Album Review: Killswitch Engage-Incarnate

Killswitch Engage got a much-needed jolt of creative life when original singer Jesse Leach rejoined the lineup in 2012. Leach's incendiary presence and spectacular vocal performance made their 2013 comeback album, Disarm the Descent, their most impressive release since 2004's The End of Heartache. KsE's reinvigoration continues with Incarnate, a predictable yet still highly enjoyable record from the Massachusetts-bred metalcore pioneers.

Per usual, KsE is at their undeniable best when they're in full-on metalcore anthem mode. "Strength of the Mind", "Embrace the Journey...Upraised", "Alone I Stand", "Hate by Design" and "The Great Deceit" feature a perfect balance of Leach's harsh and clean vocals and guitarists Adam Dutekwicz and Joel Strozel's trading off catchy chunk riffs and big, sweeping solos. While the entire band is in peak form on Incarnate, Leach ends up stealing the show with yet another outstanding vocal performance. On the back half of the record when the band abandons their heavy, uptempo niche and starts messing around with mid-paced songs ("Until the Day", "Just Let Go", "It Falls on Me") that largely lack their signature strong melodic riffing, Leach keeps the proceedings on track with his incredible range and flare for memorable, emotionally-charged choruses. Incarnate lacks the relentless energy and remarkable consistency of Disarm the Descent, but it's still a catchy, well-crafted metalcore record that once again proves why Killswitch Engage has enjoyed the longevity that has alluded many of their peers.
4/5 Stars
Standout Tracks
1.Strength of the Mind
2.Embrace the Journey...Upraised
3.Alone I Stand