As Killswitch Engage's breakthrough record and first with current vocalist Howard Jones, Alive or Just Breathing is a metalcore powerhouse. Jam-packed with heavy chords, melodic breakdowns and Jones' harsh screeches peppered with occasional singing, this second release is filled with headbanger anthems as well as a couple of instrumental ballads to soften the mood. Rousing first single "Fixation on the Darkness" gained the band recognition, but Killswitch Engage toned down the intensity and progressed toward a more mainstream sound on their following release.