Killswitch Engage has nothing left to prove—25 years into their career, they’ve already solidified their place as one of the most vital and influential metal bands of their era. But This Consequence isn’t the sound of a band coasting on past success. Instead, it’s a crushing, emotionally charged statement that proves they’re still pushing their sound forward while staying true to everything that made them great in the first place.
The Sound of a Band at Their Peak
Right out of the gate, “Abandon Us” opens the album in a way only Killswitch knows how—crushing, brutal, yet soaring with a massive singalong chorus that could have easily been the first single. The fact that it isn’t just proves how strong the rest of the album truly is. From the moment Justin Foley’s pounding drums kick in, you know you’re in for something special.
The energy doesn’t let up as “Discordant Nation” and “Aftermath” hit with a perfect balance of aggression and melody, showcasing everything we love about Killswitch: relentless riffs, emotionally charged lyrics, and hooks that hit like a freight train.
Jesse & Adam: A Vocal Partnership Like No Other
One of the biggest strengths of This Consequence is how seamlessly Jesse Leach and Adam Dutkiewicz’s vocals intertwine. Their harmonies have never sounded stronger—a dynamic we first realised on The Hymn of a Broken Man, the debut Times of Grace album, and one that has only grown since. Adam doesn’t just lend his guttural growls to the mix but also delivers some of his most beautiful clean vocals to date, adding even more depth to Jesse’s already commanding presence.
Tracks like “I Believe” and “Forever Aligned” highlight this perfectly, with the duo trading lines and blending their voices in a way that elevates the emotion behind the music.
A Darker, More Intense Side
Killswitch has never shied away from exploring heavier, more introspective themes, and that’s fully on display here. “Where It Dies” and “Collusion” lean into the band’s thrashier and death metal influences, with blistering riffs and an intensity that feels almost primal. “The Fall of Us” pushes that even further, with Jesse delivering some of his most gut-wrenching screams over a relentless wall of sound.
But it’s not all about sheer heaviness. “Broken Glass” slows things down just enough to deliver one of the most emotionally raw moments on the record, tackling themes of betrayal and redemption with a mix of vulnerability and fury.
A Grand Finale That Sticks With You
As the album closes with “Requiem”, it’s clear that Killswitch Engage has crafted something special here. This isn’t just another album in their catalogue—it’s a statement. A culmination of everything they’ve built over the last two and a half decades, honed to perfection and executed with undeniable passion.
Final Verdict
This Consequence is a reminder of why Killswitch Engage remains one of the most beloved and respected bands in heavy music. It’s heavy, it’s heartfelt, and it’s filled with the kind of anthems that will tear up festival stages and bring fans together in a way only they can.
Simply put, This Consequence goes down smoother than your favourite craft brew but still hits like a double IPA—bold, unrelenting, and packed with flavour. Whether you’ve been with them since Alive or Just Breathing or just discovered them, this is an album that demands to be heard.
🍻 Rating: 8.5/10 🍻
And while you’re here check out our most recent interview with Mike D himself!
