Killswitch Engage - Alive or Just Breathing

Alive of Just Breathing is one of the strongest, fist pounding metal releases of the year

Make no mistake about it; there is plenty of metal here. These Ferret Records alum have taken their blend of guitar grinding metal and fused it with soaring melodies and devastating breakdowns. The first track “Numbered Days” takes you straight out of the gate and into a sonic clothesline of brutality. Relentless in fury and crushing with mid to high tempo riffs and slowdowns, their lead single “My Last Serenade” is more than just straight forward metal/hardcore; they’ve entrenched melodies reminiscent to many of today’s louder mainstream acts. The melodies are most present in “Fixation on the Darkness”, which at times could pass as melodicore with slightly more intense vocals and musicianship.

Throughout this release (12 tracks in all), the vocals shift and mix between growling, screaming and singing. Their ability to distinctly flow in and out of these levels add intensity and depth to already well crafted songs. Highlighted by powerful drumming, driving guitar/bass work and the distinctive vocals, the first four tracks could all easily pass as more than worthy singles. Each a brilliant combination of all the above qualities doused with high octane gasoline, just waiting to be unleashed over speakers. While the levels of intensity are set high with the first four tracks, they seem to level off for the rest of the release. Some of the distinctive qualities of the earlier tracks are lost on the last few songs. However, these ending tracks still hold more punch than the majority of tripe that’s labeling itself as ‘metal’ or ‘hardcore’.

There is no denying that Alive of Just Breathing is one of the strongest, fist pounding metal releases of the year. Play this extra loud at your local junior high dance or Bar Mitzvah.

Roadrunner Records