Alive or Just Breathing - Killswitch Engage

Alive or Just Breathing

Album by Killswitch Engage

Released 13 May 2002

metalcore melodic metalcore

Tracklist

CD 1
1
Numbered Days
3:35
4.5 ★
2
Self Revolution
3:08
3.5 ★
3
Fixation on the Darkness
3:37
3.3 ★
4
My Last Serenade
4:13
4.0 ★
5
Life to Lifeless
3:17
3.4 ★
6
Just Barely Breathing
5:42
3.8 ★
7
To the Sons of Man
1:58
3.2 ★
8
Temple From the Within
4:04
4.0 ★
9
The Element of One
4:08
4.0 ★
10
Vide Infra
3:28
3.5 ★
11
Without a Name
1:45
3.6 ★
12
Rise Inside
5:54
3.6 ★
Enhanced CD 2
1
In the Unblind
2:48
3.6 ★
2
When the Balance Is Broken
4:35
4.0 ★
3
Untitled and Unloved
3:20
3.0 ★
4
Numbered Days (demo)
3:37
5
Transfiguration (AKA Fixation on the Darkness) (demo)
3:38
6
Just Barely Breathing (demo)
5:13
7
Fixation on the Darkness
Killswitch Engage with Howard Jones
3:39
4.0 ★
8
[AoJB studio out takes]
1:17
9
My Last Serenade
4:19
10
Fixation on the Darkness
3:39
11
Life to Lifeless (Metalfest 2002)
3:27

Recent reviews

Jman 17 Jan 2026

★★★★★

I have no idea what’s going on with the ratings for this album, but they’re completely off. So let’s fix that.

"Alive or Just Breathing" is a Mount Rushmore metalcore record—an absolute cornerstone of the genre. This album didn’t just influence metalcore, it helped define it, shaping the sound and emotional blueprint that countless bands still follow today.

The way Killswitch Engage blended crushing heaviness with soaring, heartfelt melody was revolutionary, and no one has ever done it quite the same since. This record inspired an entire generation of bands and listeners alike. A true masterpiece, endlessly influential, and somehow still underrated. It’s long past time this album gets the respect it deserves.

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