Just a quick muse on the new Killswitch Engage track offered via Roadrunner Records yesterday; people might crucify me for doing this, but it sounds like something Iron Maiden would do. I'm not saying they'd use screamed vocals and tremolo picking to the extent in the track, but it only clocks in at 2 minutes and 42 seconds. Remember "Different World" from A Matter of Life and Death? Probably not. But it was just a great single that summed up the album in one track. Dark Tranquillity did it too prior to the release of Character, in the form of "Derivation TNB." I would expect this single serve the same purpose, considering the track an "official leak" ahead of the album's release on June 26th (Australia)
Not being the biggest fan of KSE, I did admire the succinct and direct songwriting that they displayed on this track, their trending toward the 80s sound almost now a given. Its noteworthy that they use the same motive in all their riffs, building upon it and repeating for maximum effect. Even when it deviates for a heavy, chugging bridge, it just rams home the motive again, repeating that catchy, huge chorus. The economy of style definitely will win many fans. Good stuff.
--Hat tip to Bob at Roadrunner AU.