Killswitch Engage - "As Daylight Dies"

[Keaolien]

Well since we don't have a review section for music, I thought I'd post it here...

The album of choice this time out is the new release by Killswitch Engage, called As Daylight Dies. The album is the follow-up to their hugely succesful previous release, The End of Heartache, and the second album with singer Howard Jones on board.

The CD is strong, fast, and tight. Howard's vocals hit new highs, with the title track, Daylight Dies, showcasing his guttural, fierce scream, in contrast with his deep, and resonant singers voice. The lyrics are once again thoughtful, deep, but still shallow enough to just sit back and headbang to it if that's all you want.

The guitar work is FAR more complex on this outting than on previous albums, proving that both guitarists have grown as musicians and people as well. The bass work has a much heavier thud to it, adding that extra bit of depth and power to each song.

The drumming is simply spectacular. It is almost akin to a whirlwind of precussion, moving lightning fast at one moment, down to a slow, steady, almost hypnotic rythem at times.

All in all, I give this album a perfect 5/5. Old fans will love the album, and new ones will find a depth and honesty in the music that is rarely found in today's marketplace.

Enjoy!!

[Duchess Rashel]

Thanks for the review.

I'm a big fan of Killswitch, I might have to look into getting this album.
The only complaint about their previous music is that so many of the songs sound the same. Then again, if something sounds good, why change it too much.

My favorite so far has been - Fixation on the Darkness on the Alive Or Just Breathing album.

[barrelOfgoblins]

I like their first album their second one was ok... but I think their going far too deep in the "EMO" genre with their second album, havent heard their new album (didnt even know they came out with a new one) and you say that the old fans will like the new album I'll probably go pick it up.

[Korkskrew]

Not to sound oppositional or anything, but you really need to look into what Emo really is if you'd classify anything KsE has put out to be anything akin to that. I can see where you'd make that connection, with the acoustic interludes and, in my opinion, somewhat cheesy lyrics, the style of music is just way too different. For one thing, Emo is a derivative of punk music, whilst Killswitch are almost purely Gothencore (AKA Melodic Death Metal, Swedish Candeh) with some hardcore influences.

As for the actual album, I dug it. Not too hard, but it was a good purchase. Old skool KsE, cool blending of acoustic/electric beats, and a definite satisfaction in the technicality of the music. Shame about D'Antonio though. The bass on this album seemed to mostly mirror the guitars, which is a cop out, in my opinion.

Still, the blast beats are fun, and the cheesy lyrics sound great coming out of that man's giant mouth (seriously, saw it in concert, it's massive). They obviously don't take themselves seriously, and I think if taken at face value for what they are: mindlessly fun metal, they're a great band. Just don't expect to be particularily inspired by their lyrics.

[bwahahaha00]

hmm might just have to have listen then
right now now my music is erratic ..from golden brown by the stranglers to lamb of god ahses of the world witch is fun as its the one off GH II ..lots notes dat one ..theres also motograter and a dash of NIN inthere (but not so much of the new one ..thats gonna have to grow on me ) sorry this isnt more informative guess im just to widespread to focus :)
must be my age ..to close to 40

[Whytewulf]

Eh I got it and .. well not my type of music. I prefer less "struggle" to sing. The intros, guitar playing and such were great, its when he went into the "I need to roar" mode I was disappointed. Anyone want a copy? :)

[LordPazuzu]

Haven't heard the new one, but generally I have not been impressed with this band. I saw them live once opening for Cradle of Filth and that was a severe mismatch.

[Pho3nix]

'As Daylight Dies' is great ! In my opinion the best Metal album of 2006.

Sure, It sounds a lot like The End of Heartache but why change something that works?

My favorite songs are:
My Curse
For You
Break the Silence
Eye of the Storm
Self Revolution