Year: 2025
Total Time: 35:11
Label: Metal Blade

After a six-year break since “Atonement” album, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE returns with “This Consequence”, an album deeply influenced by the turbulence of the recent years. The lockdowns, political unrest, and social divisions in America have fuelled an undeniably angry and aggressive sound. This record sees the band embracing their roots with fast, unrelenting tracks that showcase Jesse Leach at his most ferocious, delivering a barrage of harsh vocals and his characteristic cleans of course, when most of the choruses kick in. The album feels raw and unapologetic, reminiscent of an era when metalcore wasn’t overproduced or forced into predictable song structures. Adam D’s production complements this old-school approach, giving the album an organic intensity that long-time fans will appreciate. 

However, despite its raw energy, “This Consequence” suffers from a lack of truly memorable songwriting. Many of the riffs feel generic, failing to carve out a unique identity for each track. The same issue extends to the melodic sections and choruses, which lack the anthemic, hook-driven quality that KILLSWITCH ENGAGE has mastered in the past. As a result, the album sometimes blurs together, feeling more like a solid but indistinct metalcore release rather than one with the signature Killswitch sound. 

That said, “This Consequence” is still a step up from “Atonement”, benefiting from its aggressive tone and return to a rawer, less polished aesthetic. Older fans who long for the days of “Alive or Just Breathing” may find something to love in its unfiltered approach, but at the same time, the lack of standout moments keeps it from reaching the heights of their best work. It’s a solid, pissed-off metalcore album, but one that could have used a bit more inspiration to truly leave a lasting mark.

Rating: 7/10
Editor: Dimitris Benetatos
Related Link: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – Official Page