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The End of Heartache

Killswitch Engage - The End of Heartache Audio CD

A fair review of the Killswitch Engage "The End of Heartache" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Killswitch Engage reviews here, or go back to the Killswitch Engage tabs.

Band: Killswitch Engage
Title: The End of Heartache
Rating:

Release Date: 2005-03-01
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Bid Farewell 2: Take This Oath 3: When Darkness Falls 4: Rose of Sharyn 5: Inhale 6: Breathe Life 7: End of Heartache 8: Declaration 9: World Ablaze 10: And Embers Rise 11: Wasted Sacrifice 12: Hope Is... 13: Irreversal [#][*] 14: My Life for Yours [#][*] 15: End of Heartache [Resident Evil Version][#][*] 16: Life to Lifeless [Live][#][*] 17: Fixation on the Darkness [Live][#][*] 18: My Last Serenade [Live][#][*] 19: End of Heartache [*][Multimedia Track] 20: My Last Serenade [*][Multimedia Track]

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

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

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. .

Great - we want more...
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. Another great record from this already-cult band. Recommended!.

Say What You Want, But This Album Is Still Amazing
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. 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. 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
But just not as hardcore. This album is (I think) is just as good as there 2nd album. 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.

You can see a complete list of all Killswitch Engage discography, or go back to the Killswitch Engage tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.