1. Abandon Us - What a great start to this album which finds the band feeling like it has something to prove still after all these years. A stompyard, in your face track that hits on all the band's strengths. Soaring choruses with meaningful lyrics coupled with forceful, gut punching vocals. Adam D's runs and the percussion really stand out as well.
2. Discordant Nation - The pacing of this track snaps you into a variety of musical spaces. It branches off into death and hardcore vocals seamlessly. This is an invigorated band pushing itself to a whole other level!
3. Aftermath - Love the playing on this. Leach once again proves has some of the craziest range in Metal. This is definitely the track I'm going to have to relisten to a bunch.
4. Forever Aligned - A banger of a tune. Signature KSE, chug heavy, Adam D and Jesse trading off on vocals throughout the chorus. I've heard this track several times and it gets better on every listen. Beautiful production throughout this track. I really enjoyed the contrast between the clean chorus and throat crushing vocals throughout.
5. I Believe - When KSE released this early, I immediately gravitated to it. It's a track that's easily accessible and listenable. It also feels extremely relevant. We all could use a hopeful and uplifting song right about now.
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| Justin Foley: Drums, Adam Dutkiewicz: Guitar, Jesse Leach: Vocals, Mike D'Antonio: Bass, Joel Stroetzel: Guitar |
6. Where It Dies - Damn straight out of the gate, this goes hard. Great riffs all around. Leach's vocals haven't been this extreme in years. The vibes of this track harken back to early KSE. Another beautiful chorus that contrasts between the chug and throat shred. Adam D. pulls out all stops on the shred. This feels like a great song to sing along to in concert!
7. Collusion - Here me out, this track feels like a militaristic pummeling on the battlefield. Leach delivering vocals like marching orders. Top notch musicianship by all players. Love the drop into a "Slayer-ific" death metal breakdown toward the midpoint. This highlights the importance of the relationship between Adam D and Leach's trade off on vocals.
8. The Fall of Us - Another heavy as fuck track. This gave me goosebumps. It fills all the senses. The pace keeps you on the edge of your seat. Woah, Just Woah.
9. Broken Glass - The intro is like no other KSE track ever put to tape. This album may just be sonically their heaviest, low end release of all time. I had to check myself before I wrecked myself listening to this. Mind blown!
10. Requiem - KSE does not let up on this closer. This album really makes a statement. "This is not the end, This is not a Requiem".. This album delivers!
CONGRATULATIONS to the Whole Band! KSE are firing on all cylinders and some. Mike D., Joel, Justin, Adam and Jesse are as complete a unit as any in Metal today. This album is a tour de force and belongs in the same conversation as their most revered albums for sure. No Filler, ALL KILLER! The album breaks new ground, cements the band as one that can step on the gas and get as heavy as it's ever been. For anyone that doubted the band and expected them to paint by numbers on this one will be proved sorely mistaken. This is an album that makes new fans and more than satiates the appetites of old heads like me.
The album is now available everywhere!!
