Incarnate

Author: Primož Novak

Artist: Killswitch Engage
Label: Roadrunner Records
Release: year_month
Runtime: 43:44
Rating: 4.5/5

These days, Massachusetts outfit Killswitch Engage can pretty much be counted among the elder statesmen of metalcore. Even though they’re not one of the genre’s founders, you could still call them one of its most influential bands. There are also accusations that KSE are the ones who commercialized metalcore, especially back when Howard Jones was singing for them and helped KSE sound prettier. But when Jones left, original vocalist Jesse Leach came back, and the band returned to its roots, which is what the album Disarm the Descent reflected. The record definitely had a fair bit of aggression, reminiscent of the breakthrough album Alive or Just Breathing (2002), but it also carried the polish of the other albums. It was a good mix of everything. KSE didn’t lose any popularity, even though Jesse Leach supposedly isn’t as special a vocalist as Jones.

Three years after Disarm the Descent, Incarnate saw the light of day, and the band says it’s a step forward and a sensible, natural progression. Of course, plenty of metal bands today promise that while just recycling their own ideas. But with KSE, the story is a bit different.

With Incarnate, Killswitch Engage confirm their recipe, but you can’t really talk about any big changes here. That doesn’t mean the band has stagnated, though. The song Alone I Stand opens the album brilliantly with a slow build-up where Leach’s vocals come in as spoken word, letting you know the band still reaches for elements of hardcore. But right after that it’s clear KSE haven’t given up on heavy riffs, standout catchy choruses and melodicity. So the opener has everything you’d expect from the band. The most talked-about openers from their earlier records, Numbered Days and A Bid Farewell, have finally got a decent rival. With the next track, Hate By Design, the band delivers a hit, and of course they shot a video for it. Makes sense: the song has the right length, solid riffs and, naturally, a contagious chorus made for big crowds. Guitarist and producer Adam Dutkiewicz throws in a solo as a bonus, which nicely spices up the whole thing. Cut Me Loose is more laid-back, with the emphasis on emotion and just a touch of aggression. Strength of the Mind is undoubtedly more of a standout, boasting powerful triplet riffs. That’s nothing new for the band, but here Dutkiewicz really shows off his versatility in stringing riffs together. At the same time, the heavy riffs and melodies make it clear that not everything with this band revolves around the choruses.

One of the more interesting songs is Embrace the Journey…Upraised. It has a powerful, building intro that develops into a punchy, fast section and only calms down in the chorus. In the second half the song settles down, picks up an atmosphere, and puts more emphasis on emotion. The band said the track is actually made up of two songs, which also explains its stretched-out structure, definitely not built as a hit. Above all, KSE haven’t written a song like this since Alive or Just Breathing, which makes it the biggest surprise on the album. After that, the songs no longer stand out to the same degree. The band brings the melancholy with It Falls On Me and We Carry On. Both are slower, and KSE once again show they’re a very emotional band. Leach’s vocals are also more mournful here. Throughout the whole album, the band keeps pushing positive-minded songs, and toward the end it confirms that with The Great Deceit and the closing Ascension.

As a whole, the album does show some progress. The band spent a lot of time working on vocal harmonies. Jesse Leach has stepped up his role this time by experimenting a little with his vocal lines. Of course, Dutkiewicz gives quite a bit of help on the vocals. The guitar riffs from the Dutkiewicz/Stroetzel duo are varied, which shows in their inventive use of melodies and heavy, punchy riffing. Above all, there’s no needless decorating with breakdowns. KSE have always made breakdowns that blend into the whole and never feel forced. And as befits the style KSE play, the rhythm section is strong. Bassist Mike D’Antonio doesn’t stand out much, but he gives the guitars good support. Justin Foley’s drumming is still dynamic and rhythmically diverse.

As for the production, no complaints. Adam Dutkiewicz has once again shown he’s a seasoned guy who has helped plenty of metalcore bands rise above the average. After all, as a producer he understands every instrument, which is a big advantage. Dutkiewicz undoubtedly has a great sense for writing songs that can draw a big crowd. But you can’t accuse him of going soft and adapting completely to the popular scene.

If Killswitch Engage made a comeback with Disarm the Descent, then with Incarnate they haven’t just confirmed they’re in top form, they’ve taken a step forward too. KSE are definitely a band that hasn’t stagnated yet, and judging by this album, it seems they’ve got a few more good vintages ahead of them.

Lineup

Adam Dutkiewicz – guitar, vocals

Jesse Leach – vocals

Joel Stroetzel – guitar

Justin Foley – drums

Mike D’Antonio – bass

Production

Adam Dutkiewicz

Tracklist