those enamoured with his approach will find much to love in his suitably histrionic performance. This is an album for the fans; it's not too far removed from what they're known for to alienate but is likely to appease those that claimed As Daylight Dies was phoned in and lacking in standout moments. Welcome back!