Reviews list for Killswitch Engage - Incarnate (2016)

The album before this one, Disarm the Descent, is a near-perfect comeback for Jesse Leach leading these melodic metalcore innovators Killswitch Engage. It's like this earlier incarnation of the band was reincarnated! And it continues on into their next album Incarnate. Although it might be a small step back for what you're expecting from this band. Still it's the right path...

While barely any of these albums can surpass the first two, it's great seeing them bringing home the delicious metalcore bacon that they're still serving all these years. And with Jesse staying with the band during the writing process, it's the first album since his earlier era in which has fully contributed.

Rising from the silent void in the intro is "Alone I Stand", blasting off with the band's signature energy. Absolutely killer! Then another favorite, "Hate By Design" has lyrics striking back against the dark hateful side of politics. "Cut Me Loose" lets loose with its beautiful riffing. Unfortunately, the chorus is too radio-friendly. It is followed by a great bridge, but the outro is also problematic. "Strength of the Mind" is about facing your past struggles head-on and overcoming them for a stronger future, "Gather all your pain and suffering, turn them into strength and weaponry". The intro melody of "Just Let Go" almost throws back to their 5th album. Fortunately, there are powerful melodies from the vocals and guitars. Nice vocals by Adam D. too! The masterpiece highlight "Embrace the Journey... Upraised" truly stands out as a strong progressive mini-journey.

"Quiet Distress" starts soft and quiet before really cranking up the speed. "Until the Day" is also fast with audible bass, though having a more simplistic structure. "It Falls on Me" hits hard and slow, sounding heavy as f***. The bridge strikes deeply with the audible bass and Jesse's cleans. The outro breakdown absolutely destroys! "The Great Deceit" fights back against the injustice of rulers. "We Carry On" has simple atmosphere with nice texture. Again, Adam's vocals give the bridge nice depth. "Ascension" is another well-done track with a fun chorus. What's also fun is the audible bass and Adam performing deep growls. The ending breakdown also rules!

Now heading into the special edition bonus tracks, "Reignite" sounds as heavy as the band's debut while having catchy melody. This hardcore side of the band never disappoints. I enjoy the riffing here. "Triumph Through Tragedy" doesn't triumph at all, sounding generic with only Adam's growls being its saving grace. "Loyalty" pummels through before making space for Jesse's clean vocal melodies. Plus one more heavy breakdown to rule them all. There's also a live performance of "In Due Time".

It's clear that Killswitch Engage continues to impress longtime fans and newcomers in this album Incarnate. While there are a few downs compared to their many ups, this album will make you up for the ride and enjoy Jesse's vocal passion. In the metalcore scene, Killswitch Engage continues to make their stand!

Favorites: "Alone I Stand", "Hate By Design", "Strength of the Mind", "Embrace the Journey... Upraised", "It Falls on Me", "Ascension", "Reignite", "Loyalty"