Killswitch Engage [2009]
by Killswitch Engage
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. AllMusic
    70
    Where 2006's "As Daylight Dies" hinted at an accelerated focus on the more melodic aspects of extreme metal, Killswitch Engage cements the notion.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    This album isn't going to change the way you think about metal, but Killswitch Engange aren't Mastodon; they just want to get the pit going, and this album will surely acomplish that. [Aug 2009, p.108]
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  3. Billboard
    50
    Aside from a few unique moments ("The Return," "Take Me Away"), there's not much new to report here.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Their future as a metal act with their fingers on the button seems assured.
  6. Q Magazine
    80
    The addition of Southern-fried sludge makes this album almost the complete New Wave Of American Heavy Metal package. [Aug 2009, p.101]
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  7. PopMatters
    50
    What’s especially frustrating for Killswitch fans is the fact that they know those tracks, which sound so weak on record, will absolutely kill in a live setting.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 44
  3. Negative: 4 out of 44
  1. Happymonk
    Dec 8, 2011
    8
    A great album, but not fantastic like their last 2. It really just reassures us that Killswitch Engage can still write well (some of the songsA great album, but not fantastic like their last 2. It really just reassures us that Killswitch Engage can still write well (some of the songs I'd consider among their best). It's not as heavy as their last two albums (people may disagree with me there). You should listen to it more than twice though, as I was really disappointed upon first hearing. It can surprise, just not throughout. Here's hoping their new album due next year will keep it up.… Full Review »
  2. akino1
    Jan 21, 2014
    9
    Track Rating Contribution
    Never Again 3 243
    Starting Over 5 3125 The Forgotten 4 1024 Reckoning 3 243 The Return 5 3125 A Light In A    Track Rating Contribution
    Never Again 3 243
    Starting Over 5 3125
    The Forgotten 4 1024
    Reckoning 3 243
    The Return 5 3125
    A Light In A Darkened World 3 243
    Save Me 3 243
    Lost 4 1024

    TOTAL SCORE=9270
    10 THRESHOLD=10000
    FINAL=9.27    … Full Review »
  3. Sci-Fi-Dude1456
    Nov 12, 2013
    10
    Spectacular lyrics, amazing riffs, and lots of things separates this band from the other cookie-cutter metalcore bands. Killswitch has alwaysSpectacular lyrics, amazing riffs, and lots of things separates this band from the other cookie-cutter metalcore bands. Killswitch has always inspired me to do greater things.… Full Review »
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