Killswitch Engage are yet another metalcore making headways in the world of modern metal. After the departure of original vocalist Jesse Leach and the change from drumming to guitar duties for Adam Dutkiewicz, the band released their third effort entitled 'The End Of Heartache'. So, is it actually any good.
What Is Good About The Album?
There are several strong tracks that feature on the album and the most noteworthy are during the nfirst half of the album. These tracks include 'A Bid Farewell', 'Take This Oath', 'Rose Of Sharyn' and the epic ballad that is the title track. When you consider that I actually prefer the vocal talents of Jesse Leach to new crooner Howard Jones, that is pretty good in my opinion. The production of the album is excellent courtesy of whizzkid Adam Dutkiewicz and his guitar duties are also top notch. In fact, both the drumming and guitar efforts of Joel Strotzel and his partnere exceed expectations and whilst there is only one proper solo on the album, their riffs are as melodic and brutal as a firm fist to the cranium.
What Is Not So Good About The Album?
Well, for the one, the fact that Jesse Leach is no longer the frontman. Although it is definitely a matter of opinion, I belive Howard Jones has not got the edge that his predecessor possessed and he falls short of making the songs truly spectacular on a vocal front. That said, he has a fairly good scream and can vary his voice very well.The band tend to rely on a format of strongly sung verses and anthemic, soaring choruses which canm become a little tiresome yet it is not a particularly bad aspect of the album. Also, it is not hard to notice the sheer lack of solos on the album, with only one fairly decent effort slipping through. It is not as if the band don't have the necessary talent to produce quality lead breaks either and it is a shame that they did not decide to add to the overall quality of the album. On a final note, the second half of the album definitely lacks any form of gusto that the first half presented to you. The filler tracks begin to come through and you find yourself straining for the skip button on several occassions.
Why Buy?
All in all, this album is a worthy addition to any fan of melodic metal music. Their combination of heaviosity, melody and old school metal will really appeal to a wide number of people wanting fresh metal. Plus, you get an added bonus disc (which I won't review or add track ratings for) which is always a bonus.
Hope the review was okay. Enjoy!
Track Ratings
A Bid Farewell 5/5
Take This Oath 5/5
When Darkness Falls 4/5
Rose Of Sharyn 5/5
Inhale 4/5
Breathe Life 4.5/5
The End Of Heartache 5/5
Declaration 4/5
World Ablaze 4/5
And Embers Rise 4/5
Wasted Sacrifice 3.5
Hope Is... 3.5/5
Yip. I agree. I think this is one the better CD's I own, and love every track. And embers rise is awesome and I always get that distorted guitar thats really deep in the mix, at the end of the song stuck in my head.
I think this album is pretty awesome. I love every single track, and I like that there's not a solo on every single track. I agree with A_H_C that solos are not necessary. The structuring of their songs has gotten better, too.
i have been listening to this album alot recently, i think its pretty sweet, adam d is a legend, he's such a good producer, i also love the pinch harmonics in the guitar work. legendary.This Message Edited On 11.05.06
