Killswitch Engage turned Brooklyn Paramount into a furnace Thursday night, delivering a relentless set that reminded everyone why they remain one of metalcore’s most enduring live acts. Backed by a stacked bill that included Machine Head, Iron Reagan and Havok, the Massachusetts veterans hit the stage with the confidence of a band that has spent more than two decades perfecting the balance between crushing heaviness and soaring melody.

Havok wasted no time setting the tone for the evening, launching into “Point of No Return” with blistering speed and precision. The Denver thrashers immediately energized the crowd, unleashing razor-sharp riffs, thunderous drums and an intensity that transformed the room from a gathering of fans into a full-scale metal battleground. As the opening notes rang out, the first circle pits formed and heads started banging across the venue, making it clear that the night was going to be loud, fast and unforgettable.

Iron Reagan brought a completely different kind of chaos to the stage, injecting the night with their trademark crossover thrash energy and irreverent attitude. Their set was fast, furious and unapologetically fun, with short bursts of aggression that kept the crowd moving from start to finish. Frontman Tony Foresta fed off the audience’s energy, encouraging nonstop movement in the pit while the band tore through songs at a relentless pace. Balancing humor with sheer intensity, Iron Reagan delivered one of the most entertaining sets of the night, proving that hardcore punk and thrash metal remain a perfect recipe for live mayhem.

Machine Head delivered a commanding performance that felt every bit worthy of a headlining slot. Robb Flynn led the band with unwavering intensity, combining crushing riffs, soaring melodies and a commanding stage presence that kept the crowd locked in throughout the set. The band’s massive sound filled the venue, with thunderous grooves and precision musicianship creating some of the night’s heaviest moments. Whether unleashing fan favorites or newer material, Machine Head showcased the experience and power that have made them one of modern metal’s most respected live acts, earning a thunderous response from the Brooklyn crowd. Their song “Davidian” was the highlight of their set, with the crowd singing at the top of their lungs.

By the time Killswitch Engage took the stage, the energy inside Brooklyn Paramount had reached a fever pitch. As the lights dimmed and the band’s backdrop illuminated the stage, a wave of anticipation swept through the packed venue. The visual production struck a perfect balance between modern spectacle and old-school metal intensity, with synchronized lighting, towering beams of color and dramatic strobes accentuating every breakdown, guitar lead and singalong moment. Rather than overwhelming the performance, the visuals enhanced the emotional highs and crushing heaviness that have defined Killswitch Engage’s music for more than two decades.

Opening with explosive force, the band immediately had the audience in the palm of their hand. Jesse Leach’s powerful vocals effortlessly shifted between ferocious screams and soaring clean melodies, while Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel delivered the signature guitar harmonies that have become synonymous with the band’s sound. The crowd responded passionately to every song, turning the venue into one massive choir during fan favorites such as “My Curse,” “Rose of Sharyn” and “The End of Heartache.” Thousands of voices echoed back every lyric, creating some of the most memorable moments of the evening.

The newer material held its own alongside the classics, proving that Killswitch Engage remains creatively vital rather than simply relying on nostalgia. Songs from their recent releases carried the same emotional weight and crushing impact that helped establish the band as pioneers of metalcore. Throughout the set, the lighting shifted from deep reds and blues during the heavier moments to bright, sweeping patterns during the anthemic choruses, creating a dynamic visual experience that mirrored the band’s trademark balance of aggression and melody.

What ultimately made the performance special was the connection between the band and the audience. Between songs, Leach expressed heartfelt gratitude to the fans, reinforcing the sense of community that has always separated Killswitch Engage from many of their peers. By the time the final notes rang out, the crowd was exhausted, hoarse and completely satisfied. It was a performance that celebrated the band’s legacy while demonstrating that they remain one of the most compelling live acts in modern metal.

Killswitch Engage Setlist:

Baba O’Riley (The Who song) (Intro)

1. Fixation On the Darkness
2. In Due Time
3. The End of Heartache
4. Aftermatch
5. Rose of Sharyn
6. This Is Absolution
7. Broken Glass
8. Hate by Design
9. Forever Aligned
10. Vide Infra
11. The Signal Fire
12. I Believe
13. Daylight Dies
14. Strength of the Mind
15. My Curse
16. This Fire
17. My Last Serenade

Photo credit: Boston Lynn Schulz