Atonement

Killswitch Engage delivers the goods on this album. While their past two albums were stellar and show improvement from one to the next, "Atonement" is just as good or better than "Incarnate", except without the filler songs. At 11 total songs this album packs a perfect punch. Let's dissect it.

Jesse showed improvement on "Incarnate" with his vocal range and clean singing, and continues to improve in that department on this album, however his growls and screaming vocals are outright excellent and way superior to previous releases. He's been doing some work indeed. He simply continues to become a better vocalist and there is more screaming on this album than the past few, which is an unexpected pleasure from a metalcore band, which all too often mellow out and become uninteresting as they "mature". Yes I'm talking to you All That Remains, Atreyu, Trivium, Toothgrinder, BFMV, A7X, and on and on. You get progressively more boring with each album that you churn out. Not KsE; no not at all. Several of the songs on this album are particularly heavy, including "The Signal Fire" and the "The Crownless King" which are hands down my two favorite songs on the album; both are collaborations as well. They hearken back to the riffs and screaming on the early albums, but with a healthy growth in songwriting ability and shear talent. Which brings up the seemingly long-anticipated collaboration with Howard Jones. They certainly did not let us down with that; they very rarely do.

Other highlights on the album include "Us Against the World", "As Sure as the Sun Will Rise", "Know Your Enemy", and "I Can't Be the Only One". This is not to downplay the other songs. I listen to this cover to cover on repeat. Exceptional albums define time periods in my life, and this one will serve that purpose, as almost all KsE albums have. One common theme that I noticed is the lyrical content. As many know Jesse and his wife separated, and much of the pain from his personal life and mental struggles show through. Some of it shows through a bit too deliberately in my opinion, but that's Jesse's way of expressing his state of mind and I respect that. "I Am Broken Too" (my least favorite), "As Sure as the Sun Will Rise", "Take Control", and "I Ca't Be the Only One", all strongly hint at Jesse's anguish and struggles. Some of this album is reminiscent of "Time of Grace: Hymn of a Broken Man" which was largely focused on Adam's struggles at the time. By the way, I cannot wait for the next ToG album.

Enough about Jesse, let talk about the guitars on this album. They are instantly recognizable as KsE, but with obvious growth and creativity. Occasionally soft intros that lead into heavy, driving riffs, and the occasional odd chord progression or key change keep this album interesting. Let's take note that there are some completely memorable solos on this album that take excellent songs to and ever higher level. Remember the first two albums with no solos? They were great no doubt, but what if they would have had soaring, interesting solos? We'll never know but to conclude, this album is up there in the KsE catalog. Are there any songs that will be as memorable or as popular as "End of Heartache", "Arms of Sorrow", or "My Last Serenade" (OK probably not popular but very memorable)? Probably not. But who cares. KsE aren't here to play whiny radio hits, they have given us another superb album to enjoy for the rest of our lives. They have remained creative but within their brand, which is very defining, and they've remained friends with their former lead singer (who has ever done that?!?)

Fantastic album! Another great album in a long line of great albums from KSE! \m/

Buy it! This is a perfect Metal CD! Every song pulls me in. I bought it for my son as a gift but ended up loving it myself. We were supposed to see the band in concert in Boston in April and I got my son Meet & Greet passes but then Covid 19 happened so no shows. But this music is seriously getting me through it all. Listen to the lyrics! Words like "I am broken too, in all the same places as you' and 'I can't be the only one' and "When your fear and panic take ahold you must take control" I can relate to so much. Beautiful music. Such depth of feeling in the words

This might be their best studio release. Every song is good. Jesse Leach has gotten so much better as a singer - especially his clean vocals. Loved Howard when he was with KSE, but this version of Jesse takes the band to another level.

Killswitch Engage grabbed me and climbed to the top of my favorite bands list back with End Of Heartache and I have been hooked on all the material since. The previous 2 albums were good but never really stood out to me. Atonement is the best Jesse and the band have ever sound together. Don't get me wrong, I love the original Jesse material but listen to Atonement then go back to the beginning and you can totally hear the improvement.

Everything about this album is great. Production and tones sound really good. Jesse's vocal capability has improved massively. He was never bad, but on this album you can tell that he's put some extra work into it and he sounds markedly better than previous KSE albums that he sang on. All in all, this is a stellar album from one of the best metal bands around these days.

I have been a fan of KSE for years, and they always seems to please me with good music. The words in their lyrics speaks of true pain and suffering, and I am always drawn to that. If youre a fan, you wont be disappointed! More screamo in this album than the last and its GREAT!! I feel like they went back to their true metal days and I LOVE it!

I've always love kill switch engaged this album is special to me because of the meanings in all of the songs really hit a personal note for me. For me they songs portray some of the personal struggles I go through and feel on a daily basis. Love you guys keep making wonderful music.

Awesome album. I don't usually describe a metal album as joyful, but this one puts a huge smile on my face every time. Standout song writing. Great vocals. Mix is intense as it should be. Let me see your Grrrr face!

Paulada, paulada, paulada...

Perfetto!!!!

Excelente disco, está prensado pro Metal Blade y tiene una calidad excelente, el bonus es que tiene un código de descarga digital que no menciona la publicación. El disco llegó perfecto.

Killswitch Engage have put out another gem. They are often cited as being metalcore but metal distinctions at times are somewhat unclear - to me anyway. I know what I like though and if you like hard, heavy or metalcore if you will, this should fill your cup nicely.