Some call them gay for running around on stage singing love songs, others find Killswitch Engage a true inspiration. Fact is, they’re the top of the bill for about 7 years already, releasing four albums, a DVD and a re-release on Roadrunner Records. I’m the kind of person that loves KsE no matter what, but for once I tried to be extra extra critical with this release. Here’s what I think of their second self titled album.
I keep being surprised by the fact that KsE is able to create such heavy music while mainly singing songs that do not exactly contain your average metal lyrics. ‘Cause seriously, most songs seem handle topics like love, sharing your heart and soul and other such topics. I’d almost start to believe Howard Jones has had quite some lovely girls to bring his serenades to. But let’s cut the crap. What I was trying to say, is that KsE sounds heavy as always on this new album. Though slightly different from what we’re used to. And I like it!
Now, what’s so different then? Well, mainly the entire musical direction. Don’t get me wrong, this music is 100% pure Killswitch Engage. It’s just that it’s a little less core and a bit more metal. There’s a part that kinda reminds me of Dragonforce but then again there’s also parts that almost have a power metal / hard rock feel to it. It’s exactly this variation that makes the album interesting enough to keep you focused on the music.
Besides, there’s plenty of room for melody as well as for fast accelerations that make you wanna go crazy in a live environment. But foremost, this is an emotional album. The kind of album that evokes positive feelings of anger/aggressiveness yet still makes you see the good things in life as well. (Did that just sound too cheesy?)
Anyway, fans of the band probably already downloaded this album in some way or another, the less courageous fans have to wait only a couple of days longer. People, get this one! It is, once again, a great album. And I dare to say that after being extra extra critical. Period.