Numerous are the bands that have made unpleasant transitions from one record to the next. Many are forced to appeal more to the masses, leaving behind the guttural inclinations in favor of pleasant choruses. Thus, the result is the musical landscape is overwhelmed with clone after clone. Limited are those few bands that can ignore trends, evolve into the next height of creativity, and leave everyone behind in their quite-too-tight jeans. They set the measure higher and show us heavy music can still transcend the make-up and adolescent lyrics and delve into the darker side of life (i.e. Slayer) but not without showing us hope (i.e. Killswitch Engage)

The newest release from the Massachusetts-based quintet does not stray far from the formula they helped perfect, delivering such a complete collection of heart-pounding songs full of declaration. Their resistance to falling into the pit of prefabricated and mediocre compositions makes this record an immediate progression from their previous album The End of Heartache and establishes them even further as pioneers in the modern movement of heavy metal.

Guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz (who also serves as producer/engineer on every KSE album) delivers more melodically to an always-solid contrast and barrage of banshee-like screams. Joel Stroetzel's solid guitarwork has progressed, as he has added to the Swedish influence he showed in previous recordings. At times, you can even hear the Crowbar-like sludginess come through, not in a plagiaristic manner but more like many bands take a page from Black Sabbath, all done out of admiration and respect.

What will always set KSE apart from their contemporaries is the ebb and flow of vocalist Howard Jones, going from anthemic and soulful to letting the hammer fall with his devastating roar and screams. His delivery of each chorus is done with precision and conviction. The intricate drum work of Justin Foley sounds crisp and clean as you can hear the frantic pace fall into place perfectly in each song. You can sense the seriousness in the creation and execution of how a heavy record is supposed to be made.

We are going to have plenty of bands come and go but I forsee that KSE will be doing this quite a while and doing a damn well good job.