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    Album Review: Killswitch Engage Deliver One of Their Heaviest Albums Yet with ‘This Consequence’

    SenecaBy 287 Comments3 Mins Read

    Over the past 25 years, Killswitch Engage has remained one of metalcore’s most influential and enduring acts, blending soaring melodies with crushing heaviness. Lyrically, the band has often explored themes of personal struggle, perseverance, and hope. However, their latest effort, This Consequence, out via Metal Blade Records, takes a different turn, diving headfirst into politically charged lyricism while maintaining the anthemic hooks and powerful instrumentation that have defined their career.

    This Consequence kicks off with “Abandon Us,” a blistering opener that immediately signals the album’s heavier intent. Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel lay down an intricate, math-tinged riff before Jesse Leach launches into a guttural roar that would feel at home in a death metal track. The song’s lyrics, filled with themes of disillusionment and defiance, set the tone for an album that doesn’t shy away from confrontation.

    While the album’s first singles, “Forever Aligned” and “I Believe,” showcase the band’s more melodic and accessible side, it’s the deeper cuts where Killswitch Engage truly flexes their weight. “The Fall of Us” is one of their heaviest songs to date, teetering on the edge of melodic death metal with punishing riffage and a devastating breakdown that slows things down for maximum impact. Similarly, “Discordant Nation” erupts with relentless energy, driven by Justin Foley‘s mix of blast beats and skank beats, giving the track a raw intensity that sets it apart.

    One of the standout elements of This Consequence is the band’s use of mathier riffing—something they’ve dabbled with in the past but lean into more confidently here. Tracks like “Collusion” and “Where It Dies” incorporate shifting rhythms and intricate guitar work that add layers of complexity without sacrificing the band’s signature groove. These moments prove that after two and a half decades, Killswitch Engage can still find ways to evolve while staying true to their roots.

    The album closes with “Requiem,” a soaring anthem of resilience that brings This Consequence to a powerful conclusion. As always, Leach‘s ability to balance raw aggression with heartfelt emotion elevates the track, leaving listeners with a sense of catharsis.

    Overall, This Consequence is one of Killswitch Engage‘s heaviest albums to date, packed with furious riffs, dynamic songwriting, and a balance of melody and brutality. While the more commercially friendly tracks were released as singles ahead of the album, the deeper cuts showcase a band unafraid to get heavier and experiment with their technical prowess.

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    287 Comments

    3. Sam Morris on

      Nowhere near heaviest.

      Its their 2nd worst album to date. Very mid and generic metalcore. Theyve lost their edge massively.

      Reply
        • Jared Turner on

          Joshua Sullivan oh god, no one gives a shit about Jesse’s poetry, we want some good riffs and heavy songs and a catchy hook

          Reply
        • Jonathan Montufar on

          Joshua Sullivan Howard’s lyrics were literally better and more soulful. Had Jesse never left I could agree but now they just sound like a step down. Not as much Bangers but there’s a few

          Reply
    5. Brad Fugiel on

      The hate on this album saying it’s “light” and “basic generic Killswitch” is so confusing to me. Either y’all don’t listen to the rest of their catalog or aren’t listening to this album.

      “The Fall Of Us” is a strong contender for their heaviest song to date and has prominent death metal elements. “Broken Glass” sounds like no other KSE song. “Discordant Nation”, “Where It Dies” and “Requiem” are Thrashy af.

      Are we listening to the same album??

      Reply
      • Cameron Michael Swadley on

        Brad Fugiel Most death metal they’ve ever infused into an album. Ill meet them twice this year and make sure to congratulate them on that.

        Reply
      • Phillip Schedler on

        Brad Fugiel the album is amazing. I get alot of vibes from alive or just breathing. The drumming is some of the most aggressive I’ve ever heard from them. Working in some death metal influences and Jesse trying out some different vocal techniques. I love every killswitch album love Jesse’s vocal and love Howard also. I love the band and their whole discography. The people complaining about this album are clearly casual fans who only like Howard etc. you can’t see a killswitch post without a bunch of people crying “bring Howard back, Jesse sucks!!!” It’s pretty pathetic that people are still crying when Howard choose to leave the band 15 years ago. It’s as bad as the people still crying about max leaving sepultura 30 years ago. Like get over it already. You don’t like it don’t listen, That simple. This album is so good the only complaint I have is that it isn’t longer cause every track is a banger!

        Reply
        • Brad Fugiel on

          Daniel Baldwin when did I say people can’t disagree? And doesn’t arguing opinion generate debate and discussion?

          If you disagree with me tell me why. Funny how you’re telling me to grow up but you’re over here name calling and not understanding how to debate music

          Reply
      • Jon Krakowiak on

        Brad Fugiel I’ve heard every Killswitch album and this is their weakest one since their self titled album from 2009, last album with Howard. Disarm The Descent, Incarnate and Atonement are all solid albums.

        Reply
        • Brad Fugiel on

          Jon Krakowiak to each their own I guess. I don’t like the 09 self titled either and also not crazy about Atonement.
          This album can still be not for everyone. I’m just confused as to why people are saying it’s “light”.

          Reply
        • Jon Krakowiak on

          Brad Fugiel I think the mixing is a bit off and that the album sounds a bit too melodic sounding, like just not much balance between heavy and melody. I’ve just had Atonement on and I think it’s a solid album from start to finish and 1000 times better sounding than this new one imo. Don’t understand the dislike for Atonement at all.

          Reply
      • Cody Blanchard on

        Brad Fugiel to say Killswitch Engage plays death metal on this album is just absolutely insulting to any band that actually plays death metal lol

        Reply
      • Daniel Baldwin on

        Brad Fugiel The hate on this album saying it’s “light” and “basic generic Killswitch” is so confusing to me. Either y’all don’t listen to the rest of their catalog or aren’t listening to this album.

        “The Fall Of Us” is a strong contender for their heaviest song to date and has prominent death metal elements. “Broken Glass” sounds like no other KSE song. “Discordant Nation”, “Where It Dies” and “Requiem” are Thrashy af.

        Are we listening to the same album??

        Just in case you can’t read. This is what YOU wrote. Like I said only idiots argue opinion.

        Reply
      • Joseph Krzyzanski on

        Brad Fugiel it’s just social media. Too many people on here are bitter, insatiable and have to moan and complain about everything. That seems to be the only reason social media exists anymore; to argue and to watch others argue. The album is great. It’s really heavy and it stands out from the rest of their albums. We share the same opinion. Broken Glass might be my favorite KSE song in 10+ years.

        Reply
      • Nathan Harper on

        Brad Fugiel its just that last album was way better lol. People who dont agree are weird. No hate on new album tho

        Reply
        • Brad Fugiel on

          Nathan Harper everyone’s different man, I wasn’t big on Atonement personally. The “soft” and “light” comments are just confusing to me because of the amount of extreme metal influence this album has

          Reply
      • Ashley Jackson on

        Brad Fugiel I really like this album, been a fan since Alive or Just Breathing, can’t wait to see them live. A lot of people don’t like to admit they are wrong even slightly, or like to think they are quite discerning and clever when it comes to music I think, I was surprised how consistently heavy this album is, it’s frustrating to hear bands say they are going back to their roots and go halfway and claim it to be “most old school thing we’ve done in years”, far too common in more popular metal genres, great to hear a band not watering down their sound too much

        Reply
      • Joe Martinez on

        Brad Fugiel hear me out. Not trashing them cuz I’m a fan. But throw on disarm the descent. Then switch over to this consequence. Musically it’s EXTREMELY similar. Chord progressions. Song structure. It’s not anything they haven’t already done.

        Reply
        • Reid Turner on

          Joe Martinez In an interview before release, Jesse mentioned that the album was going to have the same vibes as Disarm the Descent. I can see a lot of similarities but I can point out even more differences that seperate the two. What’s crazy to me is that I remember hearing Justin in an interview some odd years ago suggesting he wasn’t going to be able to keep up as he aged and then all the sudden This Consequence comes out with arguably his fastest work yet. All the band members deserve praise on this album. It’s incredible and I’ll love this band until I’m six feet under.

          Reply
        • Brad Fugiel on

          James Miller nothing wrong with that my man. The “light” comments are what’s confusing me 🤣 differences in opinions with their discography is welcome and shows how great this band is

          Reply
      • Justin Moore on

        I never once have heard people say it’s their lightest. However, their tone on those songs are the reason why anything from As Daylight Dies is heavier.

        Reply
    8. Lewis Aberdeen on

      Y’all commenters who say this “isn’t heavy” are stupid: you probably listen to Ronnie Radke and/or crappy symphonic deathcore and think it’s “heavy”. KsE is real metal, not like that chug-a-chug, fry/tunnel/squeal in 20 pitches junk that passes for metal these days.

      Reply
      • Mikey B Bennetzen on

        Lewis Aberdeen sorry but you take this killswitch album and compare it to 2 other bands with new releases, All That Remains and As I Lay Dying! This killswitch album is nowhere near heavy and I have been a killswitch fan since Jesse sang originally and saw their last 3 shows they have played in mass! Just couldn’t get into this album!

        Reply
        • Tyler Pelley on

          Mikey B Bennetzen next time you listen to it try pulling your head out of your ass. Album is full of blast beats, solos, and breakdowns but iTs nOt hEaVy eNoUgh…

          Reply
        • Mikey B Bennetzen on

          Tyler Pelley dude hey try pulling your head out of your ass and realize not everyone has to like the album and tastes vary! I don’t like this album but did that stop me from picking up tickets to go see them for the 6th time this summer at the summer of loud tour, absolutely not they put on a fucking killer live show! So pull your head out of your ass and fuck right the fuck off!

          Reply
      • Wojtek Drabarek on

        Lewis Aberdeen How people dare to share opinions right? Imho it aint heavy, they had much better albums than this one. The new one is either badly remastered or dunno whats going on, just cant get the hang of it in any shape or form, generic would be the best word to describe it imo. BTW you don’t have to hate on somebody’s opinions just because they criticise your fav band, if their new album is HEAVY for you then maybe you are listening to Ronnie Radke or some other radio-ready mashups? XD

        Reply
        • Lewis Aberdeen on

          Wojtek Drabarek Nah, Ronnie’s a douche xD. As for heavy, I listen to most forms of extreme metal (death, black, thrash, groove etc and their associated subgenres). I’m not saying that KsE is the heaviest game in town. They never really were. What I am saying though is that they have actual riffs and songwriting ability and have stuck to their sound while adding different elements, whereas a lot of modern “core” overemphasizes production, evidently auto tuned vocals and guitar solos, and changing their whole style every two albums to the detriment of good music. Anyways, happy to agree to disagree. The fan-base seems pretty divided on this new one. I’m all for the new record myself

          Reply
        • Wojtek Drabarek on

          Lewis Aberdeen I get your point that KSE has the arsenal, the guitars sounds dope on this one, but IMHO If they did a better master of this record, it would’ve turned out much better. For me it sounds way too flat and separated/clinical.

          Reply
    9. Chad Denison on

      It’s the mix that ruins this record . Too flat sounding , zero depth ! The beefy sound they had with other records is not present in this one .

      Reply
      • Akbar Roosevelt on

        Chad Denison agreed 100% very underwhelming mix the production sounds very amateur. Very disappointing and very surprising considering we all know how capable they are of having some of the best sounding production in the game

        Reply
      • Sully Lapp on

        Chad Denison I have to agree. Although it lets you hear everyone clearly, it sounds over processed and too compressed. Very little in the form of dynamics if any. Dare I say the vocals are too loud compared to the band?

        Reply
      • Thomas Wilson on

        Chad Denison just gave it a listen myself, holy shit yeah that production is really bad. Especially on the chorus of the first song, my 3DS had better audio than this, that’s horrible.

        Fucking pray they get a remix for it

        Reply
      • Tyler Zufall on

        Chad Denison here I thought it might have been Spotify (which I’m sure doesn’t help) that was the culprit for how flat it sounded.

        Reply
      • Justin Scott on

        Chad Denison I also noticed this. I honestly was like, what the fuck. I adjusted all the audio in my car to try and make it sound better. It’s probably the worst mix on any album they have.

        Reply
        • Chad Denison on

          Justin Scott Right ! It’s almost like a mastering / manufacturing defect that sometimes happens. But this was intentional! Makes no sense .

          Reply
      • Brian Cummiskey on

        Chad Denison I thought it was just YouTube compression but then it came out and sounded the same. Totally agree. The dynamics just aren’t there. I don’t get it. Adam d is the best in the game.

        Reply
    11. Jacob Alexander on

      Yeah it’s heavy I guess… but the mixes are dry af and boring. There’s no dynamic to album. Heavy? sure. Good? Not really.
      I expected more from Metalcore gods

      Reply
    18. Nicholas Pinkham Art on

      Blows the last two albums out of the water but it still feels like killswitch on autopilot they don’t evolve, they don’t take chances. All 10 songs on this album follow the generic heavy verse, clean chorus. Atonement was a weaker album but it was at least them embracing they’re a metal band and had a few tracks with 0 cleans.

      Reply
      • Brandon Carmichael on

        Mitch DeBehnke I agree man. It just didn’t have the same passion as their last 3 albums. Disarm the Descent is one of my favorites.

        Reply
    24. Adrian Johnson on

      Probably gonna have to listen to it again but the first listen wasn’t that impressive. Very repetitive pattern and im an absolute huge KSE fan love what Jesse brings to the table but from my first listen this wasn’t it.

      Reply
      • Travis Harker on

        Adrian Johnson i felt the same way. Skipped a bunch of tracks within first minute and last song on the album was my favorite.

        Reply
    27. Josh Kruszyna on

      It’s an incredible album, and really grew on me. It’s in my top 5 right behind Alive or Just Breathing, End of Heartache, As Daylight Dies, and Disarm the Descent

      Reply
    29. Chris Pettengill on

      My only problem with this album is that it is too damn short. 6 years and you can only come up with 35 minutes of music? This reeks of Jesse being a pain in the ass. I’m excited for Adam and Howard’s album

      Reply
    32. Tobin Russell on

      “I believe” is tired boring KsE but the rest is pretty good to great! Best since “The End Of Heartache” at least.

      Reply
    35. Daniel Adams on

      This album is for sure better than their last. I dig it. If they make another album I hope it’s less thrash though.

      Reply
    36. Thomas Wilson on

      probably would be with better production, sounds like those non copyright rock songs on youtube that had no post production

      Reply
    41. Langston Wynn on

      Took a few listens but it’s Definately solid.Aftermath,Collusion and requiem are great songs.The last album was a bit stronger overall imo but this one is really good.Also.

      Reply
      • AS WE RISE on

        Brian Connolly team Jesse. The emo lyrics, vibrato and lack of facets Jesse has really kept me from enjoying him in the band. He had his time and place but Jesse is definitely the better metal vocalist imho.

        Reply
    46. Joshua Alessi on

      I’ve gone through it twice so far (it’s super short, probably less than 40 minutes).

      Honest opinion: so far, nothing has really jumped out at me as a real banger on the album. Maybe “Where It Dies”… I dunno.

      I’ll keep listening, maybe something will grab me, but so far… meh.

      Still stoked to see them in a few weeks for the first time in 3 years though!

      Reply
    48. Stuart Jackman on

      I’m going to be a bit of a hypocrite as I have listened to this album quite a few times. I believe and aftermath are great songs but genuinely feel like this album is not some of their best work. They changed production style after Jesse came back and guitars have felt a bit thinner instead of that chonky sound they had before but this sounds even more flat than other outings. Been a fan of every album since alive or just breathing but this one does feel a bit meh…

      Reply
    49. Glenn Foster on

      They’re my favourite band of all time, and it’s okay to say that you do or don’t like it. I personally cannot connect with the album yet, ‘abandon us’ and ‘i believe’ are my go-to songs but I’m in the majority where I even went back on their discography and it’s missing a little zest for my liking. The atmosphere compared to older albums just falls a bit flat. Overall it’s at a 7.5/10.

      Reply
    53. Dustin Healey on

      I love KSE. Regardless if it’s Jesse or if it’s Howard. Regardless of if it’s 1999 or if it’s 2009. Some of the most passionate and talented musicians on the scene and they have been for 30 years. That’s crazy! This Consequence has been on repeat just like every other album has been. Sure, I have my favorites from each album, but they’re all so good!

      Reply
      • Salvatore Aronica on

        Dustin Healey this is the take. People saying any killswitch is “bad” have lost their minds. They don’t have bad songs no less bad albums

        Reply
    54. Sami Luomanmäki on

      So much crying in the comments. Metal “fans” are truly something else – won’t even listen because it’s 35 minutes long etc 😅

      Reply
      • AS WE RISE on

        Sami Luomanmäki 💯 it’s like tell me you’ve never ever listened a good hardcore album before 🤣🤣🤣

        Reply
    55. Ned Trifunov on

      Nothing on this record makes me want to play it over and over. It’s a meh record. I’m not completely shitting on it but yeah it’s forgettable.

      Reply
    58. Joe Meyer on

      It’s one of those we just mailed it in albums. The first two songs sound very alike. To me the only song that sticks out Is ” I believe”. Which in my opinion is the we made a song so the radio can play it 1 million times a day. Like when Howard was in the band, I feel like they were more diverse with their sound. But like the last four albums have just sounded the same. Don’t get me wrong. I think Jesse is a great singer, but I just feel like with him. It’s run its course.

      Reply
    59. Jared Turner on

      Some songs have promise, and then the dreaded tambourine comes out and Jesse starts singing the title of the song over and over, it’s a snooze fest

      Reply
    65. Wayne Baer on

      Lol why is everyone butt hurt and defensive because it’s not all that heavy? I mean are they 50? Is this their 10th album? I’m not gonna bag on them and say it’s their worst album, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have ended up obsessed with them for years, seeing them at least 5 times, if Alive or Just Breathing was, you know, this.

      Reply
    67. Nathan Roberts on

      I’ve listened to it several times and I think it’s great. There’s 3 or 4 solid bangers but every song is good imo…🤘🤘

      Reply
    69. Jon Garcin on

      KSE is my favorite metalcore band. I had the song “All For Us” on repeat yesterday for an entire hour. Sounded more like a Gojira track with the squeals and double bass. JFO brings it on this album (his most impressive drumming to date) and Adam D sounds like an angel hahaha. 9/10 for me.

      Reply
    70. Tyler Pelley on

      Listened to the whole album on my ride into work yesterday, I was impressed! The worst KSE has got to be the last one with Howard, I’m also not a HJ fan.

      Reply
    71. Brandon Hammond on

      No song caught my attention. Skipped through every one. No hooks, flat mix. 🙁 love killswitch but this isn’t it for me.

      Reply
    74. Daniel Ogre Street on

      I’m gonna start off saying KSE is my all time favorite band, I have the same amount of love for both Howard and Jesse.
      The riffs are phenomenal and the drum tracking is beastly.
      Jesse’s vocals are better than ever.
      That being said. I rank this album 8 out of their 9 albums. Only beating the Howard self titled.
      It’s the choruses that take me out of most songs. They all sound a little too similar and take the wind out of the sails. There heavy riffs and then it’s like it jump cuts to a different song and then back to the nasty. Again, not saying it’s bad by any means, but it’s definitely not their best album.

      As Daylight Dies
      Incarnate
      The End of Heartache
      Alive or Just Breathing
      Disarm the Descent
      Self Titled (Jesse)
      Atonement
      This Consequence
      Self Titled (Howard)

      I do not hate a single one of these albums, and know every song on each of them by heart.

      Reply
    75. Martin Blumenkrantz on

      Very weak, generic and boring. Choruses are not even catchy, riffs are meh. The band has fallen so much after Howard’s gone.

      Reply
    76. Jason Steffen on

      I just can’t get into this band. Seen em live and everything. Its the clean vocals that kill anything this band has done.

      Reply
    80. Dylan Schaumburg on

      It’s been a blessing to listen to all versions. The newest albums have been amazing. I love Howard and Light the Torch, but the new KSE albums are mindblowing to me. The B sides album really drew me back in.

      Reply
    85. Jay Hus on

      5 years for an oddly mixed and produced album that feels uninspired. It’s regurgitated KSE with some new elements that only last for a little of a song, not enough to take it to the next level.

      It’s a confusing album, it’s not bad bad, I just don’t think it’s what anyone was expecting after a 5 year break from putting out a new album.

      Reply
    87. Gabriel Zufall on

      I love Killswitch and I love everything they’ve put out. It’s definitely heavy. Albeit a little repetitive. But overall it’s a solid album I think.

      Reply
    89. Shawn Snowden on

      You could hear it starting to happen on Atonement but sadly the boys feel very uninspired. They need to change it up, mix in something different idk.

      Reply
    98. AS WE RISE on

      I love that even Howard loves it saying it’s their best yet and so many edgelord gatekeepers suck and can’t get into it because they’ve never been exposed to a good 35 min hardcore record. 🤣🤣🤣

      Reply
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