Last year, Killswitch Engage gave us Atonement, an album packed with their trademark melodeath riffs, hardcore attitude and soul-searching lyrics. Earning acclaim from fans and critics alike, it was probably their strongest front-to-back effort since Jesse Leach’s return to the microphone — the first half is basically one banger after another, and the closing track totally slays.
But, as is often the case, the band recorded more material during the Atonement sessions than what made it onto the final release. With much of the world in the grips of the COVID-19 health crisis, the band saw an opportunity to give audiences a chance to hear this music and try and lend a hand to those fighting the disease. Therefore, the band has released Atonement II on Bandcamp, which includes previously unreleased tracks. All funds made from sales will go to the Center for Disease Philanthropy’s COVID-19 Response Fund:
The CDP COVID-19 Response Fund is focusing on support for nonprofit organizations working directly to respond to the pandemic among vulnerable populations in order to help build their capacity to address the most pressing needs.
As for the songs themselves, if you’re a fan of the band, you’ll dig these songs. In fact, I’m kind of surprised a couple of these didn’t make it onto the album proper! Check out the head-banging and heroic opening track, “To the Great Beyond,” below:
