Killswitch Engage - Live at the Palladium

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You just have to admire the courage of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. To release their live album “Live at the Palladium” and then to put some twenty songs on it, is really quite the feat. But then again, at seventy minutes it would be nothing more than a regular double vinyl album in length. And I have to admit that I own quite a lot of double live albums. Only there aren’t any with so many songs. But seeing how punchy the Metalcore that KILLSWITCH ENGAGE bestows on us is, it is quite understandable that they have opted for this kind of release. And they were undoubtedly encouraged to do so by the record company Metal Blade Records.

The songs are all played to perfection when it comes to the instruments, but the sound makes it imminently clear that we are listening to a real live album. Especially when the vocals sometimes have trouble keeping up with the music. Just listen to “The Signal Fire”, and you’ll have to agree that musically this is as sound as Fort Knox, whilst the voices are lacking in power. But not in conviction, making this rendition into a proper treat. There are more songs like this that I could mention, but it would be a lot better if you would find out by yourself.

What is rather odd for an old man like me, who has a lot of live recordings, is that you not once here the audience. Not in between the songs, but also never participating with the band. So, this could just as well have been recorded live in the studio. But no, this was recorded in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. And if you’re wondering the song selection is an integral rendition of the “Atonement” album from 2019 as well as their self-titled debut album from 2000. Add a few more tunes, and you have “Live At The Palladium”. So, if those albums really shout out to you, you will know the order of the songs by heart.

If you don’t, it really doesn’t matter, as the way this is played and recorded definitely does KILLSWITCH ENGAGE justice. It shows that these guys love what they’re doing, and are proud to bring it out to the public. And all this does is make me anxious about the next studio offering of these Metalcore giants. I just hope I don’t have to wait too long. My hunger hasn’t been stilled by “Live At The Palladium”. On the contrary, I am hungrier than ever. So, bring it on!

Songwriting: 8
Musicianship: 7
Memorability: 6
Production: 7