If Trivium and Hoobastank had a baby, it would probably sound a lot like Killed by the Lights. This metalcore-infused rock band fuses the fast, chugging grooves and intensity of Trivium with the radio-friendly, soaring choruses of Hoobastank, creating a listening experience that is both heavy and accessible. The result? A band that delivers a fun and energetic blend of crushing breakdowns, catchy melodies, and driving rhythms, even if some aspects of their sound feel a bit uneven.

When Killed by the Lights leans into their heavier side, they shine. The hard-hitting, chugging guitar riffs, paired with deep, pounding drums and thick basslines, create an undeniably tight and impactful sound. The metalcore elements hit hard, especially in the verses, where they unleash harsh, aggressive vocals that complement the heaviness of the instrumentals. These moments feel well-executed and intense, giving the band an edge that keeps them from sounding too polished or overproduced.

However, the band isn’t content with just delivering pummeling riffs and breakdowns. They aim for radio-friendly appeal, shifting into softer, melodic choruses with catchy hooks and clean singing. While these sections add variety and accessibility, they are also where the band's biggest weaknesses emerge. The clean vocals often feel strained and somewhat forced, making them less impactful than the raw power of the screams. Rather than flowing naturally, the transitions between heavy and soft sections can feel jarring or awkward, disrupting the momentum of otherwise solid tracks.

For the most part, the pacing of the album is well-structured, keeping a good balance between heavy and melodic moments. The band clearly knows how to craft dynamic songs that shift between crushing intensity and anthemic sing-along sections. However, there are times when their genre-blending feels forced—certain transitions between styles don’t feel as fluid or organic as they should, leaving some songs feeling disjointed.

Lyrically, the album sticks to straightforward themes—nothing too groundbreaking, but still effective for the style. The band focuses on themes of personal struggles, resilience, and emotional turmoil, all delivered with enough passion to feel genuine, even if the lyrics don’t necessarily stand out as particularly innovative.

One of the band’s strongest elements is their production. The album sounds polished and heavy, with a punchy mix that gives weight to the instruments. The guitar tones are thick and meaty, the drums hit hard, and the bass provides a solid backbone that prevents the sound from feeling too thin. While a few tracks feel less inspired or a bit underwhelming, the overall energy of the album makes up for the occasional weaker moment.

Killed by the Lights delivers a fun, energetic fusion of metalcore and radio rock, even if their execution isn’t always perfect. Their heavy sections are powerful and well-executed, but their attempts at catchy, melodic choruses don’t always land. With a bit more refinement in their vocal delivery and transitions, they could develop a more cohesive and unique identity. As it stands, they offer an enjoyable but somewhat uneven listening experience.

Would I recommend it? If you enjoy bands that mix metalcore aggression with radio-rock hooks, absolutely. But if you’re looking for something truly innovative or seamless in its fusion of styles, this might not fully satisfy. That being said, there’s plenty of potential here, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the band hones their sound into something even stronger in the future.