Jeff V. (ElJefe) from DIXON, IL Reviewed on 9/10/2018...
Bonus CD makes this a must-buy. I miss Howard Jones' vocals, Killswitch sounds like a different band without him.
CD Reviews
One of the best with a little extra.
John | New Jersey | 03/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, even though I hate roadrunner for releasing things like this less then a year after the cd came out. I love this digipack, the live versions of Life to Lifeless, Fixation on Darkness and My Last Seranade are incredible. The only track that seems like it doesn't belong is the resident evil version of the end of heartache, pretty much the same song just filler.
Plus you get the incredible " The End of Heartache" on the first disk. I bought the end of heartache on its first day out and I was simply blown away. So buying this was pretty much a no brainer Great cd. Also comes with a cool new slipcase. Stop reading this and buy it already."
One of the best metal albums of recent years by far
Locke Scholar 815 | Baltimore, MD United States | 07/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Killswitch Engage are one of the best metal bands to emerge in recent years. I, being relatively new to the world of metal, first heard their song "When Darkness Falls" on the "Freddy Vs. Jason" soundtrack a few years back. It blew me away, but I wasn't sure whether or not I was convinced enough to buy one of their albums. Then I heard another song by them on the "Headbanger's Ball Volume One" compilation, and decided that I could ignore them no longer. I went and got "Alive or Just Breathing," an unbelievably awesome CD, and one of the few I could play the entire way through without having to skip a song. After this album, Killswitch parted ways with their singer Jesse David Leach and recruited vocalist Howard Jones as their new frontman. Although some saw this as the beginning of the end for the band, many others welcomed it as a good step in a fresh new direction. I was already biased towards Jones, mainly because he provided the vocals for the two songs that got me hooked on the band, and though Leach is by no means a bad singer, I personally prefered Jones. Now I'm sure there are bunch of you out there who already hate me and are now ready to press "no" at the bottom of this review. I can't really do much to stop you besides finishing my critique. From the second I saw "Rose of Sharyn" on Headbanger's Ball, I knew I had to get this CD. I promptly did, and let me tell you, it's hands down one of the best investments I've ever made. The opening "A Bid Farewell" features an extremely headbangable rhythmic opening, and goes on to display what this band is all about: a good amount of heaviness, a good amount of melody, and an overall sense of power. "Take This Oath" is up next, and though it is not as memorable as "A Bid Farewell," it's still a good song. "When Darkness Falls" is one of the best songs on the album. It is slightly (very slightly) altered from its original version, but it retains its greatness nevertheless. "Rose of Sharyn" follows, and is perhaps the most popular song on the CD. This popularity is justified, as it too is one of the best songs found here. "Inhale" is the melodic instrumentalopening for "Breathe Life," a rather heavy track that, when it relents on its heaviness for the chorus, expresses a message of optimism and hope (themes that appear recurringly throughout the CD). The title track is up seventh, and though some find it too melodic for their tastes, I think that it's a good example of Killswitch's lighter side. "Declaration" is similar to "Take this Oath," if only due to the fact that neither are that memorable at first. After a few listens, though, this song will grow on you big time. "World Ablaze" is an epic track of inspiration, and another one of the album's high points. Its awe-inspiring finale leads straight into "...And Embers Rise," another sedate and melodic instrumental. "Wasted Sacrifice" is yet another good song, and one which also possesses a good message about taking action for what you think is right. "Hope Is...", the last song on the album, is another one of my favorites, and it features great work from the band as a whole. The special edition of this CD (which I happily paid for, even though I own the original--it's just that good) features Howard Jones' take on "Irreversal," a song from the band's self-titled debut. He does a pretty good job, but his vocals occasionally get lost in the mix. It also contains the new song "My Life For Yours," a decent song that suffers from the same vocal problems as the one before it, as well as live versions of "Life to Lifeless," "Fixation on the Darkness," and "My Last Serenade" (Jones does a fantastic job on all of them). The only problem I have with the CD is the "Resident Evil Mix" of the title track. Not only is it a radio-friendly, edited version, but it's totally unnecessary. Besides that, though, this is one of the best metal CDs I've heard in a long time (along with Shadows Fall's "The War Within," God Forbid's "Gone Forever," and Trivium's "Ascendancy"). If you're reading this review and you don't have this album, then stop wasting your time; get out there and get it."
Say What You Want, But This Album Is Still Amazing
"There was an unhealthy amount of pressure on Killswitch Engage when talks of their follow up to the wildly successful (and extremely innovative) "Alive Or Just Breathing" first surfaced. Add in the factor that the band's former vocalist Jesse Leech left in Mid 2003 due to voice and personal problems, and you can easily see how difficult it must have been to put out this record. However with "The End Of Heartache", KSE has answered any skeptics who thought the band was over with after Jesse's departure. "The End Of Heartache" is a gut wrenching blast of metallic hardcore, laced with passionate vocals, rigid guitars, and pounding rhythms, and is more than a worthy successor to the last record. The enhanced special edition is a great buy if you never picked up the record initially as it is coupled with a bonus cd containing unreleased tracks, and it's a great addition to this already astonishing album.
"The End Of Heartache" was a record that was probably my most anticipated release of 2004, and even I had to admit that I did not know what to expect before I heard the cd. However from the moment I listened to "Rose Of Sharyn" my faith was restored in the band. I loved Jesse Leech just as much as everyone else (and I still believe that Killswitch Engage would be better if he were still the vocalist), but I can't discredit Howard Jones' vocals on this cd a bit. From the opening seconds of "A Bid Farewell", Howard makes the band his own, and proves that he has just as much range as Jesse, if not a little more. Jones can take his vocals to the lowest depths for those crushing growls, or into the highest shrieks you can imagine. Not only that, but Howard can instantly transition into wonderful melodies, which he never really used in his previous band Blood Has Been Shed. I was amazed at how good a singer Howard actually is. Evidence of this can be seen on such tracks as "When Darkness Falls" and the first single "Rose of Sharyn" where he flows in and out of screams and melodies constantly. Musically this album is a lot less hardcore than the previous, and a lot more metallic, which ultimately doesn't hurt. There's still plenty of hardcore emotion and breakdowns, although this time they have been coupled with more metallic riffs and thrash influences. Tracks like "Declaration" and "Breathe Life" showcase the band's excellent blend of metal and hardcore, as well as flawless guitar work. Adam and Joel definitely churn out some amazing moments through out the album, as their relationship reaches new heights on "Wasted Sacrifice" and "Hope Is..." Justin Folley is a new addition to the band on drums, although he is a seasoned vet in the hardcore scene, coming from Howard's previous band Blood Has Been Shed as well. His performance adds a lot to the band's sound, although I don't think he was as good as their last drummer Tom. No matter because he does a great job backing the band, along with Mike D on bass. Lyrically the band is better is some places, and worse in others. The common sub-theme of love and heartache that runs through the record is kind of lame considering how many emo and screamo bands are doing that to death right now. However it's not to say that songs like "Wasted Sacrifice", "Hope Is" and "Take This Oath" aren't great lyrical pieces. Ultimately if you liked the last record, I can't see why you wouldn't love this one as well. The most dynamic song on the album has got to be the title track and centerpiece of the album, "The End Of Heartache", which is so different from anything the band has previously done. The lyrics may be less than stellar, but the musicianship and atmosphere of the song is amazing, and definitely raises the bar the band had previously set for themselves. It's true KSE turned up the metal a bit, but their sound is still fully intact, and to be honest they sound better than ever. Definitely a must hear for all fans of metal and hardcore.
The Bonus disc included is a nice touch if you don't already have the cd, but if you own the original, it doesn't really warrant you to purchase the reissue. The cd contains two b-sides from the the recording sessions of "The End Of Heartache", "My Life For Yours", and a re-recorded version of "Irreversal", which originally appeared on KSE's self titled album, released on Ferret Music. Both are great songs, "Irreversal" in particular is a great rendition (although Jesse's vocals are still used in some places on the song, which sounds kind of odd), but you'd be better off just downloading them if you already own the cd. There's the Resident Evil : Apocalypse (great movie by the way) mix of "The End Of Heartache", but the mix totally butchers the song. The other three songs are live versions of "Life To Lifeless", "Fixation on The Darkness" and "My Last Serenade", all with Howard on vocals. The live songs are cool, but you really have to see KSE in person to experience the intensity of their live show. Overall the disc is a nice touch, and the re-release itself is more aimed at people who are just getting into the band, or never purchased the original. I can't seeing anyone who already had this shelling out another $15.00 when you can just get the extras off the internet.
In the end though, this is an album that could have been one of the biggest disappointments the band has put forth yet. Instead Killswitch Engage returned, heavy as ever, and answered all critics who has any skepticism over whether or not they could continue on without Jesse. It's true that this album is different from "Alive Or Just Breathing", but to tell you the truth, I like it just as much. Much like the last cd, I can constantly run through plays of this cd, and never get bored. The sound is tight, the vocals are good, and the production is top notch (once again thanks to Adam). I don't understand why a lot of people have dismissed this album or given it harsh criticism. It's easily one of the best records 2004 had to offer, and still stands strong almost a year and a half after its release. If you don't own the original, then pick this up because it's a great deal. Otherwise you will probably feel a lot of "heartache" for not doing so."
This is really 4 and a half stars
LeftManOut | 09/11/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album is (I think) is just as good as there 2nd album. But just not as hardcore.If you like the heavyer metal, you should get the 2nd album. the volcals on this album are not as good cause theres not as much sceaming. If you care about lyrics they are much better on this album. This album is different then anything thats out right now. There isnt a bad song on this album. The drums as much better on this album. the more you listen to it the more you like it. this is what i rate on each song...
A Bid Farewell: 9/10
Take This Oath: 8/10
When Darkness Falls:7.5/10
Rose of Sharyn:15/10
Inhale:7/10
Breathe Life:7.5/10
The End of Heartache:15/10
Declaration:7/10
World Ablaze:6.5/10
And Embers Rise:8/10
Wasted Sacrifice:7/10
Hope Is: 6.8/10"
Different but so awesome !
Chester Shinoda | Fremont, NE USA | 09/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is so sweet! The lead singer has such a cool voice. With a mix of screechy and deep screams he makes this cd so freakin' awesome dude! If you don't have this cd drop everything and buy it. I suggest you buy this one that has the extra stuff because it isn't that much more expensive."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
Jeff V. (ElJefe) from DIXON, IL 
