Killswitch Engage

Killswitch is one of my favorites....I like End of Heartache more, but this one is still excellent....I bought it while waiting on the new Skinlab live cd, SkinnedAlive to come out...so I'll see if this one grows on me.

I have been a Killswitch fan since the first time I heard "The End Of Heartche" on the radio...it gave me chills. I'm an old-school metal chick who grew up on bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Judas Priest, Queensryche and, yes, Def Leppard but I had lost my faith and passion for the music. Killswitch Engage brought it back...THANKS GUYS!!! :-) I own all their CDs and their DVD and through them discovered a whole new generation of bands like Shadows Fall, Lamb Of God, Unearth, Chimaria, All That Remains, Underoath, Trivium, As I Lay Dying, Stone Sour and even Slipknot, all of whom are now favorites as well.

I brought a copy of this Special Edition CD mostly to get Killswitch's cover version of "Holy Diver" by Dio. It is truly a rare feat when a band can cover another band's song and remain true to the style and integrity of the original while still making it their own. Killswitch Engage pulls it off with ease. The CD contains three other songs not included on the original version of "Daylight Dies;" "Let The Bridges Burn" and "Be One" are strong enough to have been included on the original album--"Bridges Burn" has the sort of dynamics that could make it an opening track--but "This Fire Burns," written for a WWE pay-per-view special, sounds like the band mailed it in and could have been left off.

This package features a DVD with all three videos from "Daylight Dies": "My Curse," "The Arms of Sorrow" and "Holy Diver." It also includes "making of" documentaries for "Curse" and "Sorrow" but not for "Holy Diver," which is too bad, because that video is by far the best of the three. It's a very funny throwback to the elaborate mini-movies that music videos used to be, and it's worth seeing just for the sight of Adam D in drag. ;-)

All in all, the "Daylight Dies" special edition is a great package for both new and old Killswitch fans alike; my only complaint is why do record labels put out a CD and then come out with "Special Editions" much later? Maybe if more new releases were packaged with special features in the first place, CD sales wouldn't be in the massive slump they are now, even with the digital revolution.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE is an awesome band and I just recently got into them and bought this album, and I'm not complaining.
"As Daylight Dies" is a must buy CD combining the genres of death metal with thrash and everything in between to create a metal subgenre known as Metalcore. With every track produced with excellent quality, they make this album nearly a greatest hits compilation. It's best songs include "The Arms of Sorrow", "Unbroken", "My Curse", "For You", "Still Beats Your Name", "Breaks the Silence", and "Reject Youself".
Also, What makes the enhanced version even better than the original is that it comes with a 2nd disc that has a few videos, including the "My Curse" video, and 4 extra songs, which are all excellent, and extremely thrashy and loud. PURE METAL.
Buy this if you like Metalcore and more specifically Killswitch Engage

This album is amazing! I like how it fuses screaming with singing, and I especially like the hardcore guitars! The best song on herew is This Fire. That is a really great song!

Overall, this album is right up there with The End of Heartache, which was also a great album. I don't think that there is one song on here that I wouldn't listen to again and again, and the production values are great.

This is a must buy album for any metal fan, and the cover of "Holy Diver" is worth the price alone.

Well, I was a bit hasty ordering this product. I believe there's the same cd with bonus tracks. I didn't check before placeing the order but I got the cd I ordered. Everything went smoothly. no complaints.

These guys are no As I Lay Dying but they're still pretty good. ADD is a good album overall. Some tracks are extremely cool while a few have a slight touch of lameness. I like the fact that there is some actual singing on this album. Good, solid metalcore album.

Recommended.

Well as for this kse album i gotta say i don't know?i mean this is more like a alternative metal cd it has way more clean vocals and i can't even call it brutal it's not as fast loud i mean it's not really bad,well i don't know but what you can expect from this album is well all i can say is it's for sure not even close to their first two albums with jesse those two were brutal and heavy as hell great metalcore with death metal influences and since end of the heartache with howard(ugh)it's not the same but end of the heartache is a great album and it is heavy,not like their first two but worth checking out.Check this out only if you want to cause it's not really worth checking still has some metalcore but i can't even stand howard's vocals in this one he barely even screams(not that he really can)but some songs are great I JUST NEED TO HEAR SOMETHING HEAVIER THAN THIS!GET THEIR FIRST ALBUM IF YOU LIKE IT HEAVY ALONG WITH ALIVE OR JUST BREATHING!

Howard Jones once said in an interview, in reference to "As Daylight Dies," that the band hadn't really made an attempt to reinvent themselves or dramatically change things up - they just wanted to spice things up a little bit. To illustrate, we compared the band's previous work to toast, and then more or less stated that "As Daylight Dies" was the band simply putting cinnamon and sugar on toast - not an attempt to reinvent toast.

This is perhaps the most accurate description of an album made by one of its creators that I have ever heard. If anyone is expecting great leaps and bounds from what the band established with "The End of Heartache," you will be sorely disappointed. Much of the material on here would feel right at home on "The End of Heartache," and consequently the listener is often left with a feeling of, "Haven't I heard this before?"

But let's not forget the cinnamon and sugar; after all, there are some differences between this album and TEOHA. Songs like "Daylight Dies," and "Desperate Times" show perhaps the best departures from the band's what has become typical metalcore formula (heavy verse, light chorus, repeat), mixing things up just enough to keep them interesting. "For You" also exhibits some improvement especially in the guitarwork (especially the intro riff) which is some of the best and even most unique that KsE have put out. "This Is Absolution," while undeniably Killswitch, stands as one of the best tracks on the album with its driving verse and extremely hooky chorus (even by KsE standards). Its placement right after the slower, more pounding "Daylight Dies" also makes for one of the best song-to-song transitions on any KsE album.

The next track, "The Arms of Sorrow," is unmistakably this album's "The End of Heartache" (song). It is even, in my opinion, a better song than "The End of Heartache," or perhaps simply just different enough to remain interesting. It is not quite as heavy as "The End of Heartache," but the melodies in it are much more memorable and seem better executed. Also, the first single, "My Curse," is a track that while still being standard Killswitch in its structure, nonetheless remains memorable and stands strong against the rest of the album.

Now considering the praise I've heaped upon these tracks so far, you're probably wondering this album doesn't get more than three stars from me. It's because the remaining tracks just really are not that memorable to me at all. "Unbroken," while perhaps being the fastest song on the record, simply does not grab me and comes across as little more than your run of the mill metalcore. "Still Beats Your Name," "Eye of the Storm," and "Break the Silence," while all decent tracks in their own right, simply don't offer much that hasn't already been done. They're all enjoyable, unquestionably, but they're also not anything you couldn't have gotten on TEOHA.

I really bounce back and forth on this album. At times, I'd say it's worthy of three stars, and at other times I'd give it four. When it comes down to it, what you think about this album may come down to whether or not you're the kind of person who prefers bands to change up their sound between albums or if you're fine with a band simply perfecting a good formula. None of the songs on this album are bad, and if you're considering buying this album off the success of "The Arms of Sorrow" or "My Curse," or even the special edition for "Holy Diver," I'd say go for it. The more hardcore Killswitch Engage fans should probably pick it up as well (if you haven't already), because while it's not groundbreaking by any means, it is still a fairly solid album and definitely enjoyable. Casual listeners, though, who've already picked up TEOHA should probably check out some of the tracks before actually buying it, though, because to the casual ear, you may not hear much difference between this and TEOHA.

But no matter what, everyone should check out "Alive or Just Breathing."

This is an amazing album. I've recently discovered the rebirth of metal - thrash, grindcore, metalcore, whatever - and this album (so far) lies at the top of the heap of several great albums I've purchased lately (Hatebreed, Machine Head, Throwdown, and Devildriver).

What's so unique about this album is its subtle complexity. The tunes are heavy and deep, without being over technical or progressive. Hooky and catchy with a lot of great rhythm and power, the songs continue to grow on you with each listening.

This band knows what the heck it's doing - the song construction and musicianship are top-notch, and I'd easily put it up against Master of Puppets, Peace Sells, And Justice For All, South of Heaven, etc. Yes, it's that good!

"As Daylight Dies" is the perfect opener for this album, and after two good tracks, the album really hits its apex with "Unbroken", followed by "My Curse", "Still Beats Your Name", and "Break the Silence". These songs seem to flow into each other, raising the intensity without sounding like they're just repeating the same ideas over and over.

If you grew up listening to the old school thrash/heavy metal, you have to listen to this CD!

I love this album plain and simple, and this is coming from a guy who lives for death metal like kalmah, amon amarth, mors principium est, insomnium, meshuggah and much more.

this album is choc full of great riffs and awesome vocals, in fact, im starting to think this is the kind of vocalist in flames are trying to imitate. well there later stuff anyway.

all in all this is a great album and in my opinion much better that as daylight dies. check it out!!

You have to really appreciate loud, intense vocal growls to get into this album. It lacks vocal melodies for the most part, and contains unmemorable guitar riffs and solos that were influenced by old school metal bands such as Metallica. The music is just too obnoxious and annoying for me.

awsome again from killswitch great metal like killswitch always has. Killswitches song the end of heartache was a major breakout on the residentevil apocalypes soundtrack after hearing the song at the end of the residentevil apocalypes movie i knew that was KS, so enstead of buying the residentevil apocalypes soundtrack i just brought the killswitch engage album that had the song in it. And that album was great from KS all their albums were great especially their album alive or just breathing that album was awsome but this album was great to nice album.

This is one of killswitch's best albums ever forget all of you who hate this go listen to your weak stuff probably nu metal ha.To me this is one of their best it's heavy and brutal great band i like it more than their newest album this one just has great heavy songs like when darkness falls,declaration,world ablaze,take this oath,and all the other great ones.you will sure love this album unless your a retard who hates the fact metalcore just kicks a**.I love the death growls of adam on a bid farewell or that was the live version anyway get this is pretty good stuff i think this will be one of their best albums along with ALIVE OR JUST BREATHING so just buy it!

Wow!!! Such an intense album from a band that has really come into their own. All of their albums are fantastic from their self-titled to the current As Daylight Dies, but, this one in my opinion takes the cake. Every track is excellent. "The End of Heartache" is my favorite track but other tracks including "World Ablaze", and ending with "Hope Is.." finish the album out masterfully. The band has matured into one of the best metal bands out today. They are great performers and IF YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN THEM LIVE PLEASE DO SO!!!!

This is kse best album ever stop hating metalcore THIS IS METAL not hardcore if you call yourself a metalhead than get this is heavy and amazing.Screw howard he turned kse into a boring band end of the heartache was okay but not as heavy and as daylight dies is just boring and not heavy,this right here is the best stuff they will ever put out jesse rules this is his band no matther what.His screams are amazing the death growls and singing are also awesome.It sucks he ruined his vocal chords but if you want metal you'll get it here and also get their first album too it's AWESOME!

this album was hot real serious alternative/metal kill switches best album. This is how metal should sound like,this is a strong album from KS an intertaining album to i like all of kill switches albums but this is their finiest and best album they made. Road runner has great alternative/metal rap/metal and metal like artists like killswitch engage,slipknot,illnino,spineshank,coalchambe and more but killswitch is a real strong group that road runner have, the artists are strong and great to but KS,s performance is awsome,awsome vocals awsome guitars their just great,great album.

Many people like killswitch now more than in their early days i don't get it they were heavier and better with their first two albums especially this one alive or just breathing.This album is a great hard kicking album every song is great jesse rules i like him better than howard he's a much better singer.Today im not a big kse fan cause their newest album "as daylight dies"wasn't that good end of the heartache was better but they still rule.Alot of people dislike kse but guess what they RULE!SCREW RAP AND HIP HOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

when your trying to get your friends to stop bad mouthing metal put this cd in it'll shut'em up. espectially if they listen to rap

This album is, simply stunning. From start to finish, it is one of the best metal albums without guitar solos ever recorded. It is also an album that a true metal head can listen to from start to finish. I have circle head banged, threw the horns and air-guitared to this album many 'a time! Although this album came out six years ago, and I recently discovered it, I immediately fell in love with it. Although I am a fan of the current Killswitch line-up featuring Howard Jones, I feel that Jesse Leach was a much better front man, songwriter, singer, screamer/growler for this band. The songs are a bit on the Christian-influenced tip (due to Jesse Leach being a devout Christian), but there are no proselytizing "Worship Jesus"-type songs to be found on this album. The lyrics are actually very powerful and moving. Adam D. and Joel Stroetzel are undoubtedly two of the greatest riff masters and guitar teams of all time! Because each song is so strong in progression and full of riffs galore, the album doesn't even sound like it's missing anything, guitar solo-wise. In fact, to the contrary--guitar solos probably would have diminished the overall integrity of this album, in my opinion. Favorite cuts, "Numbered Days," "Self Revolution," "Fixation on The Darkness," "My Last Serenade," "Life to Lifeless," and "The Element of One." Well, really every song on here is a 5-star winner, in my opinion...

I just recently got into these guys and I am "sold". The sound they produce is the "one I've been searching for" for a long while and I believe I've finally found it.

This re-release of Killswitch Engage's third studio album is a definitive purchase over the original. Nothing against the original of course, but this one's extra CD has some nice extras on it.

Some high points:

Excellent overall quality.

Anything from the song quality to the album art courtesy of Mr. D'Antonio. Adam D. strikes again with his top notch production techniques.

Songs.

It is unavoidable to discuss this release without first mentioning the addition of Howard Jones and replacement of Jesse Leach for the main vocalist spot. This is a huge point of contention with some of the bigger KsE fans (myself included) since some feel that Jesse was better than Howard. All arguments aside, the bands musical arrangements are still top-notch. Adam and Joel both shred in a godlike fashion while Mike D. holds down the bass line, and new drummer Justin Foley, replacing Tom Gomes, keeps the beat with slide rule precision.

Along with songs comes hits. A couple of KsE's songs have become timeless hits, perhaps the most well known one being "The End of Heartache."

The bonus CD.

The bonus disc that comes with the package is a nice additive to the regular CD. It contains a few live versions of various songs, including some from "Alive or Just Breathing," a Howard Jones version of Irreversal and different versions of a few different songs. The live versions are quite good and the new Irreversal is similar to the remake of "Fixation on the Darkness," an Alive or Just Breathing hit by Jesse and Pete (ex guitarist and friend).

Lows:

Well, none really. A few listeners might not enjoy the last few songs as much as core fans, but the first 75% of the CD is enjoyable for even the lightest of metal fans.

Overall I would highly recommend this album to metal fans, however, if you already own the original album, you might want to consider picking this one up before you jump. If not, pick it up ASAP. You won't be disappointed.

Another great record from this already-cult band. Not as good as the former one, but You can't go wrong with buying this Special Edition - additional CD with 6 bonus songs and 2 videos. Recommended!

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 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

I still think Jesse David Leech is the better fit for KSE over Howard Jones. Both this debut and Alive or just breathin are better than the rest. just IMO

I've heard the buzz around this band and I start with the debut - currently the only one I own. As such, I don't the luxury of comparing to their later work, so this review is focused only on this disc.
Point being, I enter into the newer metal world with some trepidation, because YouTube samples are usually so poor in sound quality you can't tell what's going anyway. Not to mention all the bands look alike and move exactly alike on stage, and that sucks.
"Killswitch Engage" first struck me as somewhat bland, in the world of Shadows Fall, Meshuggah or other heavies out there. My main complaint would be the lack of lead guitar, but that in itself isn't too big a deal, since one of my favorite bands, Fear Factory, has only one solo on all its recorded output.
What we do get though is positive lyrics, which is good, and plenty of attitude, which makes up for technical profiency, which, I am to understand, improves with latter releases. The coyote yelps do little for me, but the riffs grow on you, and as an overall piece, we get a picture of a band that has lots of promise and room to grow. I look forward to checking out their newer stuff.

Along with alive or just breathing,this is the best album they ever done the heaviest stuff from them is here and of course their masterpiece alive or just breathing is also must have.Forget their new stuff i agree too i can't stand howard's emo crap stick it with jesse.If you like heavy metal and by heavy metal i mean HEAVY metal that's brutal this has heavy stuff influences from death metal(i just love his death growls)and brutal fast metalcore JUST GET IT!

Man,comparing kse in their early days to now i just gotta say they were way heavier and better.Yeah since jesse left they haven't been that good anymore end of the heartache was a cool album but the newest stuff is kinda weak,howard is not that good of a singer jesse was wayyyy better.Get this one is pure heavy metal unlike their new stuff this is something you can actually rock to GET IT THEY WON'T BE HEAVY LIKE THIS ANYMORE!

The guy at the bottom knows his stuff. This album in my opinion is Killswitch's best by FAR. I can't stand the new new singer's emo winey crap. If you want a pure, brutal, unrelenting, totally kick a** METAL album pick this up. Irreversal, Temple From the Within, Soilborn...every song is great. And the best metal vocalist ever, period. If you can't stand the new Killswitch like me and want to hear straight up kick a** metal then pick this one up.

Despite criticism from many, Killswitch Engage are undeniably an amazingly talented band with something many bands don't portray these days, HEART. The band as a whole pours all their soul, energy, love, emotion, tears, heart, and ambition into the music they produce. What you get in return is perhaps the best music you'll find in the current state of metal. An extremely original band, Killswitch gives the listener a lot to think about and a lot of hope and inspiration amongst "negativity" that many bands spill out. This band plays aggressive, sounds agressive, but yet they are such a positive figure to look upon. The album as a whole is probably one of the heaviest thing sout there as far as sound goes. Speaking of sound, the production values are thick, clean, clear and downright explosive. Adam D. knows exactly what he wants when he produces an album, and his careful tending shows beautifully. Every track is an astouding testament to the talent that each individual unit brings to the table. There are no ego's here, this is a band that simply loves the music, loves the fans, and loves one another. I cannot say enough good things about this band, I cannot say enough good things about this album. I have 2 copies of this album, the standard and the re-released. If you do not already own this, for the love of all that is metal, go out and pick up this masterpiece. This is not only KSE's best album by far, but one of the best albums ever released in my opinion, and from what I've seen, many people's opinion.

Killswitch Engage is one of the greatest metal bands out there, highly influential with their style. They can take any sort of song and make it sound amazing. Their stage presence is unlike anything I've ever seen either, whether it's the comedic theatrics of Adam D., Mike D. throwing his bass every which where, Justin "rocking" his beard on drums, Joel windmilling, or Howard just being...Howard. I love these guys.

The only thing, for all you new Killswitch Engage fans who don't own an album of theirs yet, buy this one first. The End of Heartache is an absolute masterpiece, don't get me wrong...But I'm sorry, Howard on vocals just doesn't match Jesse's. (Jesse is on vocals on the album Alive or Just Breathing, whereas Howard is the vocalist on The End of Heartache, watch their documentary you'll understand). Jesse is so much better in my opinion, and his lyrics are a lot catchier than Howard's. Check this album out first for sure, although both are beyond amazing.

As most people know, Roadrunner Records has been reissuing influential records from their catalogue for the celebration of its 25th Anniversary. It's only fitting that Killswitch Engage's "Alive Or Just Breathing" should be one of those influential re-released albums. Largely responsible for bringing the metal/hardcore hybrid to the mainstream, "Alive Or Just Breathing" is simply one of the best albums I've ever had to pleasure of listening to, and it's one thing to have missed out on listening to it the first time around, but now that most people are getting a second chance (and an extremely good deal at that), there's no real excuse not to hear this revolutionary cd. The re-issue contains a bonus disc with unreleased b-sides and demos from the album, as well as out-takes, and makes the purchase of this album a must for any fan of the band who somehow seemed to have skipped this album in the past.

Killswitch Engage was one of the first bands in the music world to start playing what has come to be known as "metalcore", starting with their humble debut on Ferret records. However when the time came for a second effort, following their move to Roadrunner Records, Killswitch Engage unleashed the monster known as "Alive Or Just Breathing" on us. It's safe to say that anything the band attempted on the first record (Gothenburg influenced metal riffs, heavy breakdowns, trade off screaming/singing) has been absolutely perfected on this release. With Adam moving from drums back to guitar, and original Aftershock (Mike, Joel and Adam's band before KSE) drummer Tom taking his place behind the kit, the band has a much fuller sound. Adam and Joel are free to trade off licks on tracks like "Self Revolution" and "Fixation On The Darkness", while playing deeper tones together on others like "Life To Lifeless". Mike D's bass, and Tom's drumming are also flawless, giving the band the much needed driving backbone that propels "Numbered Days" or "Temple From The Within." Jesse Leach though shines above all others on this release. Like many others I still prefer Jesse to Howard, and really miss the presence he brought to the band. His trademark vocals create beautiful moments on "My Last Serenade" or "The Element of One", where Jesse goes from high pitched shrieks, to deep growls and then instantly into beautifully dynamic choruses. His vocals were often an overlooked aspect of the band, and now that he has departed, you can see the obvious difference it has made in KSE's sound. You may not think that a vocalist who can sing and scream is anything special anymore, but when this album came out, only a hand full of bands were doing it, and it was especially absent in metal. Now it's commonplace in almost all genres. The biggest standout on the album has got to be the semi-title track "Just Barely Breathing" (which seems to be the answer to the question purposed by the album's title "Alive, or Just Breathing?"), which is a hauntingly heavy tune, one minute going from a gloomy driving rhythm, right into blazing guitar riffs and screaming, only to be taken to further heights during the gigantic chorus where Jesse questions "Are we alive, or just breathing?" Jesse's lyrics always added a positive message to the band's music, as can be seen on "To The Sons of Man" or "Rise Inside", whereas most of the band's newer material seems to focus on love or emotional aspects ("Rose Of Sharyn", "The End Of Heartache"). Jesse could write about emotional struggle ("Vide Infra", "In The Unblind") and not make it come off too emo or whiny, but instead about finding true strength in one's self and overcoming your demons. There is not one second on the album that is dull or uninspiring, and this cd easily captures rotation after rotation on my stereo. Everything this cd presented was far ahead of its time, and many aspects are now common trademarks in both the metal and hardcore world. Simply put, this was KSE's shining moment.

The bonus disc is a great addition to any fans collection, but may not necessarily warrant the purchase of the album if you already own the original. You get "In The Unblind" and "Where the Balance Is Broken", two excellent B-Sides from the AOJB recording sessions, and an interlude that would have fit perfectly on the album, entitled "Untitled and Unloved." The other tracks are demos of "Fixation On The Darkness", "Just Barely Breathing" and "Numbered Days", which ultimately got the band its deal with Roadrunner. There's also the verison of "Fixation On The Darkness" re-recorded with Howard's vocals, which is a welcomed addition, as well as some out-takes from the studio which are pretty comical, and shows the band doesn't take themselves too seriously. The bonuses are a great touch if you never owned the original (and indeed this would be the version to purchase if that were the case), but if you already have the previous, you're probably better off just downloading the extra tracks off the internet or something.

Metalcore is a pretty stagnant genre right now, and there's millions of bands doing the exact same thing, and sounding exactly the same. When Killswitch Engage's "Alive Or Just Breathing" was released, it was revolutionary, because the idea of fusing swedish metal riffs, breakdowns, and dynamic vocals had not been done by any other bands. With this release KSE single handedly gave metalcore some respect, and paved the ways for the countless numbers of imitators that have come afterwards. If you've never heard this album before now, I would encourage you to pick this up as fast as possible, because you are really missing out on some truly amazing music, and an album that was truly revolutionary in both the hardcore and metal worlds. So pick this one up and figure out whether we are "Alive or Just Breathing".....

Well, Alive or Just Breathing is just an awesome CD. Killswitch combines great instruments with great vocals. And if you're looking for some intelligent upbuilding lyrics, you've found em. It's a refreshing change for a metal band not to have evil satanic lyrics. But the delivery is just as awesome. Great screaming; great singing and melody. The bonuses rock, too. You've got a twenty-two page booklet with great new artwork, a buttload of pictures, lyrics, and alotta interviews with the band about the cd. Disc two has unreleased tracks, demo tracks, out takes from the studio, and all 3 videos from the album. All I have to say is GREAT band, GREAT CD, and GREAT bonus features. Do yourself a favor and pick it up!!!

Killswitch is one of my favorites....I like End of Heartache more, but this one is still excellent....I bought it while waiting on the new Skinlab live cd, SkinnedAlive to come out...so I'll see if this one grows on me.

I have been a Killswitch fan since the first time I heard "The End Of Heartche" on the radio...it gave me chills. I'm an old-school metal chick who grew up on bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Judas Priest, Queensryche and, yes, Def Leppard but I had lost my faith and passion for the music. Killswitch Engage brought it back...THANKS GUYS!!! :-) I own all their CDs and their DVD and through them discovered a whole new generation of bands like Shadows Fall, Lamb Of God, Unearth, Chimaria, All That Remains, Underoath, Trivium, As I Lay Dying, Stone Sour and even Slipknot, all of whom are now favorites as well.

I brought a copy of this Special Edition CD mostly to get Killswitch's cover version of "Holy Diver" by Dio. It is truly a rare feat when a band can cover another band's song and remain true to the style and integrity of the original while still making it their own. Killswitch Engage pulls it off with ease. The CD contains three other songs not included on the original version of "Daylight Dies;" "Let The Bridges Burn" and "Be One" are strong enough to have been included on the original album--"Bridges Burn" has the sort of dynamics that could make it an opening track--but "This Fire Burns," written for a WWE pay-per-view special, sounds like the band mailed it in and could have been left off.

This package features a DVD with all three videos from "Daylight Dies": "My Curse," "The Arms of Sorrow" and "Holy Diver." It also includes "making of" documentaries for "Curse" and "Sorrow" but not for "Holy Diver," which is too bad, because that video is by far the best of the three. It's a very funny throwback to the elaborate mini-movies that music videos used to be, and it's worth seeing just for the sight of Adam D in drag. ;-)

All in all, the "Daylight Dies" special edition is a great package for both new and old Killswitch fans alike; my only complaint is why do record labels put out a CD and then come out with "Special Editions" much later? Maybe if more new releases were packaged with special features in the first place, CD sales wouldn't be in the massive slump they are now, even with the digital revolution.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE is an awesome band and I just recently got into them and bought this album, and I'm not complaining.
"As Daylight Dies" is a must buy CD combining the genres of death metal with thrash and everything in between to create a metal subgenre known as Metalcore. With every track produced with excellent quality, they make this album nearly a greatest hits compilation. It's best songs include "The Arms of Sorrow", "Unbroken", "My Curse", "For You", "Still Beats Your Name", "Breaks the Silence", and "Reject Youself".
Also, What makes the enhanced version even better than the original is that it comes with a 2nd disc that has a few videos, including the "My Curse" video, and 4 extra songs, which are all excellent, and extremely thrashy and loud. PURE METAL.
Buy this if you like Metalcore and more specifically Killswitch Engage

This album is amazing! I like how it fuses screaming with singing, and I especially like the hardcore guitars! The best song on herew is This Fire. That is a really great song!

Overall, this album is right up there with The End of Heartache, which was also a great album. I don't think that there is one song on here that I wouldn't listen to again and again, and the production values are great.

This is a must buy album for any metal fan, and the cover of "Holy Diver" is worth the price alone.

this cd is great especially the the 4 bounus tracks its the old artist but i think its the same qaulity as the new artists its a great cd to get.

it may not be worth the extra money just to get some songs you already own, but they sound a HELL of a lot better than the originals.

and to those who claim they've "sold out", shut up and listen to something else. this was a great cd before, but the production values are very poor, and they made a great choice to fix it up and re-release it.

NOTE: I don't know if Amazon will delete this or not, but I went to Circuit City (a local electronic store for those of you who don't have one, check Best Buy) and this CD is $12.99. No clue why it's so much on here, maybe because it's considered an import?

Gave this a 3 because of the music, the vocals give it a minus 2 since they actually distract from the awesome music.

This was a good starting album but it just misses melody. the music is kick ass the entire way threw, now take away the vocals and you have a great instrumental album but the vocals leave you wanting something you can understand, it's like listening to someone gasp for air and then spitting on a microphone for an hour. hey if you're into that then by all means go spend $15 on it but if you want something with some melody and alot better vocalist get "The End of Heartache". Such a great improvement not only vocally but also musically, they made the perfect decision getting the new singer, not only can you understand the new singer when he's screaming his lungs out but his voice during melodic parts is great.

There's many different things about Killswitch Engage's debut self titled album that make it special. Before KSE, there weren't many bands playing what is now being labeled as "metalcore". Even with its rough edges, the band's self titled debut is a crushing piece of melodic hardcore, melded with technical metal aspects, and genuine energy and emotion. When it was released in 2000 this album immediately established KSE as a top player in not only the hardcore scene, but the metal scene as well, and it's easy to see why. It's true that the best was yet to come for the band, but this disc is a great way to take a trip into the band's past and see how much they have grown since their beginnings. The re-release is a remastered edition of the debut, with their original 4 song demo which got them signed with Ferret included. If you never owned the album to begin with, you're getting a great deal for your money, so it's a recommended purchase.

In early 2000 the idea of fusing the technical aspects of metal, most notably Gothenburg influenced riffs and blast beats, with the emotion and breakdowns of hardcore was unheard of. Despite this fact KSE came together to produce a truly influential album, especially for its time. There are some things about the cd that are slight drawbacks, like Adam at the time playing drums, and Joel being the only guitar, or the rough production, but to a true fan this makes the listen even more worthy. What's funny is the band still sounds as powerful as they did on their monsterous second album "Alive, Or Just Breathing". Leading off with "Temple From The Within", KSE quickly established their sound and Jesse's vocal persona, and let you know they mean business. While you would think that the fact of Joel being the only guitarist might show, he does his best to pull off both guitars on the recording, and its worth noting the clever riffs he strings together on pieces like "Vide Infra" and "In The Unblind". Jesse's voice is not nearly as polished as it was on AOJB, at it really adds a new dimension to the music. His screams are furious, sounding like a victim in pain, and his melodic singing is a wonderful surprise to the ears, especially since it's not overly done (mind you this is before the days when every single band wanted to sing and scream). Pieces like "Irreversal" (the album's best track) and "Soilborn" show that these guys, even at a young age, were capable of making amazing music which blended the best pieces of all genres. Also notice the melodic breaks in songs like "Irreversal", which have beautiful harmonies and even acoustic guitar, something which has been done by almost every band in the hardcore world today. Even the interludes on the album, "Prelude" and "One Last Sunset" are warrants listens because they're not just your standard album filler. Jesse's lyrics were extremely insightful as well, and songs like "Temple From The Within" and "Irreversal" show how capable of a writer he was. There's really no weak points in the album, which is its most notable aspect. If you love Killswitch Engage, you're going to love this album. Highlights include: "Temple From The Within", "Irreversal", and "Soilborn".

If you buy the re-edition, then you get not only the original self titled album in an even crisper, louder tone that it was originally released in, but you also get KSE's original four song demo. Now the big question is going to be, "well should I buy this if I already own the original?", and to that question I would have to answer no. While the demo songs are a nice touch to the album, they're just songs you have already heard, because all are found on the album. It's nice to hear how the band sounded right after they had formed, but unless you're a diehard fan there's probably not going to be any interest for you. However if don't already own the original, I would advise you to pick up this version, as you're getting far better quality and some extras.

I love listening to this album because I remember how many countless times it took 32:15 out of my life in the past. If you're a fan of the band, then there's no reason not to own this album. The best aspects of Killswitch Engage were already in place, and would only be further expanded upon for their next mammoth release "Alive Or Just Breathing." If you're just getting into the band I would recommend starting with AOJB, and then "The End Of Heartache" and then this one. Oh and don't pay $33.00 for it. There's plenty of places (including the band's own website) selling it for around $10.00, so if you get ripped off, there's no excuse. While it has its rough spots, this is still one of the best metalcore records that has ever been released, and it has become a truly influential record in both the hardcore and metal worlds. Pick it up today and see where the legacy started.

Why is everyone moaning? Killswitch Engage have NOT sold out, just because they have re-released and album. They re-released it beacause they were unhappy with the quality of the original. If they WERE sell-outs, they would just release the their debut again, without 4 demoes AND a Ferret music cd. Just because they are becoming more successful after the release of 'The End Of Heartache', thanks to Kerrang! playing 'Rose Of Sharyn' because it is a excellent song, and the lead single for 'Resident Evil: Apocalypse'. Personally, the best album they have released was 'Alive... Or Just Breathing?', and there are very few contenders of Jesse's vocals (Melodic singing on 'My Last Serenade' to Death metal screaming on 'To The Sons Of Man'). So, in conclusion, stop moaning about the cd, and try and see WHY they re-released it.