This Consequence

This Consequence
Studio album by
Killswitch Engage
ReleasedFebruary 21, 2025 (2025-02-21)
Recorded2023–2024
Studio
Genre
Length35:02
LabelMetal Blade
ProducerAdam Dutkiewicz
Killswitch Engage chronology
Atonement
(2019) 		This Consequence
(2025)
Singles from This Consequence
  1. "Forever Aligned"
    Released: November 20, 2024
  2. "I Believe"
    Released: January 23, 2025
  3. "Collusion"
    Released: February 24, 2025
  4. "Aftermath"
    Released: June 18, 2025

This Consequence is the ninth studio album by American metalcore band Killswitch Engage, released through Metal Blade Records on February 21, 2025.[3] Its release followed nearly six years after their previous album, Atonement—the longest gap between studio albums in the band's career.[4][5]

Background

In March 2024, the band's rhythm guitarist Joel Stroetzel stated, "We just finished all the final bits of tracking over the last couple of weeks. So the guitars are done, all the vocals are now done. Everything's there."[6] On November 5, the band revealed the artwork for the album and shared "11/20/24. New music coming. Mark your calendars" on social media.[6] Vocalist Jesse Leach commented on the album stating that "It had to be next level. It had to be different enough for people to really recognize we're putting forth an effort-or what's the point of doing this? There was no repeating ourselves. It was very carefully planned out and passionately written. It sounds like KILLSWITCH, yet there's also a fresh spirit to it."[7]

In an interview with Kerrang!, the band revealed that this was their first album since Alive or Just Breathing in which they all worked together in the same room. Lead guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz stated, "While there are still songs written by one band member, we all got to play them together, so if something didn't feel right for anyone, they could rewrite bits themselves."[8]

In an interview with Revolver Leach stated

"This Consequence refers to the existential crisis humanity is in due to our conflict, divisions, war, deception, hatred and dire lack of compassion," Leach explains. "It's cause and effect. Every action has a reaction. It's the nature of physics. In short, the title is a loose metaphor for a reckoning or a judgement day for us as a species."[7]

Writing

Following the COVID-19 pandemic lead singer Jesse Leach had some trouble getting back into the swing of things after not being able to work on new music. He wanted to get back his "punk-rock, piss-and-vinegar spirit" to write the record.[9] However, Leach's initial attempts produced lyrics that sounded unoriginal to his bandmates.[9]

"Jesse was reusing a lot of old ideas and topics and themes," Dutkiewicz said. "He was very responsive about it, and he took all the criticism the best he could have. And it's great that we have a singer that's willing to start from scratch and take an idea and throw it away."[9]

Leach's lyrical break came once he started doing something he usually doesn't—writing from outside of his own perspective.[9] "Some of these songs are not about me at all. Some of them started out as me observing a situation or listening to somebody talk about what they went through, and just sort of journaling it."

In another interview with Blabbermouth, Leach stated, "I had to sort of turn my attention to what we've all been through — from COVID, the whole pandemic till now, the divisiveness, people at each other's throats, being divided, sort of political ideologies, religious warfare. Everywhere you look, there's something to be harped upon that is negative and dark, and I think it's important to acknowledge that but not to get lost in it, not to allow it to swallow you to despair."[7]

Release and promotion

The first single from the album, "Forever Aligned", was released on November 20.[10] Vocalist Leach commented on the song, stating that it is "one of those songs that is not just about us as humans, our love, and connection, but that connection to the unknown, the greater power, the universe, or God".[11] "I Believe", the second single from the album, was released on January 23, 2025.[12] "I Believe" became the band's first ever song to reach the top 10 on the US Mainstream Rock chart peaking at number 4.[13] Music videos were made for both singles,[14][15] an additional video for "Collusion" was released alongside the album,[16] and one for "Aftermath" was released on July 17, 2025.[17] Upon its release the album was among the top ten most streamed albums on Spotify.[18]

The band went on a North American tour in May 2025 to support the album, which was their first North American tour since 2022.[19][20][21] The tour featured supporting bands Shadows Fall, Fit for a King, Boundaries, Kublai Khan TX, and Frozen Soul.[22][23] They also held a European headlining tour from late September to December, with Hatebreed, Fit For An Autopsy and Decapitated serevring as the supporting bands.[24]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
MetalSucks4/5[25]
Kerrang!3/5[26]
Blabbermouth9/10[27]
Metal Master KingdomStarStarStarStarStarHalf star[28]
Angry Metal Guy3/5[29]
The Rock Father Magazine10/10[30]
New Noise MagazineStarStarStarStarHalf star[31]
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[32]
Metal.de10/10[33]
The Aquarian WeeklyPositive[34]

This Consequence was generally well received by critics upon release. Max Heilman of MetalSucks gave it a score of 4/5 and wrote, "While it's not about to reinvent the wheel, and might stand in the shadow of yesteryear's Headbangers Ball staples, this is a fantastic encapsulation of what made this wave of metalcore so special."[35]

Writing for Kerrang!, James Hickie stated, "Killswitch Engage are impressively angry and anthemic – but inconsistent – on ninth album This Consequence."[36] He awarded the album a score of 3/5. Angry Metal Guy gave it a score of 3.0/5, writing that "the writing is a little too safe at times, and a rather bland production and crushed mastering do no favors" but that "flaws aside, This Consequence marks a solid, if unremarkable addition to the Killswitch Engage catalog".[37] Blabbermouth writer Dom Lawson gave it a score of 9/10 and stated, "The greatest bands stay great. This Consequence is a triumph."[38] New Noise Magazine wrote "As always, the musicianship is impeccable and shows what 25 years of playing together will produce. Leach doesn't disappoint with the combination of vocal flexibility. His lyrics on this record maintain the usual emotional balance that can either make you want to cry or stand up and fight."[39] TiVo of AllMusic wrote that "the album delivers another potent dose of their trademark sound mixing brutal, chugging riffs with soaring, melodic choruses."[40]

Diana Heinbucher from Metal.de gave the album a 10/10 stating, "Anyone seeking an intense, emotionally charged work—one brimming with power and honesty—will find exactly what they are looking for here. A massive, dark, and musically impressive work that showcases Killswitch Engage at their very best."[41]

Loudwire included This Consequence in their list of the top 51 rock and metal albums of 2025.[42]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Adam Dutkiewicz, Mike D'Antonio, Joel Stroetzel, Jesse Leach, and Justin Foley.

No.TitleLength
1."Abandon Us"3:38
2."Discordant Nation"2:40
3."Aftermath"3:38
4."Forever Aligned"4:05
5."I Believe"3:54
6."Where It Dies"3:27
7."Collusion"3:22
8."The Fall of Us"4:19
9."Broken Glass"2:30
10."Requiem"3:29
Total length:35:02

Personnel

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes and Tidal.[1][43]

Killswitch Engage

Additional contributors

Charts

Chart (2019) Peak

position

Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[44] 13
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[45] 159
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[46] 82
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[47] 13
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[48] 45
Scottish Albums (OCC)[49] 9
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[50] 24
UK Albums (OCC)[49] 85
UK Albums Sales Chart (OCC)[49] 5
UK Album Downloads (OCC)[49] 3
UK Vinyl Chart (OCC)[49] 14
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC)[49] 1
UK Independent Albums (OCC)[49] 2
US Billboard 200 (Billboard)[51] 188
US Top Hard Rock Albums (Billboard)[52] 11
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[53] 11
US Top Rock & Alternative Albums (Billboard)[54] 41
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[55] 11
US Indie Store Album Sales (Billboard)[56] 11

References

  1. ^ a b This Consequence (Media notes). Killswitch Engage. Metal Blade Records. February 21, 2025.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ^ "New Album: This Consequence – Is Killswitch Engage Doing What They Do Best?". The Aquarian. February 24, 2025. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  3. ^ "Killswitch Engage "This Consequence" | Metal Blade Records". Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  4. ^ Sacher, Andrew. "Killswitch Engage announce new album 'This Consequence' (new song & exclusive vinyl)". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
  5. ^ "Killswitch Engage return with brand-new album, This Consequence". Kerrang!. November 20, 2024. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Blabbermouth (November 5, 2024). "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Announces New Album 'This Consequence'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Blabbermouth (January 11, 2025). "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's JESSE LEACH: 'I Love The Idea Of Continuing To Evolve As A Human'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
  8. ^ "Killswitch Engage: "We've got more in common than we do differences…". Kerrang!. November 20, 2024. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d Epstein, Dan. "How KILLSWITCH ENGAGE rediscovered their "punk-rock, piss-and-vinegar" spirit for their first album in 6 years". Revolver. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  10. ^ Keenan, Hesher (November 20, 2024). "Killswitch Engage Reveal New Album This Consequence, "Forever Aligned" Now Streaming". MetalSucks. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
  11. ^ Staff, Revolver. "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE detail first album in 6 years, debut new video, star on Revolver cover". Revolver. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  12. ^ Blabbermouth (January 23, 2025). "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Shares Music Video For New Single 'I Believe'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
  13. ^ "Killswitch Engage catches first top-10 hit with 'honey sweet' single 'I Believe' – 98KUPD – Arizona's Real Rock". 98KUPD - Arizona's Real Rock. June 9, 2025. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  14. ^ Blabbermouth (January 23, 2025). "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Shares Music Video For New Single 'I Believe'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  15. ^ "Killswitch Engage Premiere "Forever Aligned" Video". Kill The Music. November 20, 2024. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  16. ^ "Killswitch Engage Drop "Collusion" Video | Metal Blade Records". Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  17. ^ "Killswitch Engage Share "Aftermath" Video | Metal Blade Records". Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  18. ^ "Number Nine on the Spotify charts! Thank you so much to everyone who has streamed This Consequence, your support means the world to us. "Killswitch Engage on Instagram".
  19. ^ Millspublished, Matt (December 5, 2024). "New Killswitch Engage album is "angry, dark and aggressive" because that's "what the world needs right now", says Jesse Leach". louder. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
  20. ^ "Killswitch Engage announce new album, unveil lead single "Forever Aligned"". Consequence. November 20, 2024. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  21. ^ "Killswitch Engage Return with New Album 'The Consequence' │ Exclaim!". Killswitch Engage Return with New Album 'The Consequence' │ Exclaim!. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  22. ^ "Killswitch Engage Announces 2025 Tour Dates and New Album This Consequence Releasing February 21 | That Eric Alper". www.thatericalper.com. January 9, 2025. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
  23. ^ Blabbermouth (January 7, 2025). "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Announces May 2025 Tour Dates With SHADOWS FALL". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
  24. ^ Dunworth, Liberty (May 6, 2025). "Killswitch Engage announce huge 2025 UK and European tour". NME. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  25. ^ Heilman, Max (February 18, 2025). "Review: Killswitch Engage Encapsulates the Golden Age of Metalcore on This Consequence".
  26. ^ "Album review: Killswitch Engage – This Consequence". Kerrang!. February 18, 2025.
  27. ^ "This Consequence". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. February 18, 2025.
  28. ^ "Killswitch Engage - This Consequence (Album Review)". Metal Master Kingdom.
  29. ^ "Killswitch Engage - This Consequence Review". February 24, 2025.
  30. ^ Cousins, Damian (March 9, 2025). "Album Review: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE — 'This Consequence'".
  31. ^ "Album Review: Killswitch Engage - This Consequence".
  32. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/this-consequence-mw0004421687
  33. ^ https://www.metal.de/reviews/killswitch-engage-this-consequence-566381/
  34. ^ https://www.theaquarian.com/2025/02/24/new-album-this-consequence-is-killswitch-engage-doing-what-they-do-best/
  35. ^ Heilman, Max (February 18, 2025). "Review: Killswitch Engage Encapsulates the Golden Age of Metalcore on This Consequence". MetalSucks. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
  36. ^ "Album review: Killswitch Engage – This Consequence". Kerrang!. February 18, 2025. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
  37. ^ Saunders (February 24, 2025). "Killswitch Engage - This Consequence Review". Angry Metal Guy. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  38. ^ Blabbermouth (February 18, 2025). "This Consequence". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  39. ^ "Album Review: Killswitch Engage - This Consequence". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
  40. ^ This Consequence - Killswitch Engage | Album | AllMusic, retrieved May 2, 2026
  41. ^ Heinbucher, Diana (February 16, 2025). "Killswitch Engage - This Consequence". metal.de. Retrieved May 26, 2026.
  42. ^ Staff, Loudwire StaffLoudwire (November 24, 2025). "The 51 Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2025". Loudwire. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  43. ^ "This Consequence / Killswitch Engage / Credits". Tidal. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  44. ^ ""Austriancharts.at – Killswitch Engage – This Consequence".
  45. ^ "Ultratop.be – Killswitch Engage – This Consequence".
  46. ^ "Ultratop.be – Killswitch Engage – This Consequence".
  47. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Killswitch Engage – This Consequence".
  48. ^ "Oricon top 50 2025-03-03".
  49. ^ a b c d e f g "Official Charts Killswitch Engage".
  50. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Killswitch Engage – This Consequence".
  51. ^ "Billboard Artist Killswitch Engage Billboard 200".
  52. ^ "Billboard Artist Killswitch Engage Top Hard Rock Albums".
  53. ^ "Billboard Artist Killswitch Engage Top Rock Albums".
  54. ^ "Billboard Artist Killswitch Engage Top Rock & Alternative Albums".
  55. ^ "Billboard Artist Killswitch Engage Independent Albums".
  56. ^ "Billboard Artist Killswitch Engage indie Store Sales".

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