Customer Reviews

Killswitch Engage (Bonus CD)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

Apparently, ferret and road runner are not seeing eye to eye on the release of this album. So, it's release in the U.S. is delayed if not terminated. I got lucky, I found a copy at best buy and knew that there have been troubles with it's release. It's not worth $33. I can tell you that. But, at the price of a normal cd, it's definitely worth it. Sure, it's songs you've already heard, but if you own or have listened to the original recording you know that the quality of the recording isn't that great. The guitar sounds like it's in a tunnel, at best. But with the entire thing remixed and remastered (by Adam D. I believe) it sounds great. It sounds like a brand new recording. Plus, the original artwork (by the bass player) was redone to look a little flashier (could be a plus or a minus).

In sum, worth the price of a normal cd. But not worth $33.

Awesome cd. I had all of the KsE albums to date except this one and now my KsE collection is complete. A must have for any die-hard Killswitch Engage fan!

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?

only giving this full stars because the music on this album IS GOOD. But if you already have the original, there is no point whatsover to have this. the only thing new you get is demos. now tell me, these are demos of songs that are already in full length on the album. so why would you want to hear a demo of a song you can listen to in it's full glory ON THE SAME DISC? it's like your favorite dvd coming with it's movie trailor. um, why?

and to the guy who says throway the end of heartache. get a life, stoping be troo, klvt, and underground to the bones. you really think killswitch sound different than they do now? please, they have no diversity, all their albums sound the same. stop getting mad because your band now has more than two fans.

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.

This album is amazing first off just because it is so hardcore and raw. Second of all it is Killswitch Engage's first album including there demo's from 1999. Now if that ain't rad, I don't know what is. You get the full self-titled album remastered plus four demos. You also get a free Ferret Music Sampler. It has eleven tracks of pure hardcore metal all from Ferret Music. If you are one of those people that jsut like the melodic singing more than the yelling then I would stick to The End Of Heartache. Howard has an amazing voice and all but he just cant replace Jesse's vocals. They pure genuis in my opinion. I definately think this album deserves five stars.

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.

Why the hell would anyone pay $33.00 just to hear a remastered version of a cd they already own.This just goes to show that Killswitch have sold out and now are after the almighty dollar rather than good music. This album kicks ass. It is everything I wish Killswitch still was but aren't. The only reason I gave this four stars is because of the theft that is being done to old Killswitch fans. People who heard this album way back and were fans way before Hootie(a.k.a. Howard Jones) decided he wanted to be in a metal band.Also I personally dislike Adam D. for his racist comments he has made on Uranium. This guy obviously hates mexicans.To sum it up this cd is a rip off. All you get is four demos of songs that already on the disc and a little better production quality.Dave Mustaine remastered his old Megadeth albums and he didn't charge $33.00 when he did.It doesn't really matter because this band sucks now. They need to pull their collective heads out of their asses, fire Howard Jones, re-hire Jesse, reach down between their legs and find their pair of balls that I know they still have.