KillSwitch Engage- Incarnate
Released: March 11, 2016
Record Co.: Roadrunner Records
Hi Mayhem readers! Lady Siren Song here bringing you a review of the album ‘Incarnate’ by Killswitch Engage. This band has been around since 1999, and has earned a strong following and much success over the years. I had the opportunity to see them play live at Revolution Rock Festival in Connecticut this past September and was completely blown away by their live show. Not only was their sound amazing, but they interacted with the crowd really well (even stopping when someone appeared injured to make sure he was ok), and they have a lot of energy on stage (especially Adam Dutkiewicz—the guy is a riot!) The band consists of Jesse Leach (vocals) Adam Dutkiewicz (guitar, backing vocals), Joel Stroetzel (guitar), Mike D’Antonio (bass), and Justin Foley (drums).
While Leach was with the band at its inception, he did leave in 2002 and was replaced by Howard Jones who did a fantastic job on vocals. Jesse returned to the band in 2012 and has been going strong ever since. The album in itself is an amazing collection of songs. Each song is uniquely different from lyrics to chord progressions. The songs, while aggressive in nature (well, most of them), the lyrics are very emotional. The band displays amazing growth with this album. It’s definitely their best work yet.
Mayhem’s Ground Shakers:
1. Hate By Design – Starts off with Leach screaming “Born into this world of hatred!” You know right there with the first line in the first song that this song is going to be powerful. Indeed it is! Guitar riffs are beautifully executed. Leach flips between guttural screaming to amazingly beautiful clean vocals. Drums are expertly played going from hyper fast double bass drums to slower rhythms. Guitar solo is impeccable.
2. Quiet Distress – The song starts off with acoustic guitars and sounds like it’s going to be a ballad…WRONG! The screaming guitars drown out the acoustic guitars by progressing from low to high volume. These are some of the fastest guitar riffs, bass lines and drum work that I have EVER heard!!! How their hands (both arms and feet for Justin) did not fall off is amazing. I suppose the chorus gives them a bit of a break as it slows down then picks right back up into the next verse. We see the use of a middle eight bridge in this song after the second chorus which is executed beautifully. Impressive song overall!
3. Strength of the Mind – This is a song to bang you head to! Full on screaming with sweet subtle clean vocals mixed within the screaming verses. The chorus is very melodic and also includes clean vocals with a message of inner strength. Drums are incredible in this song keeping a perfect rhythm.
4. Embrace the Journey…Upraised – The opening bass solo…just…WOW!!!! Nice work Mike!! The pounding guitar riffs and drums seem to follow the lead of bass throughout the entire song. Fast vocals and drums are given a rest with a melodic and even soulful chorus. This is the longest song on the album, and ends with fade out on vocals that fit as an appropriate end to the song.
5. We Carry On – While this is a lower tempo song (a slight waltz time signature with the drums at times), it still remains very heavy both on guitars, bass and drums. Screams are mixed in with gorgeous vocals provided by both Jesse and Adam…yes Adam! We see the middle eight bridge in this song as well. This is where we hear stunning vocal work by both Jesse and Adam.
If you have not checked this band out, this is the time to do so! Give this album a listen, go back and check out their previous albums. They are an amazing band and fantastic live performers. I am looking forward to more music from them in the future. Let us know your thoughts! –Lady Siren Song
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