This fourth outing from the New England power-thrashers sees them consolidate their position alongside Trivium as the new hopes for world metal domination. 

With Vin Diesel alike singer Howard Jones (no, not the 80’s backcombed pop guru) and giant guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz still in the fold, these guys are never going to get sand kicked in their faces! 

Picking up where “The End of the Heartache” from 2004 left off, this Dutkiewicz produced effort is pure melodic stomping metal with thrashing highlights.

Jones has a powerful tuneful voice harmonizing against the screaming growl of Dutkiewicz. Armed with some bulldozing riffs and killer time changes coupling a more mature approach to songwriting and you have the makings of a class album.

Reminiscent of many enormo-dome acts from metals illustrious past yet creating a unique sound that appeals to those who love hookey choruses, every song here has stadium metal pretensions. Get your lighters out for the lads! 

Starting as they mean to go on, i.e., straight for the jugular, opener “Break the Silence” is a vicious slab of savage riffage with a shout-along fist pumping chorus. The pace doesn’t slacken off as chunky guitar parts cross over with neat time changes to sustain interest weaving clever lyrical harmony alongside both to stunning effect.

“Yourself” builds to an epoch inducing climax, not unlike mid era ‘Talica to these ears which can’t be bad.

“Still Beats Your Name” would be an outstanding out track on many albums but here it sits in a procession of quality songs.

No stand out track, no filler either, so the bar is set high and Killswitch are up to the challenge every time. This could quite possibly be one of the albums of the year and catapult these guys to a new audience. Catch them on tour while you can, as they will surely be touring the globe for years to come.

One slight criticism is the pace doesn’t vary from song to song, but I’m being churlish here. As Daylight Dies consolidates their first two albums good intentions then takes on the third and moves it to a bolder, brasher but more approachable place which will surely introduce them to a whole new audience. 

Job done, it’s a great album, download, steal or buy it.

Let us know your views on 'As Daylight Dies'

Track List

Daylight Dies
This is Absolution
The Arms of Sorrow
Unbroken
My Curse
For You
Still Beats Your Name
Eye of the Storm
Break The Silence
Desperate Times
Reject Yourself

Line Up

Howard Jones - Vocals
Adam Dutkiewicz - Guitar
Joel Stroetzel - Guitar
Mike D'Antonio - Bass
Justin Foley - Drums