Album Review: Killswitch Engage-Disarm the Descent

As a longtime fan of Killswitch Engage, The departure of vocalist Howard Jones in early 2012 was unfortunate. He had been the vocalist ever since I started listening to them back in 2006 and End of Heartache was one of the key albums that got me into metal when I was 14 so naturally I was pretty bummed when he announced he was leaving the band. There was only one person that could fill the void after Howard left: original vocalist Jesse Leach and that's exactly who Killswitch tapped as their "new" frontman. There was a considerable amount of hype surrounding Leach's return to the band and I can safely say that Disarm the Descent does not disappoint in the slightest.

Disarm the Descent picks up right where Leach left off with the band 11 years ago. You wouldn't know by listening to this record that there was such a long gap where he wasn't in the band due to how seamlessly organic the material sounds. Leach's return to Killswitch seems to have revitalized the band. The energy that their last record sorely lacked is back in full force and you can tell the band hasn't been this happy making music in years. It almost seems like they were waiting for Leach to return to make another kickass record. Leach is the undisputed star of the record. His vocal performance on this record is nothing short of remarkable. His range and harmony work is better than ever and like his previous studio effort on Hymn of a Broken Man by Times of Grace, there were many times during this album where my jaw was on the floor at some of the notes he was able to hit. Vocalists as well-rounded and talented as Jesse Leach don't come around often in the world of metal and Killswitch is clearly thrilled to have him back in the band. Supporting Leach's outstanding vocal work is some great music being laid down by the whole band. Guitarists Adam D and Joel Strozel have a barrage of catchy heavy and melodic riffs to drive home the power of Leach's vocal performance (the riffs/hooks on "The Hell in Me", "Beyond the Flames", "A Tribute to The Fallen", "Always" and "Time Will Not Remain" have been stuck in my head for the past week) and Justin Foley gives his best drum performance in years. It was also great to see Adam D soloing again. He is one of my favorite soloists of all-time and the last couple records have been painfully short on solos, but thankfully this record fixes that injustice and he gets ample time to just let loose on this record.

Disarm the Descent is a glorious comeback album for Killswitch Engage. Jesse Leach has coming roaring back into the fold bringing the band a level of energy and enthusiasm they haven't had in years. This isn't a record that will sway any of their previous detractors, but fans of Killswitch will be pleased to see their old-school sound of incredibly catchy yet heavy riffs and amazing hooks fully back in play after their disappointing 2009 self-titled album. While it's not quite Alive or Just Breathing (nor was I expecting to be. If I had went with such lofty expectations, There is no way that I would've enjoyed this record,) Disarm the Descent is easily the best album they've released since End of Heartache. Welcome back to Killswitch Engage Jesse Leach and hopefully you're here to stay this time.

4.5/5 Stars
Standout Tracks
1.Beyond the Flames
2.The Hell in Me
3.A Tribute to the Fallen