Words and pix by Robert Forte
Killswitch Engage fans worldwide have been patiently waiting years for the release of new music as well for the band to launch an extensive tour ever since the berated Atonement tour ended prior to the COVID pandemic.
Based on the response the band received, as well as the sheer bombast of their performance in Philadelphia this past weekend, it would not be hyperbolic in the least to proclaim from the rafters of the Franklin Music Hall itself, Killswitch Engage is BACK!!!
Much like KsE’s sublime new record, This Consequence, released earlier this year via MetalBlade Records, their performance in the city of brotherly love was equal parts melodic, heavy, catchy, dynamic and a downright fucking good time. The band delivered a career-spanning set in Philadelphia that not only highlighted some of the best tracks from This Consequence but also reminded many in the audience just how transcendent their catalogue of music really is.
It was a delight to hear the band perform some of their most recognizable hits such as Rose of Sharyn, Hate by Design, The Arms of Sorrow and others. However, the preeminent highlights from the evening in Philadelphia were tied to the four tracks played from This Consequence, as well as a few out of left field songs many Killswitch Engage fans likely haven’t heard in eons, if ever.
These surprises included a dusting of Reckoning from their 2009 self-titled record and a rare performance of This Fire, one of the most underrated tracks off of 2006’s, As Daylight Dies. Pivoting back to This Consequence for a moment, Forever Aligned, the band’s lead single from the new record, was as bewitching as it was brutal in a live setting.
Aftermath, a song about healing, not letting the past define you and finding new purpose, sits in unison with some of the most brilliant, anthemic songs the band has ever written. The track’s performance live came across deeply personal, while also serving to help further connect the audience as a whole to the band themselves.
It was also a pleasure to hear Killswitch Engage choose to perform Collusion off of This Consequence, as it’s a track that properly harkens back to the best of Killswitch Engage’s early material. Any KsE fans that stuck around for the entire show must have left the venue grinning from ear to ear as the band dropped a thunderous five song closing set of songs that included some of their most beloved songs such as My Curse, The End of the Heartache and eventually show closer, My Last Serenade.
As far as the tour’s production values go, Killswitch Engage might actually have the most elaborate lighting set up they’ve ever brought on any tour ever. It’s a rare day indeed when you can say a metal band’s light show can rival that of acts such as Phish, but Killswitch Engage is absolutely pushing that envelope on their current tour.
Jesse Leach, Killswitch Engage’s prodigious frontman, also deserves to be praised as his vocal performance in Philadelphia, as well as his energy throughout the evening which was both infectious and a downright joy to witness live. Should you find yourself a long time Killswitch Engage fan or simply a fan of heavy music looking to be inspired, I’d strongly suggest picking up a copy of This Consequence ASAP.
You also might want to rush to their nearest box office in your town that’s selling tickets to Killswitch Engage’s ongoing headlining tour while you can, as it’s selling out just about everywhere.
A parting shout out should also be given to Killswitch Engage for having the stones to bring out Frozen Soul, Fit For a King and Kublai Khan for this run of shows. KsE deserves praise for this as all three opening acts not only have their own hardened fan bases, but they’re also all scintillating live performers in their own rights. The Franklin Music Hall was packed to the gills at 6:30PM on a Saturday night, and the sole reason for this was the sheer force and performance of the bands that all performed ahead of Killswitch Engage in Philadelphia.
It would not be preposterous to even say some of the night’s highest points of energy even came from the earlier acts, and that’s not even close to an indictment on Killswitch Engage. Instead, it stands as a testament to the fact that Killswitch Engage is on a mission to provide fans of heavy music an opportunity to attend a live show that will have them not only talking about their set for days but the concert and tour as a whole as well.
Well played, Killswitch Engage. Well played indeed.
