Killswitch Engage

Cover songs at last month's Phony Jam III local rock showcase spanned the spectrum from Michael Jackson to Metallica. Landing firmly on the 10-ton-hammer side of that continuum was "Life to Lifeless," a tune from Boston's Killswitch Engage. It might be tough for Killswitch to go head-to-head with members of Third World Sin and Everybody's X, but they deserve at least some credit. You know, for writing the song and all. Killswitch's recent album The End of Heartache thrashes with refreshing old-school fury without the unpleasant guilt by association that results from swapping sweat with the rowdy racists who frequent Pantera and Slayer shows. In Flames and the Esoteric come prepared with their own riveting recent releases, making for a manic metal gig at which every act should be at the top of its game.