For over two decades, Killswitch Engage has been a defining force in modern metalcore, seamlessly blending unrelenting aggression with melodic brilliance. With This Consequence, their ninth studio album, which was released on February 21, 2025, via Metal Blade Records, the Massachusetts heavyweights prove once again that they are still at the top of their game, delivering a collection of songs that feel both urgent and deeply personal.
The band’s hallmark mix of punishing riffs, soaring choruses, and introspective lyrics remains intact, but This Consequence also offers a fresh perspective. Vocalist Jesse Leach’s renewed focus on lyricism shines through, tackling themes of love, resilience, societal corruption, and the consequences of human actions. His ability to shift between guttural growls and emotive clean singing remains unparalleled, creating moments of catharsis throughout the album.
The album's lead single, “Forever Aligned,” is complete with relentless energy, fusing blistering guitar work from guitarists Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel with anthemic vocal hooks from vocalist Jesse Leach. The song’s message of eternal connection and love’s transcendent power contrasts beautifully with its crushing instrumentation. It’s an instant Killswitch classic.
The album's third track, “Aftermath,” slows things down momentarily with an eerily clean intro before erupting into a full-throttle display of controlled chaos. The catchy sung chorus, “We’re reeling from the aftermath, still bleeding from the damage of the past,” encapsulates the album’s overarching theme: reckoning with the past while striving for redemption.
Tracks like “Where It Dies” and the album's second single “I Believe” reinforce the band’s ability to blend metal ferocity with melody, something they've come to be known for. While the album's seventh track “Collusion” takes a political turn, criticizing global corruption and manipulation. Leach’s vocal delivery is particularly venomous here, reinforcing the song’s weighty message.
Perhaps the most brutal track on the album, “The Fall of Us,” showcases some of the heaviest moments in Killswitch’s career. The song’s chugging riffs and thunderous breakdowns underscore lyrics that metaphorically dissect betrayal and emotional wounds. However, "Broken Glass" keeps up the firey energy.
Killswitch Engage’s decision to work together in a rehearsal space rather than remotely paid off tremendously, resulting in an album that feels cohesive, intentional, and electrifying. The chemistry between the band members is palpable as always, elevating This Consequence to one of the most dynamic-sounding records in their entire catalogue.
With This Consequence, Killswitch Engage reaffirms their status as one of metalcore’s most influential acts. It’s a record that not only satisfies longtime fans but also pushes the band’s sound forward, proving that after twenty five years, they still have plenty left to say—and scream.