The foursome that came together and created Killswitch Engage, under the driving force of bassist Mike D’Antonio, already had strong fan followings, with former members of the bands Overcast, Aftershock and Corrin combining to fuse hardcore and metal with melody.
Killswitch Engage burst onto the scene by opening for In Flames on their 1999 tour, during which they were heard by and signed to Ferret. The band’s self-titled debut album was released in June the next year, immediately capturing rave reviews.
Killswitch Engage at the time were
Jesse Leach-Vocals
Joel Stroetzel-Guitar
Mike D'Antonio-Bass
Adam Dutkiewicz-Drums
Now onto the review
Temple from the Within
This song starts right up with Jesse screaming then rolls into a more medolic part with Jesse singing "I want to see what's so". This is a brilliant start to a song and album. I adore the chourus with high guitar and Adam pounding on the double bass. I have to note that in this album i love the way Jesse trades from shouting to singing its amazing 5/5
Vide Infra
This song has alot of emotion from Jesse thats really raw and powerful. The lyrics are just beautiful "refuse to be led by the majority can't compromise I and I to pass judgement" The song really focuses on the fact that this world is full of selfish views and opinions. The rythm of the chourus is increadibly chatchy. The interlude just sends my heart racing. Another fantastic song 5/5
Irreversal
My favourite song on this album and my third favourite Killswitch song. The palm muting from Joel in this song is phenomenal and Jesse deep growls really help you understand that his voice is just god-like. The inturlude is one of my favourite pieces of music ever writing. It has an amazing contrast of clean guitar and powerful shouting that gives you goosebumps 5/5
Rusted Embrace
Another powerful song from KsE that deprives on the damage we have done to our plannet and wether there is enough time to solve the problem "So lost what have we done a slowly dying Earth a suffocated wasteland for convenience and so called" Adams drum playing really shines in this song i feel that the single ride hit he does when everything goes quiet is really clever. A solid 4/5
Prelude
A nice break from the rest of the album. A musical piece with some really good medolic guitar and Jesse wispering in the background 3/5
Soilborn
The first song Killswitch ever wrote. It continues straight on from Prelude. Joel uses alot of faint guitar slides in this song. I really like the quick bass fills that Mike does ,it shows you that they are all really talented musicians. Joel reverts to his slow palm muting that he does throughout the album. Adam continues to impress with his double bass. 3/5
Numb Sickened Eyes
In my opinion the worst song on the album but that doesnt mean that its really bad because it uses alot of the echo effect on Jeese's voice that it used throughout the album. The clean singing is pretty as is the guitar. The guitar riff used after the chourus is quite chatchy but a bit samey. It just ends with a trail of silence .3/5
In the Unblind
This song reminds me alot of Inflames. Adams drumming in this is really clever and brilliant. The chourus is amazing with fast guitar, double bass and Jesse growling. The pinched harmonic Joel does in this song is increadibly effective 4/5
One Last Sunset
This song was entirely written by Adam. He uses numerous amounts of instruments in this musical. It has a western feel to it , mabey Mexican. Its just truly amazing and i give praise to Adam for being such a talented person. An amazing end to an amazing album. 5/5
The bonus tracks are just demos of songs that are already on the album so i won't bother reviewing them
Pros
Brilliant lyrics
Great bass-work
Very cheap with the added tracks make this a bargain
Cons
Only one guitar
Might be too heavy for some listeners
I feel that this is a muat by for any metal fan. KsE are a brilliant band who focus on love and emotion with no swearing or satanic lyrics. Get this album , Final rating 5/5
All coments welcome thankyou
