Killswitch Engage: Adam Dutkiewicz (vocals, guitar, percussion); Howard Jones (vocals); Joel Stroetzel (guitar); Mike D'Antonio (bass guitar); Justin Foley (drums).
Recording information: Zing Studios, Westfield, Massuchusetts (12/15/2003 - 01/29/2004).
On Killswitch Engage's previous two albums, the group delivered the sort of passionate speed/thrash rarely heard since RIDE THE LIGHTNING-era Metallica and REIGN IN BLOOD-era Slayer. With THE END OF THE HEARTACHE, which features new singer Howard Jones, the band takes its signature sound to a new, absolutely ferocious level, combining slicing, neo-classical guitar riffs with vocals that alternate between gut-wrenching death-metal grunts and melodic crooning. In addition, drummer Justin Foley seems to have channeled both Metallica's Lars Ulrich and Pantera's Vinnie Paul, adding enough pummeling double-kick madness to put a smile on any old-school metal-head's face. Though the album's wide-screen production values keep it from ever sounding too retro, THE END OF HEARTACHE will appeal to anyone pining for the '80s glory days when serious metal was synonymous with long hair and Anthrax t-shirts.
What the critics say...
Rolling Stone (p.120) - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 - "[A] stunning collection, retaining much of their signature musical brutality but teasing with electric hooks, strategic use of silence and, on 'Rose of Sharyn,' just a bit of emo..."
