LIVE: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – Winnipeg, MB, CAN – March 24, 2025

Venue: Burton Cummings Theatre

City: Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Date: March 24, 2025

Review and Photographs by: Alejandro Penner (https://www.alejandropenner.ca/)

On the evening of March 24, the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg played host to yet another sold-out and unforgettable night of heavy metal. This time, Killswitch Engage headlined the event, bringing along their friends from Texas: Frozen Soul, Fit for a King, and Kublai Khan. The night kicked off with Frozen Soul taking the stage, setting the tone with high energy and an electrifying presence. Their set was an intense opener, priming the crowd for what was to come. Next up was Fit for a King. The last time I saw them in Winnipeg, they played The Park Theatre alongside The Devil Wears Prada on a co-headlining tour. This time, they were in a supporting role, but that didn’t stop them from delivering an outstanding performance. Their set was filled with high-energy moments, deep growls, soaring melodic vocals, and crushing riffs. They never fail to impress, and this night was no exception. Then came Kublai Khan, one of the most anticipated bands of the night. While waiting in line, I noticed several fans barking—a signature call for the band, IYKYK. The moment Kublai Khan hit the stage, they hit so hard I thought my soul might leave my body. Trying to photograph them was an experience in itself; my eyes were shaking from the sheer force of their sound. It was an intense and unforgettable set.

Finally, Killswitch Engage took the stage to close out the night with an absolute banger of a performance. Wasting no time, they launched into “Strength of the Mind” from their Incarnate album, one of their most commercially successful records, peaking at number six on the Billboard 200. Midway through the set, they also performed “Hate by Design” from the same album. Throughout the night, Killswitch Engage treated fans to a journey through their discography, reaching as far back as 2002’s Alive or Just Breathing, with classics like “Numbered Days” and “My Last Serenade.” Almost no album was left untouched. The setlist included songs from Atonement like “The Signal Fire,” as well as Disarm the Descent tracks such as “No End in Sight” and “In Due Time.” Of course, they also played material from their latest 2025 album, This Consequence, the very reason fans had gathered at the theatre. New tracks like “Aftermath,” which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, and “Collusion” stood out. But nothing hit harder than when the band launched into “My Curse” and the fan favorite “The End of Heartache.” The theatre erupted as the crowd wasted no time joining Jesse Leach in singing the two massive singles.

Killswitch Engage delivers an electrifying live performance packed with raw energy, tight musicianship, and an undeniable connection with the audience. From the moment they stepped on stage, their presence was relentless. Jesse Leach commanded the crowd with his powerful vocals and impassioned delivery, while Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel’s guitar work was razor-sharp, seamlessly blending melodic riffs with punishing breakdowns. Mike D’Antonio’s bass and Justin Foley’s drumming provided a crushingly heavy backbone. While the band doesn’t rely heavily on pyro or elaborate visuals, their light show, and sound mix are always top tier. The music alone creates a massive, immersive atmosphere. Whether it’s Jesse delivering heartfelt speeches between songs or Adam D. running around the stage in his signature goofy outfits, Killswitch Engage ensures the crowd stays fully engaged. Expect singalongs, circle pits, and plenty of crowd participation. This tour is an absolute must-see for any metalcore fan. With such an insane lineup supporting Killswitch Engage, it’s a no-brainer to make the time to witness this show. It’s worth every single penny.

Set list: Strength of the Mind – Rose of Sharyn – Reckoning – Aftermath – Fixation on the Darkness – Aftermath – Numbered Days – This Is Absolution – No End In Sight – Collusion – Hate by Design – Forever Aligned – The Signal Fire – I Believe – The Arms of Sorrow – In Due Time – This Fire – My Curse – The End of Heartache – My Last Serenade

[Show as slideshow]

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries