This Consequence is the ninth studio album by American metalcore band Killswitch Engage, released through Metal Blade Records on February 21, 2025. Its release followed nearly six years after their previous album, "Atonement—"the longest gap between studio albums in the band's career.
Background.
In March 2024, the band's rhythm guitarist Joel Stroetzel stated, "We just finished all the final bits of tracking over the last couple of weeks. So the guitars are done, all the vocals are now done. Everything's there." On November 5, the band revealed the artwork for the album and shared "11/20/24. New music coming. Mark your calendars" on social media. 
The first single from the album, "Forever Aligned", was released on November 20. Vocalist Jesse Leach commented on the song, stating that it is "one of those songs that is not just about us as humans, our love, and connection, but that connection to the unknown, the greater power, the universe, or God". "I Believe", the second single from the album, was released on January 23, 2025. The band is planning a North American tour in May 2025 to support the album, which will be their first North American tour since 2022. The tour will feature supporting bands Shadows Fall, Fit for a King, Boundaries, Kublai Khan TX, and Frozen Soul.
In an interview with "Kerrang!", the band revealed that this was their first album since "Alive or Just Breathing" in which they all worked together in the same room. Lead guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz stated, "While there are still songs written by one band member, we all got to play them together, so if something didn’t feel right for anyone, they could rewrite bits themselves."
Reception.
"This Consequence" was generally well received by critics upon release. Max Heilman of "MetalSucks" gave it a score of 4/5 and wrote, "While it’s not about to reinvent the wheel, and might stand in the shadow of yesteryear’s Headbangers Ball staples, this is a fantastic encapsulation of what made this wave of metalcore so special." 
Writing for "Kerrang!", James Hickie stated, "U.S. metal heroes Killswitch Engage are impressively angry and anthemic – but inconsistent – on ninth album This Consequence." He awarded the album a score of 3/5. "Angry Metal Guy" gave it a score of 3.0/5, writing that "the writing is a little too safe at times, and a rather bland production and crushed mastering do no favors" but that "flaws aside, "This Consequence" marks a solid, if unremarkable addition to the Killswitch Engage catalog". "Blabbermouth" writer Dom Lawson gave it a score of 9/10 and stated, "The greatest bands stay great. "This Consequence" is a triumph."
Personnel.
Killswitch Engage