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Alive or Just Breathing

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Alive or Just Breathing

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  • Artist: Killswitch Engage
  • Rating: StarStarStarHalf Star
  • Release Date: May 21, 2002
  • Total Time: 44:51
  • Type: Lyrics are included with the album
  • Genre: Rock

Review

Killswitch Engage's second full-length effort, Alive or Just Breathing, finds the band expanding on the crunchy metalcore sound they established themselves with on their 2000 self-titled debut. This is a pure metal album that seemingly has ignored any fashionable trend and instead relies solely on skill and expertise to sculpt some of meatiest heavy metal since the glory days of Metallica and Slayer. Injected into these chaotic hardcore/death metal hybrid songs is an undeniable sense of melody that flawlessly enhances every track, and instead of turning Killswitch Engage's permanent heavy sound weaker, this melodic accompaniment only goes to make you realize how intense and exhilarating the band is when they explode in an inferno of enraged brutality. Killswitch Engage refreshes your memory by including two old favorites, "Temple from the Within" and the must-hear "Vide Infra." While these have been given a new treatment, each song outdoes the original in sounding much crisper and more lethal; in this situation, the fluid production definitely has helped strengthen the old tunes. The lyrical content is exceptional, as Killswitch Engage don't travel the weary path of death, destruction, and unrepentant negativity, and instead seek to bring the listener to a new level of awareness, delivering the message to treat one another with respect, keep hope alive, and strive to make the world a more civil place to reside in. This is not the typical metal band; with lyrics such as "I believe love will overcome" from the sensational album closer "Rise Inside," it is obvious KSE has more than a blistering double bass and agonizing screams going for them. Although the group now belongs to a much more extravagant record label, their do-it-yourself attitude shines fiercely; in fact, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz handled all production and engineering duties on top of recording all of the album's drum tracks, while bassist Mike d'Antonio took the time to give much thought on the album's packaging and art direction. This results in an album that one cannot deny reflects the group's heart and soul. This professionalism and skill is understandable, since d'Antonio once was the creative force that propelled Overcast into the spotlight as one of the best metalcore bands in the underground community, while vocalist Jesse Leach struggled in several projects, including Nothing Stays Gold, and Dutkiewicz and guitarist Joel Stroetzel made a name for themselves in the Massachusetts area in Aftershock. Alive or Just Breathing shows the group broadening their metal horizons, while still succeeding in putting almost every other metal album in the last five years to shame. With this album, Killswitch Engage has transformed from a hungry independent act into a ravenous metal beast that is ready to begin devouring all in sight, and should certainly accomplish that and much more in years to come. ~ Jason D. Taylor, Rovi

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Wikipedia on Answers.com:

Alive or Just Breathing

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Alive or Just Breathing
Studio album by Killswitch Engage
Released May 21, 2002
Recorded October 2001 - February 2002 at Zing Studios in Westfield, MA
Genre Metalcore
Length 44:57
Label Roadrunner
Producer Adam Dutkiewicz
Killswitch Engage chronology
Killswitch Engage
(2000)		 Alive or Just Breathing
(2002)		 The End of Heartache
(2004)
Alternative cover
Roadrunner 25th Anniversary re-release cover

Alive or Just Breathing is the second studio album by American metalcore band Killswitch Engage. It was released on May 21, 2002, through Roadrunner Records. Alive or Just Breathing was Killswitch Engage's first album on Roadrunner Records and was recorded from October 2001 to February 2002. Produced by drummer and guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, this was the band's first album on a major label, which prompted them to write and record the album to the best of their abilities.[1] The record was among the first of the metalcore genre, which combined elements of heavy metal and hardcore. Alive or Just Breathing is viewed as a defining moment for the genre and was well praised upon its release by fans and critics. The lyrics, which were all written by Leach, were aimed to bring a positive message through the music.[1]

Shortly after the release of Alive or Just Breathing, Leach left the band for personal and health issues.[2] Without wasting time, Killswitch Engage recruited Howard Jones to replace Leach.[2] Jones would stay in the band for nearly ten years, until his departure in early 2012, which prompted Leach to rejoin the band on the ten year anniversary of Alive or Just Breathing.[3] This is also the last album to feature Dutkiewicz on drums, as he would switch to guitar before the touring process.[4] The drumming position was filled by Tom Gomes.[4]

Contents

Background

In June 2000, Killswitch Engage released their debut album, titled Killswitch Engage through Ferret Records. Bassist Mike D'Antonio created artwork for the label, and asked as a favor for Killswitch Engage to be signed, subsequently the label accepted. Ferret Records CEO, Carl Severson signed the band without a contract simply to get the album out to the public because he thought the album "ruled", and stated "I had a one-off deal and when I knew they wanted to go someplace bigger, I figured is was in my best interest, as their friend, to make the best thing happen for them."[5] After the album was released, Severson showed it to Roadrunner Records A&R man, Mike Gitter.

Gitter played the album for other Roadrunner Records employees and stated "The feeling was this was something that touched upon classic metal, pulls it up through hardcore, and creates something fairly new and completely exciting. When their music started circulating around the office, there was an immediate 'Holy ... this is great!' feeling about it. People weren't halfway about it."[5] Gitter offered to sign the band to the label, but the band was apprehensive at first, judging by the current artist roster of Roadrunner Records. Gitter felt that signing Killswitch Engage was the label's last chance to have any heavy metal bands on the roster. After nearly six months of deliberation, the band signed to Roadrunner Records due to the opportunities provided for them and began work on their major label debut, which would become Alive or Just Breathing.[5] Gitter has claimed that signing Killswitch Engage was the most gratifying signing of his career.[6]

Writing and recording

Writing

In summer of 2001, Killswitch Engage recorded a demo containing the songs "Transfiguration" (which would later become "Fixation on the Darkness"), "Just Barely Breathing", and "Numbered Days" with drummer/guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz producing. After giving the demo to Roadrunner, the label agreed to let Dutkiewicz produce Alive or Just Breathing because they were impressed with his production skills.[5]

As Killswitch Engage started writing for Alive or Just Breathing, then-guitarist Pete Cortese left the band to be with his family. Cortese co-wrote "Fixation on the Darkness with the band during his time with him. The music for Alive or Just Breathing was all written by Dutkiewicz, D'Antonio, and guitarist Joel Stroetzel, while all of the lyrics were written by Leach.[1] After completing the album, the band knew they would need to find a second guitarist to play with Stroetzel, because Alive or Just Breathing was written for two guitarists during live performances.[1] Before the completion of the record, Killswitch brought in Tom Gomes to play drums for the band as Dutkiewicz moved to the empty guitar position.[1]

Taking into account that this would be the band's first album on a major label, Killswitch Engage was adamant on making the best album that they could. This required Dutkiewicz to spend more time in the studio producing and writing songs as a whole, rather than just a collection of guitar riffs put together.[1] D'Antonio stated the writing process for the record went very fast as he wrote the "moshy, hardcore" style riffs, Stroetzel wrote the thrash metal styled riffs, and Dutkiewicz wrote the "catchy" choruses.[5] Leach said that his main goal when writing lyrics was to be used as an instrument to shine the light of God through his music.[5] He felt that there was too much negativity in the lyrics of music in general and wanted to have positivity shown in his.[7]

During the Alive or Just Breathing recording sessions, Killswitch Engage recorded 15 songs. Three of the songs were re-recordings of songs from the band's debut album. Stroetzel stated that the band decided to re-record "Temple From the Within", "Vide Infra", and "In the Unblind" because at the time, Killswitch Engage was unsure of how many people would ever hear Killswitch Engage because it was released through a small label.[5] "Temple From the Within" and "Vide Infra" made it onto Alive or Just Breathing. "In the Unblind" and two newly written songs titled "When the Balance is Broken" and "Untitled and Unloved" respectively, did not make it on to the album, but would eventually be heard on the 2005 reissue of Alive or Just Breathing.[8]

Recording

On November 3, 2001, Killswitch Engage entered Zing Studios in Westfield, Massachusetts to begin recording Alive or Just Breathing.[9] Upon entering the studio, the album already had its title, derived from a lyric in the song "Just Barely Breathing." The band members all had jobs and some were going to school during the recording of the album, so each member came in for short periods as they had time available. Stroetzel said this was helpful, as it reduced stress, but regretted that they were not able to get more done in one session.[5] A problem that D'Antonio, Dutkiewicz, and Stroetzel encountered was keeping their guitars in tune during the sessions. They spent a large amount of the recording budget buying new guitars to stay in tune better. Since the recording of Alive or Just Breathing, they have learned how to keep in tune better as they record.[5]
"My Last Serenade"
Sample of "My Last Serenade" from Alive or Just Breathing (2002). Jesse Leach had troubles recording his vocals for Alive or Just Breathing, but was pleased with the end result. Much of the album contains a balance of screaming and clean vocals.
Problems listening to this file? See media help.

Jesse Leach had troubles gaining confidence as he was recording his vocals, but was determined to make them a "masterpiece".[5] Leach spoke of Dutkiewicz and recording vocals stating, "I definitely hand it to Adam D. - he's the man. We're taking our time, dissecting things. It's made me push myself to my limits - getting a lot more passion and deliver out of what I'm doing."[10] After struggling with nervousness for a while, Dutkiewicz and Leach went to Jesse's home in Rhode Island to finish recording vocals. Mike Gitter was unhappy about this when he heard of it as Killswitch Engage turned the record into Roadrunner Records, but was ultimately pleased with the results.[5] Additional percussion on the album was provided by Tom Gomes, before he was an official member of the band. Backing vocals on Alive or Just Breathing were done by Leach, Dutkiewicz, as well as Dutkiewicz's sister, Becka and All That Remains singer Philip Labonte.[11]

Alive or Just Breathing was mixed in February 2002 at Backstage Productions in Ripley, Derbyshire, UK by Andy Sneap. Dutkiewicz brought the album to the UK and oversaw the mixing process. The band chose Sneap after hearing good things about his work. Killswitch Engage, as well as Roadrunner Records was very pleased with the mix. Dutkiewicz specifically noted his satisfaction with the drum tones.[1]

Artwork and packaging

Mike D'Antonio owns a graphic design company called Darkicon Designs. He has made album covers and various other pieces of art (t-shirts, posters, logos, etc.) for bands such as Shadows Fall, All That Remains, Crowbar among others.[7] As Killswitch Engage was signing to Roadrunner Records, the band made sure that written into the contract was for D'Antonio to produce all of Killswitch Engage's artwork.[12] D'Antonio stated about the cover of Alive or Just Breathing, "I wanted something that looked 'old school cut-and-paste' for the cover. Something with texture that appeared like it was just laid down and photographed. I remember Roadrunner hating the cover, saying there was too much going on and nothing to focus on. I told them I did not agree, and that some day they would get it."[5][12] D'Antonio has since done all of the band's artwork, including the package design for the 2005 re-release of Alive or Just Breathing.[7]

Release

Alive or Just Breathing was released on May 21, 2002. Killswitch Engage filmed a music video for the song "My Last Serenade", which gained heavy rotation on MTV's Headbanger's Ball and propelled the album to number 37 on the Top Heatseekers chart.[13] Music videos were also filmed for "Life to Lifeless" and "Fixation on the Darkness". Upon the release of the album, Killswitch Engage embarked on their first nation wide tour, supporting Soilwork and Hypocrisy. The band would tour for the next year in support of Alive or Just Breathing.[7]

In the middle of Killswitch Engage's first national tour, Jesse Leach left the band. Two weeks prior to the tour, Leach married his wife. With a combination of depression, missing his wife, and throat problems, Leach sent Dutkiewicz an email just a few days before the band was scheduled to play a show, announcing his departure. Dutkiewicz stated in an interview that "after three years of hanging out with the dude, and considering him a brother, to just get an email was a little bit harsh."[2] Killswitch Engage very quickly set up auditions to fill the vocalist position in the band and eventually settled on Howard Jones, who was at the time the frontman of Blood Has Been Shed. Jones very quickly had to learn a set of songs to tour with the band.[7] Leach and the rest of the band quickly reconciled and remained close friends.[7][14][15]

After the touring process for Alive or Just Breathing was over, Tom Gomes left the band and was replaced by Justin Foley.[4] This line-up of Killswitch Engage would last until early 2012, when Jones left the band.[3] Following Jones' departure, Jesse Leach rejoined the band on the ten year anniversary of Alive or Just Breathing.[3]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
411mania.com 7.0/10[8]
Allmusic 4/5 stars[16]
Blabbermouth 10/10[17]
Kerrang! 5/5 stars[18]
Lambgoat 8/10[19]
Metal Review 9.2/10[20]

Critical reception of Alive or Just Breathing was generally positive. Killswitch Engage were among the first known bands to be a part of the metalcore genre,[20][21] which took elements of heavy metal music and hardcore music. Erik Thomas from Metalreview.com said "while this album certainly is responsible for the vast amount of saturation, it stands as a pretty trendsetting, stellar must-own example of metalcore."[20] Jason D. Taylor of Allmusic stated "This is a pure metal album that seemingly has ignored any fashionable trend and instead relies solely on skill and expertise to sculpt some of meatiest heavy metal since the glory days of Metallica and Slayer."[16] Taylor also expressed the impressiveness of the band's "do-it-yourself" work ethic as Dutkiewicz handled all production and D'Antonio "took the time to give much thought on the album's packaging and art direction."[16] Dom Lawson of Kerrang! magazine gave the album five "Ks" (or five out of five stars). He praised the album's unique new sound, music, and vocal performances from Leach.[18]

Reviewing the 2005 re-release of the album, Scott Alisoglu of Blabbermouth.net said that Alive or Just Breathing is "one special album" and that its release "marked a defining moment in metal."[17] Alisoglu also viewed the album as one of the greatest albums of 2002 and of "the new century."[17] Alive or Just Breathing is one of only 21 albums to have a perfect site rating on Blabbermouth.net.[22][23] In 2009, MetalSucks compiled a list of the "21 Best Metal Albums of the 21st Century So Far" based on the opinions of various musicians, managers, publicists, label representatives and writers, where Alive or Just Breathing was placed at number four on the list.[24]

In a review for 411mania.com, Evocator Manes stated his dislike for the melodic "smooth parts" that he felt were too repetitious throughout Alive or Just Breathing, however he praised the album's production and positive lyrics.[8] Jesse Leach stated there was a small portion of Killswitch Engage fans who disliked his use of clean singing on the album.[5]

Track listing

All lyrics written by Jesse Leach. 

No. Title Writer(s) Length
1. "Numbered Days"   Killswitch Engage 3:35
2. "Self Revolution"   Killswitch Engage 3:08
3. "Fixation on the Darkness"   Killswitch Engage, Pete Cortese 3:37
4. "My Last Serenade"   Killswitch Engage 4:13
5. "Life to Lifeless"   Killswitch Engage 3:17
6. "Just Barely Breathing"   Killswitch Engage 5:42
7. "To the Sons of Man"   Killswitch Engage 1:58
8. "Temple from the Within"   Killswitch Engage 4:04
9. "The Element of One"   Killswitch Engage 4:08
10. "Vide Infra"   Killswitch Engage 3:28
11. "Without a Name" (Instrumental) Killswitch Engage 1:45
12. "Rise Inside"   Killswitch Engage 5:56
Total length:
 44:57

Personnel

Killswitch Engage
Additional musicians
Technical staff and photography
  • Andy Sneap – mixing and mastering
  • Daniel Moss – photography

References

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Lambgoat, John (2002-06-02). "Killswitch Engage interview". Lambgoat.com. http://lambgoat.com/features/interviews/14/Killswitch-Engage-interview. Retrieved 2012-05-02. 
  2. ^ a b c "Killswitch Engage land new frontman". Blabbermouth.net. 2002-07-04. http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=4557. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  3. ^ a b c "It's Official: Jesse Leach Rejoins Killswitch Engage". Blabbermouth.net. 2012-02-06. http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=169328. Retrieved 2012-05-14. 
  4. ^ a b c Ditzel, Eleanor. "Killswitch Engage". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/killswitch-engage-p436947/biography. Retrieved 2012-05-15. 
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Alive or Just Breathing Roadrunner Records 25th Anniversary Edition (booklet). Roadrunner Records. 2005. RR 8457-2. 
  6. ^ The Silver Tongue (2009-03-13). "Band Essentials: TST talks A&R with Roadrunner Record's Mike Gitter". The Silver Tongue. http://thesilvertongueonline.com/2009/03/band-essentials-tst-talks-ar-with-roadrunner-records-mike-gitter/. Retrieved 2012-05-01. 
  7. ^ a b c d e f Korycki, Denise (director); Starace, Lia (editor) (2005-11-22) (in English). (Set This) World Ablaze (DVD). UPC 016861093990. http://roadrunnerrecords.com/. Retrieved 2012-05-02. 
  8. ^ a b c Evocator Manes (2002-10-19). "Music - Killswitch Engage -Alive Or Just Breathing Review". 411mania.com. http://www.411mania.com/music/album_reviews/69/Killswitch-Engage--Alive-Or-Just-Breathing-Review.htm. Retrieved 2011-12-22. 
  9. ^ "Killswitch Engage Studio". Roadrunner Records. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/killswitch-engage-studio--2. Retrieved 2012-05-02. 
  10. ^ "In the Studio with Killswitch Engage". Roadrunnerrecords.com. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/in-the-studio-with-killswitch. Retrieved 2012-05-03. 
  11. ^ "Killswitch Engage - Alive or Just Breathing". Discogs.com. http://www.discogs.com/Killswitch-Engage-Alive-Or-Just-Breathing/release/475633. Retrieved 2012-05-03. 
  12. ^ a b Steeley, Robin (2004-05-12). "Interview with Mike D'Antonio". Crave Magazine. http://www.portlandmusicians.com/crave/2004/06/kei_interview.shtml. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  13. ^ "Killswitch Engage biography". Roadrunner Records. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/artists/killswitch-engage/bio. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  14. ^ Jason Joseph (2002-09-28). "Throwback Interview: Killswitch Engage #2". Shockblast Media. http://www.shockblastmedia.com/2010/08/throwback-interview-killswitch-engage-2/. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  15. ^ "Exclusive interview with former Killswitch Engage/current The Empire Shall Fall vocalist Jesse Leach". MetalSucks. 2010-03-31. http://www.metalsucks.net/2010/03/31/exclusive-interview-with-former-killswitch-engagecurrent-the-empire-shall-fall-vocalist-jesse-leach/. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  16. ^ a b c Jason D. Taylor. "Alive or Just Breathing". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r588062. Retrieved 2012-05-02. 
  17. ^ a b c Scott Alisoglu. "Alive or Just Breathing (2-CD Special Edition) (Roadrunner)". Blabbermouth.net. http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=501. Retrieved 2012-05-02. 
  18. ^ a b Dom Lawson (2002-05-15). "The Terminators". Roadrunner Records. http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/THE-TERMINATORS-1644.aspx. Retrieved 2012-05-03. 
  19. ^ Harman, Geoff (2002-09-30). "Killswitch Engage - Alive Or Just Breathing? Review". lambgoat.com. http://lambgoat.com/albums/366/Killswitch-Engage-Alive-Or-Just-Breathing. Retrieved 2012-05-30. 
  20. ^ a b c Thomas, Erik (2005-12-07). "Review of Killswitch Engage - Alive Or Just Breathing - Reissued (2 Discs)". Metal Review. http://www.metalreview.com/reviews/2247/killswitch-engage-alive-or-just-breathing---reissued-(2-discs). Retrieved 2011-12-22. 
  21. ^ "The Greatest Metal Bands of All Time". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index13.jhtml. Retrieved 2012-05-15. 
  22. ^ "CD Reviews (page 1)". Blabbermouth.net. http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/reviews.aspx?PageNum=1&mode=Search&order_by=Rating&searchtext2=&asc_desc=desc. Retrieved 2012-05-15. 
  23. ^ "CD Reviews (page 2)". Blabbermouth.net. http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/reviews.aspx?PageNum=2&mode=Search&order_by=Rating&searchtext2=&asc_desc=desc. Retrieved 2012-05-15. 
  24. ^ Rosenberg, Axl (2009-07-01). "#4: Killswitch Engage – Alive Or Just Breathing". MetalSucks. http://www.metalsucks.net/2009/07/01/4-killswitch-engage-alive-or-just-breathing/. Retrieved 2012-05-18. 
Killswitch Engage
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