REVIEW: Killswitch Engage, Light The Torch & August Burns Red Ignite Terminal 5, NYC
Nearly a decade ago when I was just hitting 19 years old, one of the first metal shows I’d attended was Killswitch Engage on their “Disarm The Descent” tour. Fast forward to the present, nostalgia hit me like a ton of bricks with the highly anticipated “Atonement” tour. KSE brought together a well rounded package that represents modern day Metalcore in the best way possible for fans to take with them for decades to come. August Burns Red and Light the Torch brought some fuel to their pyre for such a heavy hitting lineup, with the highlight of the event being Light The Torch’s Howard Jones, and former Killswitch Engage vocalist joining KSE’s Jesse Leach on stage. The two sharing the stage on occasion has been a rave duo celebrated by older Killswitch Engage fans who have appreciated both vocal styles even after Jones’ tenure with KSE.
Killswitch Engage shows can be described as a massive party. KSE have long known that their fans love to chant back lyrics and conjure some of the most intense mosh pits. It’s a kind of live concert chemistry between artist and fans that KSE have always been able to nurture as metal legends. Whether you’re listening to Adam D’s massive crowd berating or Jesse Leach’s motivational speeches, the objective for Killswitch Engage is that fans take away the best possible inspiration from their live shows as a reminder that we are in control of our lives and destinies, that the light at the end of the tunnel is not unattainable.
Rhythm guitarist Joel Stroetzel was not performing at the NYC show due to contracting COVID, however, JB Brubaker from August Burns Red joined them on stage to perform with them. KSE’s close knit team saw their guitar tech also fill-in during their set. Killswitch Engage were as precise as ever for this tour stop. Adam D kept up pace with the crowd’s energy and Jesse Leach’s powerful cadence. Justin Foley’s thrashing drums flawlessly fell in the pocket with founding member Mike D’Antonio’s slick bass lines. The band remained a four piece group throughout the entire show, however, received immense talented support from fellow tour members. The major event of their set was Howard Jones joining them on stage to perform three songs.
It was evident with both major hits “Rose of Sharyn” and “End of Heartache” and Jones on vocals that night, hit different for many in the best way. Howard Jones’ specific and unique vocals have held a moment in time for fans. Fans will remember when and where they were when listening to Jones on Killswitch tracks. Howard’s vocals blended smoothly with the crowd as both sides shared the venue’s reverb during sing-along parts. “The Signal Fire” showcasing both Leach and Jones remains a highly anticipated duet for fans. Both vocalists were in high gear throughout the night and Killswitch Engage’s professional experience has made them ever resilient despite a few small setbacks that evening. Chart topping, fan favorite hits like “My Curse”, “In Due Time”, “My Last Serenade”, “Soilborn” and “Rise Inside” electrified and empowered the crowd at the Terminal 5 venue here in New York City. The sound perfectly resonated and vibrated beneath our feet, with the kind of bass heaviness known to stir up the best of pits. The amount of frenzied moshing and ecstatic sing-a-longs gave us the best of both worlds for the Killswitch Engage legacy!
As one of the premier metalcore bands of the 21st century who’ve mastered their technical prowess as a band for the maximum experience in a live setting, August Burns Red were destined to do a full tour with Killswitch Engage and their time has arrived! August Burns Red fired on all cylinders at Terminal 5 and were the perfect choice to introduce this tour. The fans walked in ready for ABR’s renowned stage presence, no build up, just full unadulterated full speed thrashing through the entire set. Massive melodic motivators like “Truth of a Liar”, “Composure”, “White Washed”, “Meddler”, “Paramount” and many more hits all made it into August Burns Red’s most unique live set to date in my opinion. ABR are a pure combo for metalcore and hardcore fans to dive into as one.
Known for their heated and intense breakdowns and shreddy taps, ABR delivered a full swing punch for their set. It’s important to mention that the band gifted Nintendo fans with an instrumental cover of The Legend of Zelda theme! Vocalist Jake Luhrs maintains the unwavering and notable vocal style he’s adopted into the group since the 2007 record Messengers. Luhr’s vocals are extremely powerful with excellent lows and fry screams that ignite. Acclaimed drummer Matt Greiner‘s patterns make for insane rhythm sections as always. Fast paced blast beats and some heavy double kick pedals were all delivered with excellent precision. Guitarists Brent Rambler & JB Brubaker’s slick shreds and surreal guitar leads were the envy of many musician fans in the crowd.
August Burns Red are skilled in delivering amazing taps and solos for those who truly appreciate fast paced shreds. Bassist Dustin Davidson’s heavy deep bass lines are felt with massive power in ABR’s sound. Many walked out of Terminal 5 as new fans ready to immerse themselves in the two decades long phenomenon that is August Burns Red.
Previously known as Devil You Know, Light the Torch are always warmly welcomed by New York City, made undeniable by the crowd chanting, “Howard, Howard, Howard” at the end of their set. It was an incredibly beloved sight and experience for all with the anticipation building up for this paramount tour to take place. Light the Torch not only brought down the heavy, but also toned it down for some reflective moments during the show. Jones is best known for his high baritone vocal range and operatic cleans, yet captivating and powerful screams that can be felt within everyone in attendance of a Light The Torch show.
Light the Torch’s set included “The Safety of Disbelief”, “Calm Before The Storm”, “More Than Dreaming”, “Become The Martyr ” and many more. A great set featuring some insane modern day metal tracks that will, without a doubt, grow on fans with time. Light The Torch are evolving the world of heavy metal right now. I believe with time, just as Killswitch Engage did two decades ago for metalcore, Light the Torch will do the same to lay down a foundation for modern metal bands. Light The Torch gave us plenty of eccentric melodies and seismic mosh riffs on this unforgettable tour!
Apart from some minor setbacks that always comes in the territory of touring in music, Killswitch Engage provided an insane tour package and excellent experience long awaited by hardcore and metalcore fans. The “Atonement” tour was a near two year wait for many of us in the NYC area and beyond worth being in attendance. Check out the rest of the tour dates below. One of the most insane tour packages I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing live!
