Retention of a title is somewhat of an art form. Seeing the less established acts fall by the wayside, undisputed heavyweights Killswitch Engage have weathered the recent Metalcore storm. Having returned on Disarm The Descent with Jesse Leach for the first time since their break through, Alive or Just Breathing the band once more proved their worth. Now, having re established the foundations of a solidified line up, in a time where Metalcore is more of an afterthought, how have the band weaponised their iconic sound for their brand new release Incarnate.
[tracklist]
- Alone I Stand
- Hate By Design
- Cut Me Loose
- Strength Of The Mind
- Just Let Go
- Embrace Thw Journey…Upraised
- Quiet Distress
- Until The Day I Die
- It Falls On Me
- The Great Deceit
- We Carry On
- Ascension
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]42:00[/length]
[record_label]Roadrunner Records[/record_label]
[release_date]March 11th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
The familiar curtain call of feedback provides a defiant statement that despite the plethora of imitators there are non to equal the compromise of ferocity and beauty. “Alone I Stand“, immediately quashes any hearsay that the band may have dulled over time. The aggressive tempos give way to those familiar homesteads of Herculean choruses. Followed by the uplifting destructive force of “Hate By Design” a fitting argument that Incarnate could be the band’s most aggressive release to date. An integral piece in the Killswitch Engage identity the preamble of aggression is often cushioned with a huge hook laden, brilliantly crafted chorus. Owing to Jesse Leach‘s fantastic vocals working in tandem still packs an emotional punch particularly in steadfast statement “Cut Me Loose” with lyrics centering on depression.
Adam D and co are hot on Leach’s tail with “Just Let Go” who’s biting verse would sit atop the Metalcore pile throwing all the way back ’05 whilst retaining a modern edge. Not to mention the urgent “Until The Day I Die” seeing those all important harmonies resurface. Despite being years into their career Incarnate rekindles the fire that ignited the original Killswitch Engage blaze. The maelstrom of “The Great Deceit” could wager as some of the most destructive material the band have released. Comparative to their previous works the band have brought focus back to the song writing coupling together razor sharp riffing with shorter and more simplistic tracks centered particularly around vocals. All the while drawing from their experiences to create a more streamlined approach that only hindsight would be able to grant.
Expecting ballads on the record “Quiet Distress” begins with acoustic guitar before the rug is pulled to reveal an exponentionally venomous verse. Creating lyrics that are pertinent without sounding self righteous, delivering a curt message that is both meaningful and without the holier than though ideology. Building upon their musical understanding eNablus members to work to their strengths. Making for the likes of slower “We Carry On” work because of this understanding of a songwriting relationship. The Taste of Chaos boys have brought a more matured and structured element making song writing paramount, monumental hooks, earth shattering vocals and some of the most aggressive musicality in years.
Following the idiom of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it some may deem the album to be simply just another Killswitch Engage release. However these pioneers of the mid two thousands movement have proven, years later by weaponising emotion, songwriting and a mature understanding of their entire make up that they are now more than ever more Alive than just Breathing.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Capitalising on their return with a gift only hindsight could offer whilst still sounding more relevant than ever. Killswitch Engage champion their undefeated status with this spectacular album.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can preorder the album here!
