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Killswitch Engage [2009]
by
Killswitch Engage [2009] Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 44 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest album for the Massachusetts rock band was produced with Brendan O'Brien.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Their future as a metal act with their fingers on the button seems assured.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Billboard
    50
    Aside from a few unique moments ("The Return," "Take Me Away"), there's not much new to report here.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 3 out of 18
  1. 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.… Expand
  2. BrandonB
    Sep 10, 2009
    9
    Killswitch is my favorite band. I bought this cd twice just to meet them. Their new album is pretty sick. As a musician, I know all about the Killswitch is my favorite band. I bought this cd twice just to meet them. Their new album is pretty sick. As a musician, I know all about the hard work that goes into creating music. Adam and Joels guitar skills are top notch with this album. They really brought the pain, with creative riffs and amazing harmonies whats not to like? Howards voice is incredible, the guy and really belt it. He could sing anything and I would enjoy it. The bass lines are also great, thanks for delivering those Mike D. I always enjoy his grooving lines and the sick way he plays them on stage. Oh and I can't forget Justin even using a kit as simple as his, he never ceases to create a great beat. All in all an excellent album, if you enjoy metal and killswitch pick it up.… Expand
  4. 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    … Expand
  5. forestville
    Mar 14, 2013
    8
    Killswitch Engage is still hard, progressive and melodic, but honestly was not all that good.
    The guitars and bass are still clean, but I    Killswitch Engage is still hard, progressive and melodic, but honestly was not all that good.
    The guitars and bass are still clean, but I notice when it changes and not very flattering are the sound of the drums and the voice very different from Howard Jones, is very weak in comparison to their earlier work, also suggest that KSE began emporear, hopefully not the case then.
    But the album overall the album is good and still has the drive and melodic style that everyone loves from KSE.
    You can not miss this work, especially the big fans of Killswitch Engage.    … Expand
  6. PatrickD
    Aug 24, 2009
    7
    Good, but not at all comparable to End of Heartache of As Daylight Dies.
  7. ohaiKendyl
    Jun 4, 2011
    5
    Killswitch Engage doesn't exceed As Daylight Dies in any way possible, but there are a few surprises (such as "The Return" and "Take Me Away")Killswitch Engage doesn't exceed As Daylight Dies in any way possible, but there are a few surprises (such as "The Return" and "Take Me Away") and some killer metal tracks that may keep fans satisfied.… Expand
  8. BobbyL
    Aug 4, 2009
    0
    Same old, nothing new, boring.

See all 18 User Reviews

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