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|date=November 6, 2001
|date=November 6, 2001
|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=239
|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=239
|accessdate=December 21, 2007
⚫
|accessdate=December 21, 2007}}</ref> the album was titled ''[[Alive or Just Breathing]]'', after lyrics in the song "Just Barely Breathing". A music video for the single "My Last Serenade" increased the band's exposure, and the album peaked at number 37 on the [[Top Heatseekers]] chart.<ref name="Killswitch Engage biography">{{cite web
|deadurl=yes
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225194302/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=239
|archivedate=December 25, 2007
|df=mdy-all
⚫
}}</ref> the album was titled ''[[Alive or Just Breathing]]'', after lyrics in the song "Just Barely Breathing". A music video for the single "My Last Serenade" increased the band's exposure, and the album peaked at number 37 on the [[Top Heatseekers]] chart.<ref name="Killswitch Engage biography">{{cite web
|title=Killswitch Engage biography
|title=Killswitch Engage biography
|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]
|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]
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|title=Killswitch Engage Land New Frontman
|title=Killswitch Engage Land New Frontman
|publisher=Blabbermouth.net
|publisher=Blabbermouth.net
|date=July 4, 2002
|date=July 4, 2002
|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=4557
|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=4557
|accessdate=December 17, 2007}}</ref>
|accessdate=December 17, 2007
|deadurl=yes
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225194310/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=4557
|archivedate=December 25, 2007
|df=mdy-all
}}</ref>


The band immediately started to search for a replacement vocalist and found [[Howard Jones (American musician)|Howard Jones]] of [[Blood Has Been Shed]]. Jones disliked the band's sound when he first heard it. He commented, "I was like, 'Meh.' I come from hardcore and dirtier metal, and Killswitch sounded so clean. But the more I listened to it, I realized there's some really good songs here".<ref name="Killswitch Engage - Decibel Magazine"/> After hearing about Leach's vocal problems, Jones contacted the band and was accepted as the replacement. [[Philip Labonte]] of [[All That Remains (band)|All That Remains]] tried out for lead vocals but lost to Jones, who had to quickly memorize seven songs for his debut at the 2002 [[Hellfest (American music festival)|Hellfest]].<ref name="Killswitch Engage - Decibel Magazine">{{cite web
The band immediately started to search for a replacement vocalist and found [[Howard Jones (American musician)|Howard Jones]] of [[Blood Has Been Shed]]. Jones disliked the band's sound when he first heard it. He commented, "I was like, 'Meh.' I come from hardcore and dirtier metal, and Killswitch sounded so clean. But the more I listened to it, I realized there's some really good songs here".<ref name="Killswitch Engage - Decibel Magazine"/> After hearing about Leach's vocal problems, Jones contacted the band and was accepted as the replacement. [[Philip Labonte]] of [[All That Remains (band)|All That Remains]] tried out for lead vocals but lost to Jones, who had to quickly memorize seven songs for his debut at the 2002 [[Hellfest (American music festival)|Hellfest]].<ref name="Killswitch Engage - Decibel Magazine">{{cite web
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|accessdate=December 18, 2007}}</ref>
|accessdate=December 18, 2007}}</ref>


Due to Dutkiewicz's back problems in early 2007, he was replaced by [[Damageplan]] and The Mercy Clinic frontman [[Patrick Lachman]] during the No Fear Tour.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=67450 |title=Ex-DAMAGEPLAN Singer To Play Guitar For KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – Feb. 20, 2007 |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=February 20, 2007 |accessdate=December 30, 2009}}</ref> Dutkiewicz recovered and was able to finish the No Fear tour, and the band began filming its video for ''As Daylight Dies''{{'}}s second single, "[[The Arms of Sorrow (song)|The Arms of Sorrow]]". On August 6, 2007, Dutkiewicz was forced to leave the Warped Tour so he could fully recover from his back surgery and continue daily physical therapy. He was replaced by Killswitch's [[guitar technician]] Josh Mihlek for select songs, until his return on August 14, 2007.<ref name="Video Interview">{{cite web
Due to Dutkiewicz's back problems in early 2007, he was replaced by [[Damageplan]] and The Mercy Clinic frontman [[Patrick Lachman]] during the No Fear Tour.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=67450 |title=Ex-DAMAGEPLAN Singer To Play Guitar For KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – Feb. 20, 2007 |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=February 20, 2007 |accessdate=December 30, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827125920/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=67450 |archivedate=August 27, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Dutkiewicz recovered and was able to finish the No Fear tour, and the band began filming its video for ''As Daylight Dies''{{'}}s second single, "[[The Arms of Sorrow (song)|The Arms of Sorrow]]". On August 6, 2007, Dutkiewicz was forced to leave the Warped Tour so he could fully recover from his back surgery and continue daily physical therapy. He was replaced by Killswitch's [[guitar technician]] Josh Mihlek for select songs, until his return on August 14, 2007.<ref name="Video Interview">{{cite web
|title=Video Interview
|title=Video Interview
|publisher=RoadrunnerRecords.co.uk
|publisher=RoadrunnerRecords.co.uk
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===Second self-titled album (2007–2011)===
===Second self-titled album (2007–2011)===
Killswitch Engage entered the studio in October 2008 to start recording their next album with Dutkiewicz and [[Brendan O'Brien (music producer)|Brendan O'Brien]] co-producing the album.<ref name="BrendanOBrien">{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/KILLSWITCH-ENGAGE-ANNOUNCE-NEW-ALBUM-IN-WORKS-19684.aspx |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM IN WORKS! |date=December 4, 2009 |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |accessdate=December 30, 2009}}</ref> In mid-February, bassist Mike D'Antonio confirmed in an interview with Metal Hammer that "drums were finished", and that he had "finished up the last few bass fixes". He also stated that Howard [Jones] was in Atlanta finishing vocals, and that "it shouldn't be too much longer now."<ref name="Killswitch Engage Offer Studio Update & photos">{{cite web |title=roadrunnerrecords.com: Killswitch Engage Offer Studio Update – Feb. 19, 2009 |publisher= [[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=February 17, 2009 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/KILLSWITCH-ENGAGE-IN-STUDIO-UPDATE--PHOTOS-19845.aspx |accessdate=March 3, 2009}}</ref> From March to May, Killswitch Engage was a part of [[Disturbed (band)|Disturbed]]'s Music as a Weapon IV festival along with [[Lacuna Coil]], [[Chimaira]], [[Suicide Silence]], [[Bury Your Dead]] and more. On April 14, the band announced the name of their album as ''[[Killswitch Engage (2009 album)|Killswitch Engage]]'', the second time the band has self-titled an album. The album was released on June 30, 2009,<ref name="Killswitch Engage New Album Press Release">{{cite web |title=roadrunnerrecords.com: Killswitch Engage Announce New Album |publisher= [[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=April 14, 2009 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/KILLSWITCH-ENGAGE-ANNOUNCE-NEW-ALBUM-20143.aspx |accessdate=April 14, 2009}}</ref> debuting at No.&nbsp;7 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's highest chart position for an album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=124254 |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: New Video Interview With JOEL STROETZEL Available |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=July 26, 2009 |accessdate=December 30, 2009}}</ref> In July and August, Killswitch Engage took part in Mayhem Festival with headliners [[Marilyn Manson]], [[Slayer]], [[Bullet for My Valentine]] and others. In February 2010, Killswitch Engage announced that vocalist Howard Jones would not be performing with Killswitch Engage during their winter tour with [[The Devil Wears Prada (band)|The Devil Wears Prada]] and [[Dark Tranquillity]]; during the time, All That Remains vocalist Philip Labonte was substituting for Jones until he could return.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=134834 |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Frontman Forced To Leave Tour; ALL THAT REMAINS Singer To Fill In |date=February 9, 2010 |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |accessdate=February 10, 2010}}</ref> At least one source speculated that Jones' hiatus was due to [[back pain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noisecreep.com/2010/02/10/howard-jones-leaves-killswitch-engage-tour-phil-labonte-takes-o/ |title=Howard Jones Leaves Killswitch Engage Tour, Phil Labonte Takes Over |publisher=[[Noisecreep]] |date=February 10, 2010 |accessdate=February 14, 2010}}</ref> On March 18, 2010, original vocalist [[Jesse Leach]] returned to the band for a series of songs. From then on, Leach and Labonte performed as substitute vocalists for the remainder of the tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antimusic.com/news/10/march/re19Killswitch_Engage_Reunite_With_Original_Frontman_Jesse_Leach.shtml|title=Killswitch Engage With Original Frontman Jesse Leach}}</ref>
Killswitch Engage entered the studio in October 2008 to start recording their next album with Dutkiewicz and [[Brendan O'Brien (music producer)|Brendan O'Brien]] co-producing the album.<ref name="BrendanOBrien">{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/KILLSWITCH-ENGAGE-ANNOUNCE-NEW-ALBUM-IN-WORKS-19684.aspx |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM IN WORKS! |date=December 4, 2009 |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |accessdate=December 30, 2009}}</ref> In mid-February, bassist Mike D'Antonio confirmed in an interview with Metal Hammer that "drums were finished", and that he had "finished up the last few bass fixes". He also stated that Howard [Jones] was in Atlanta finishing vocals, and that "it shouldn't be too much longer now."<ref name="Killswitch Engage Offer Studio Update & photos">{{cite web |title=roadrunnerrecords.com: Killswitch Engage Offer Studio Update – Feb. 19, 2009 |publisher= [[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=February 17, 2009 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/KILLSWITCH-ENGAGE-IN-STUDIO-UPDATE--PHOTOS-19845.aspx |accessdate=March 3, 2009}}</ref> From March to May, Killswitch Engage was a part of [[Disturbed (band)|Disturbed]]'s Music as a Weapon IV festival along with [[Lacuna Coil]], [[Chimaira]], [[Suicide Silence]], [[Bury Your Dead]] and more. On April 14, the band announced the name of their album as ''[[Killswitch Engage (2009 album)|Killswitch Engage]]'', the second time the band has self-titled an album. The album was released on June 30, 2009,<ref name="Killswitch Engage New Album Press Release">{{cite web |title=roadrunnerrecords.com: Killswitch Engage Announce New Album |publisher= [[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=April 14, 2009 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/KILLSWITCH-ENGAGE-ANNOUNCE-NEW-ALBUM-20143.aspx |accessdate=April 14, 2009}}</ref> debuting at No.&nbsp;7 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's highest chart position for an album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=124254 |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: New Video Interview With JOEL STROETZEL Available |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=July 26, 2009 |accessdate=December 30, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728233821/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=124254 |archivedate=July 28, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In July and August, Killswitch Engage took part in Mayhem Festival with headliners [[Marilyn Manson]], [[Slayer]], [[Bullet for My Valentine]] and others. In February 2010, Killswitch Engage announced that vocalist Howard Jones would not be performing with Killswitch Engage during their winter tour with [[The Devil Wears Prada (band)|The Devil Wears Prada]] and [[Dark Tranquillity]]; during the time, All That Remains vocalist Philip Labonte was substituting for Jones until he could return.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=134834 |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Frontman Forced To Leave Tour; ALL THAT REMAINS Singer To Fill In |date=February 9, 2010 |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |accessdate=February 10, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213160835/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=134834 |archivedate=February 13, 2010 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> At least one source speculated that Jones' hiatus was due to [[back pain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noisecreep.com/2010/02/10/howard-jones-leaves-killswitch-engage-tour-phil-labonte-takes-o/ |title=Howard Jones Leaves Killswitch Engage Tour, Phil Labonte Takes Over |publisher=[[Noisecreep]] |date=February 10, 2010 |accessdate=February 14, 2010}}</ref> On March 18, 2010, original vocalist [[Jesse Leach]] returned to the band for a series of songs. From then on, Leach and Labonte performed as substitute vocalists for the remainder of the tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antimusic.com/news/10/march/re19Killswitch_Engage_Reunite_With_Original_Frontman_Jesse_Leach.shtml|title=Killswitch Engage With Original Frontman Jesse Leach}}</ref>


In 2010, the band contributed the track "My Obsession" to the ''[[God of War: Blood & Metal]]'' soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/God-Of-War-Blood--Metal-Tracklisting-Revealed-20950.aspx |title=The Official Website For |publisher=Roadrunner Records |date= |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref> The band was later added as late replacement to 2010's [[Download Festival]] in June, after original sub-headliner, [[Wolfmother]] could not attend as scheduled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/news/article.aspx?aid=daefbe87-e16a-404a-bb3d-880f742fd51d |title=News &#124; Download Festival 2016 |website=Downloadfestival.co.uk |date= |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref> Afterward, Killswitch Engage took a break from the road, and its members pursued other interests. Adam Dutkiewicz formed the band [[Times of Grace]] with Leach and released the debut album "[[The Hymn of a Broken Man]]" on January 18, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2010/08/killswitch_engage_guitarist_te.html |accessdate=February 7, 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517073233/http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2010/08/killswitch_engage_guitarist_te.html |archivedate=May 17, 2013 }}</ref> Along with Dutkiewicz and Leach, Times of Grace added Joel Stroetzel to their tour lineup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152767 |title=Times Of Grace Announces Touring Lineup - Blabbermouth.net |website=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date=January 25, 2011 |accessdate=March 13, 2016 }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Justin Foley provided the drum tracking for the band [[Unearth]] on their album "Darkness in the Light", released on July 5, 2011. Foley also traveled with the band for their 2011 summer tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/killswitch-engage/57324 |title=Killswitch Engage drummer Justin Foley joins Unearth for UK tour |website=Nme.com |date=June 15, 2011 |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref> D'Antonio started the hardcore band Death Ray Vision, with [[Shadows Fall]] vocalist [[Brian Fair]] and former Killswitch Engage guitarist Pete Cortese.
In 2010, the band contributed the track "My Obsession" to the ''[[God of War: Blood & Metal]]'' soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/God-Of-War-Blood--Metal-Tracklisting-Revealed-20950.aspx |title=The Official Website For |publisher=Roadrunner Records |date= |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref> The band was later added as late replacement to 2010's [[Download Festival]] in June, after original sub-headliner, [[Wolfmother]] could not attend as scheduled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/news/article.aspx?aid=daefbe87-e16a-404a-bb3d-880f742fd51d |title=News &#124; Download Festival 2016 |website=Downloadfestival.co.uk |date= |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref> Afterward, Killswitch Engage took a break from the road, and its members pursued other interests. Adam Dutkiewicz formed the band [[Times of Grace]] with Leach and released the debut album "[[The Hymn of a Broken Man]]" on January 18, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2010/08/killswitch_engage_guitarist_te.html |accessdate=February 7, 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517073233/http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2010/08/killswitch_engage_guitarist_te.html |archivedate=May 17, 2013 }}</ref> Along with Dutkiewicz and Leach, Times of Grace added Joel Stroetzel to their tour lineup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152767 |title=Times Of Grace Announces Touring Lineup - Blabbermouth.net |website=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date=January 25, 2011 |accessdate=March 13, 2016 }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Justin Foley provided the drum tracking for the band [[Unearth]] on their album "Darkness in the Light", released on July 5, 2011. Foley also traveled with the band for their 2011 summer tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/killswitch-engage/57324 |title=Killswitch Engage drummer Justin Foley joins Unearth for UK tour |website=Nme.com |date=June 15, 2011 |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref> D'Antonio started the hardcore band Death Ray Vision, with [[Shadows Fall]] vocalist [[Brian Fair]] and former Killswitch Engage guitarist Pete Cortese.


===Jones' departure and ''Disarm the Descent'' (2011–2015)===
===Jones' departure and ''Disarm the Descent'' (2011–2015)===
In an interview with FTC, Gun Shy Assassin, Mike D'Antonio had stated that the band was currently in the works for a sixth studio album. D'Antonio stated, "Currently, everyone is individually writing demos for the next Killswitch Engage record. There is no release date yet, but I would assume it will be out early 2012."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gunshyassassin.com/news/killswitch-engages-writing-material-for-new-album/ |title=Killswitch Engage Writing Material For New Album - Blorge |website=Gunshyassassin.com |date=June 29, 2011 |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref> Adam Dutkiewicz followed that up with a statement on the Killswitch Engage Facebook, saying "YO! Its Adam D! We're about to begin writing our new record. Thanks to all of our fans for waiting so friggin' patiently...now let's turn on the "riff faucet" and RAGE!" <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/killswitchengage/posts/10150274799956581 |title=YO! Its Adam D! We're about to begin... - Killswitch Engage |publisher=Facebook |date=August 26, 2011 |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref> On December 1, 2011, Mike D'Antonio posted online that Killswitch Engage should be entering the studio around February/March 2012 to record their sixth album expected around summer 2012. He also stated that the band had eight demos finished for the new record.<ref name="blabbermouth.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=166729 |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Bassist: 'We Have Eight Demos Finished For The New Record' However the departure of Howard Jones might have delayed any news for the upcoming album. |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date= |accessdate=December 1, 2011}}</ref>
In an interview with FTC, Gun Shy Assassin, Mike D'Antonio had stated that the band was currently in the works for a sixth studio album. D'Antonio stated, "Currently, everyone is individually writing demos for the next Killswitch Engage record. There is no release date yet, but I would assume it will be out early 2012."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gunshyassassin.com/news/killswitch-engages-writing-material-for-new-album/ |title=Killswitch Engage Writing Material For New Album - Blorge |website=Gunshyassassin.com |date=June 29, 2011 |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref> Adam Dutkiewicz followed that up with a statement on the Killswitch Engage Facebook, saying "YO! Its Adam D! We're about to begin writing our new record. Thanks to all of our fans for waiting so friggin' patiently...now let's turn on the "riff faucet" and RAGE!" <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/killswitchengage/posts/10150274799956581 |title=YO! Its Adam D! We're about to begin... - Killswitch Engage |publisher=Facebook |date=August 26, 2011 |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref> On December 1, 2011, Mike D'Antonio posted online that Killswitch Engage should be entering the studio around February/March 2012 to record their sixth album expected around summer 2012. He also stated that the band had eight demos finished for the new record.<ref name="blabbermouth.net">{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=166729 |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Bassist: 'We Have Eight Demos Finished For The New Record' However the departure of Howard Jones might have delayed any news for the upcoming album. |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date= |accessdate=December 1, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223060009/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=166729 |archivedate=December 23, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>


On January 4, 2012, the band announced via the band's official website, along with their other official sources, that Howard Jones had left the band after his nine-year membership with them.<ref name="jonesleaves"/> In the statement, the band did not disclose the reason for this decision out of respect for Jones, but simply thanked him for his nine years with the band and wished him well, as well as thanking the fans for their support as they began the search for a new lead singer;<ref name=jonesleaves>{{cite web|title=Howard Jones Leaves Killswitch Engage|url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/top-posts/howard-jones-leaves-killswitch-engage/|publisher=[[Metal Hammer]]|date=January 4, 2012|accessdate=January 5, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108163920/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/top-posts/howard-jones-leaves-killswitch-engage|archivedate=January 8, 2012}}</ref><ref>https://www.facebook.com/killswitchengage/posts/10150457939016581</ref> Jones later explained he departed the band to manage his [[type 2 diabetes]] which was worsened by a hectic touring lifestyle.<ref>{{cite web|title = Howard Jones Explains Killswitch Engage Departure |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/howard_jones_explains_killswitch_engage_departure.html?no_takeover|publisher=ultimate-guitar.com |date= |accessdate=2012-09-26}}</ref> Soon after the announcement of Jones's departure, rumors began that Phil Labonte of [[All That Remains (band)|All That Remains]] would officially take over lead vocals due to his previous history with the band, although Labonte quickly dispelled the rumor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=167917 |title=Blabbermouth.Net - All That Remains Singer Will Not Be Joining Killswitch Engage |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date= |accessdate=April 13, 2012}}</ref> Many vocalists were considered in the search for a new one for the band. The band's search for a new singer concluded in February with the announcement that original lead vocalist Jesse Leach would return to the band, as the band felt that Leach's energy, as well as his overall comfort and command of both the old and new material, made him the clear choice during auditions.<ref name=facebook>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/killswitchengage/posts/10150528798241581|publisher=facebook.com |last = Killswitch Engage|accessdate=February 8, 2012 |date=February 8, 2012 |title= Killswitch Engage Announce New Singer: Jesse Leach}}</ref> Following Leach's return, the band continued to the process of recording their new album and touring. On April 22, 2012, the band performed Leach's first show since 2002 at the New England Metal and Hardcore Fest.
On January 4, 2012, the band announced via the band's official website, along with their other official sources, that Howard Jones had left the band after his nine-year membership with them.<ref name="jonesleaves"/> In the statement, the band did not disclose the reason for this decision out of respect for Jones, but simply thanked him for his nine years with the band and wished him well, as well as thanking the fans for their support as they began the search for a new lead singer;<ref name=jonesleaves>{{cite web|title=Howard Jones Leaves Killswitch Engage|url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/top-posts/howard-jones-leaves-killswitch-engage/|publisher=[[Metal Hammer]]|date=January 4, 2012|accessdate=January 5, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108163920/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/top-posts/howard-jones-leaves-killswitch-engage|archivedate=January 8, 2012}}</ref><ref>https://www.facebook.com/killswitchengage/posts/10150457939016581</ref> Jones later explained he departed the band to manage his [[type 2 diabetes]] which was worsened by a hectic touring lifestyle.<ref>{{cite web|title = Howard Jones Explains Killswitch Engage Departure |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/howard_jones_explains_killswitch_engage_departure.html?no_takeover|publisher=ultimate-guitar.com |date= |accessdate=2012-09-26}}</ref> Soon after the announcement of Jones's departure, rumors began that Phil Labonte of [[All That Remains (band)|All That Remains]] would officially take over lead vocals due to his previous history with the band, although Labonte quickly dispelled the rumor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=167917 |title=Blabbermouth.Net - All That Remains Singer Will Not Be Joining Killswitch Engage |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date= |accessdate=April 13, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109001514/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=167917 |archivedate=January 9, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Many vocalists were considered in the search for a new one for the band. The band's search for a new singer concluded in February with the announcement that original lead vocalist Jesse Leach would return to the band, as the band felt that Leach's energy, as well as his overall comfort and command of both the old and new material, made him the clear choice during auditions.<ref name=facebook>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/killswitchengage/posts/10150528798241581|publisher=facebook.com |last = Killswitch Engage|accessdate=February 8, 2012 |date=February 8, 2012 |title= Killswitch Engage Announce New Singer: Jesse Leach}}</ref> Following Leach's return, the band continued to the process of recording their new album and touring. On April 22, 2012, the band performed Leach's first show since 2002 at the New England Metal and Hardcore Fest.


On June 20, 2012, the demo version of a new song titled "This Is Confrontation" was leaked on [[YouTube]]. Not long after the song was leaked, the videos were soon deleted. Later, the band took part in [[Metal Hammer]]'s "[[Trespass America Festival]]" headlined by [[Five Finger Death Punch]] with additional support from [[God Forbid]], [[Emmure]], [[Pop Evil]], [[Trivium (band)|Trivium]] and [[Battlecross]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Long |last=Paul |date=April 24, 2012 |url=http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=8692 |title=Trespass America Touring Fest Breaks Out: FFDP, Killswitch, Trivium, God Forbid, Hit the Road |work=KNAC |accessdate=May 31, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020223732/http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=8692 |archivedate=October 20, 2012 |df= }}</ref> The band performed this song live, confirming the song's title "No End in Sight". Not long after the album was confirmed, the song was streamed publicly again. In October 2012, with Jesse back at the helm, Killswitch Engage announced they would be celebrating the ten year anniversary of their seminal album, "[[Alive or Just Breathing]]" with a US Tour through November/December 2012, in which they would be playing the album live, in its entirety. Support on the tour came from fellow Massachusetts natives [[Shadows Fall]] and Acaro.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/tour-dates/killswitch-engage-tour-alive-or-just-breathing |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Tour with Shadows Fall, To Play Alive Or Just Breathing in Full |website=Metalinjection.net |date=October 1, 2012 |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref>
On June 20, 2012, the demo version of a new song titled "This Is Confrontation" was leaked on [[YouTube]]. Not long after the song was leaked, the videos were soon deleted. Later, the band took part in [[Metal Hammer]]'s "[[Trespass America Festival]]" headlined by [[Five Finger Death Punch]] with additional support from [[God Forbid]], [[Emmure]], [[Pop Evil]], [[Trivium (band)|Trivium]] and [[Battlecross]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Long |last=Paul |date=April 24, 2012 |url=http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=8692 |title=Trespass America Touring Fest Breaks Out: FFDP, Killswitch, Trivium, God Forbid, Hit the Road |work=KNAC |accessdate=May 31, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020223732/http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=8692 |archivedate=October 20, 2012 |df= }}</ref> The band performed this song live, confirming the song's title "No End in Sight". Not long after the album was confirmed, the song was streamed publicly again. In October 2012, with Jesse back at the helm, Killswitch Engage announced they would be celebrating the ten year anniversary of their seminal album, "[[Alive or Just Breathing]]" with a US Tour through November/December 2012, in which they would be playing the album live, in its entirety. Support on the tour came from fellow Massachusetts natives [[Shadows Fall]] and Acaro.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/tour-dates/killswitch-engage-tour-alive-or-just-breathing |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Tour with Shadows Fall, To Play Alive Or Just Breathing in Full |website=Metalinjection.net |date=October 1, 2012 |accessdate=March 13, 2016}}</ref>

Revision as of 07:35, 3 September 2017

Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage performing in 2014
Killswitch Engage performing in 2014
Background information
OriginWestfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
GenresMetalcore[1]
Years active1999–present
LabelsRoadrunner, Ferret
MembersMike D'Antonio
Adam Dutkiewicz
Joel Stroetzel
Justin Foley
Jesse Leach
Past membersHoward Jones
Tom Gomes
Pete Cortese
Websitewww.killswitchengage.com

Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbanding of Overcast and Aftershock. Killswitch Engage's current lineup consists of vocalist Jesse Leach, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, bassist Mike D'Antonio, and drummer Justin Foley. The band has released seven studio albums and one DVD. Their latest album, Incarnate, was released on March 11, 2016.[3]

Killswitch Engage rose to fame with its 2004 release The End of Heartache, which peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200, and was certified gold by the RIAA in December 2007 for over 500,000 shipments in the United States. The title track, "The End of Heartache", was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2005 for Best Metal Performance, and a live DVD titled (Set This) World Ablaze was released in 2005. Killswitch Engage has performed at festivals such as Soundwave Festival, Wacken Open Air, Reading and Leeds Festivals, Ozzfest, Download Festival, Rock on the Range, Rock Am Ring, Mayhem Festival, Monsters of Rock, Pointfest, Knotfest and Heavy MTL. The band has sold over four million records in the U.S. and has been considered notable within the New Wave of American Heavy Metal.[4]

History

Early years and debut album (1999–2001)

Killswitch Engage formed following the disbandment of metalcore bands Overcast and Aftershock in 1999.[5] After Overcast broke up in 1998, bassist Mike D'Antonio jammed with Aftershock guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz. Dutkiewicz, now playing drums, recruited guitarist Joel Stroetzel from Aftershock and vocalist Jesse Leach of the band Nothing Stays Gold (who were signed to a record label owned by Dutkiewicz's brother Tobias, who was also the vocalist in Aftershock) to form a new band, Killswitch Engage.[5] The band's name is derived from an episode of the television series The X-Files entitled "Kill Switch", written by William Gibson, who gave the episode this title after meeting the industrial band Kill Switch...Klick.[6]

In 1999, Killswitch Engage recorded a demo containing four tracks, including "Soilborn", the first song written by the band.[7] The demo was first released at the band's first show, opening for melodic death metal act In Flames, in November 1999.[5][7] They released their self-titled debut album the following year. Although initially the album was not a financial success and did not land on any charts, it attracted the interest of Carl Severson, who worked at Roadrunner Records at the time. Severson handed Killswitch Engage to several Roadrunner representatives. Mike Gitter, a talent agent of the company, contacted D'Antonio, attended several of the band's shows, and offered the band a recording contract with Roadrunner. Realizing that Roadrunner had the resources to promote and distribute Killswitch Engage releases, the band accepted his offer, declining several offers from smaller labels.[8]

Alive or Just Breathing (2001–2004)

For a brief time in 2000 and 2001, ex-Overcast guitarist Pete Cortese joined Killswitch Engage, but left when he became a father.[8] Killswitch Engage began writing new material for their second album in November 2001. Mixed in January at Backstage Studios by producer Andy Sneap,[9] the album was titled Alive or Just Breathing, after lyrics in the song "Just Barely Breathing". A music video for the single "My Last Serenade" increased the band's exposure, and the album peaked at number 37 on the Top Heatseekers chart.[10]

Following Alive or Just Breathing's release, the album having been written and recorded for two guitarists, the band decided to expand and become a fivesome; Dutkiewicz moved to guitar and former Aftershock drummer Tom Gomes filled in the vacant drummer position. After Leach was married on April 20, 2002 and began touring again he fell into a depression. Leach left the band a few days before the band was meant to play a show and sent the band members an e-mail telling them he had quit. D'Antonio said in an interview that "after three years of hanging out with the dude, and considering him a brother, to just get an email was a little bit harsh."[11]

The band immediately started to search for a replacement vocalist and found Howard Jones of Blood Has Been Shed. Jones disliked the band's sound when he first heard it. He commented, "I was like, 'Meh.' I come from hardcore and dirtier metal, and Killswitch sounded so clean. But the more I listened to it, I realized there's some really good songs here".[12] After hearing about Leach's vocal problems, Jones contacted the band and was accepted as the replacement. Philip Labonte of All That Remains tried out for lead vocals but lost to Jones, who had to quickly memorize seven songs for his debut at the 2002 Hellfest.[12]

The new lineup played on the Road Rage tour in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in 2002 with 36 Crazyfists and Five Pointe O. Touring continued through the New Year's Day, and in 2003 the first song to feature Jones, "When Darkness Falls", appeared on the soundtrack of the 2003 horror film Freddy vs. Jason.[13] Following the 2003 Ozzfest, drummer Gomes left the band because he wished to spend more time with his wife, to pursue his band Something of a Silhouette, and because he was tired of touring.[14] He was replaced by Justin Foley of Blood Has Been Shed, and Foley's first tour with the band was the MTV2 Headbangers Ball in 2003.[15][16]

The End of Heartache (2004–2006)

The End of Heartache was released on May 11, 2004, and peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200 with 38,000 sales in its first week,[17] and it also peaked at number 39 on the Australian Albums Chart.[18] The album went on to sell more than 500,000 copies in the U.S and was certified gold on December 7, 2007.[19] The album received mostly positive reviews, with Jon Caramanica of Rolling Stone calling the album a "stunning collection, retaining much of their signature musical brutality".[20] Eduardo Rivadavia of AllMusic commented "riffs upon riffs are piled sky-high into each number that follows, it's the unpredictable rhythmic shifts used to build and then relieve internal pressure that fuel the Killswitch Engage power source".[21]

"The End of Heartache" became the main single for the movie Resident Evil: Apocalypse, and in 2005 the song was nominated for Best Metal Performance for the 47th Grammy Awards. In late 2004, The End of Heartache was re-released as a special edition album, with a second disc featuring various live performances, a Japanese bonus track, and a re-recorded version of "Irreversal". During the summer of 2005, the band returned for Ozzfest, and on November 1, 2005, Alive or Just Breathing was re-released as part of Roadrunner Records' 25th anniversary. On November 22, 2005, the live DVD (Set This) World Ablaze was released, which contained a live concert at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts, an hour-long documentary, and all the band's music videos. The DVD was certified gold in the US on April 8, 2006.[19]

As Daylight Dies (2006–2007)

Killswitch Engage played the Reading and Leeds Festivals in August 2006, having already played Australian dates without Dutkiewicz, who was suffering from back problems and needed corrective surgery. On May 23, 2006, the song "This Fire Burns" was released on the WWE Wreckless Intent album.[22] The track was intended to be the new theme song for WWE wrestler Randy Orton; however, it was scrapped and later became the theme song for the WWE Judgment Day 2006 pay-per-view. "This Fire Burns" was used as the entrance theme for WWE wrestler CM Punk (along with his stables the Straight Edge Society and The New Nexus) from 2006 until 2011 and was later re-released as "This Fire" on the As Daylight Dies Special Edition.[23]

Recorded in three months, As Daylight Dies was released on November 21, 2006 and peaked at number 32 on the Billboard 200 chart with 60,000 sales in its first week. "As Daylight Dies" proved to be one of their biggest albums yet.[24] It also entered the Australian Albums Chart at number 29.[18] Mixed by Dutkiewicz, the album received mostly positive reviews—Thom Jurek of Allmusic called it "a Top Five metal candidate for 2006 for sure".[25] Decibel Magazine contributor Nick Terry said "To call As Daylight Dies addictive would be an understatement. That it outdoes its already impressive enough predecessor could almost go without saying".[26] Cosmo Lee of Stylus Magazine commented "the album is astonishingly badly sequenced", though he praised the album as being "less emotionally heavy-handed, and a lot more fun".[27] As of November 27, 2007, As Daylight Dies has sold more than 500,000 units in the US.[28]

The album's first single, "My Curse", peaked at number 21 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and is featured in the video games Sleeping Dogs, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Burnout Dominator and Burnout Paradise and is available as downloadable content for the Rock Band series. "The Arms of Sorrow" peaked at number 31 on the same chart. The band's cover of Dio's "Holy Diver", originally recorded for a Kerrang! compilation album titled High Voltage,[29] peaked at number 12 on the Mainstream Rock charts.[30] Early in 2007, the band had to cancel three of its European tour dates with The Haunted due to Dutkiewicz's back problems. He required emergency back surgery and was replaced on the tour by Soilwork guitarist Peter Wichers.[31]

Due to Dutkiewicz's back problems in early 2007, he was replaced by Damageplan and The Mercy Clinic frontman Patrick Lachman during the No Fear Tour.[32] Dutkiewicz recovered and was able to finish the No Fear tour, and the band began filming its video for As Daylight Dies's second single, "The Arms of Sorrow". On August 6, 2007, Dutkiewicz was forced to leave the Warped Tour so he could fully recover from his back surgery and continue daily physical therapy. He was replaced by Killswitch's guitar technician Josh Mihlek for select songs, until his return on August 14, 2007.[33]

Second self-titled album (2007–2011)

Killswitch Engage entered the studio in October 2008 to start recording their next album with Dutkiewicz and Brendan O'Brien co-producing the album.[34] In mid-February, bassist Mike D'Antonio confirmed in an interview with Metal Hammer that "drums were finished", and that he had "finished up the last few bass fixes". He also stated that Howard [Jones] was in Atlanta finishing vocals, and that "it shouldn't be too much longer now."[35] From March to May, Killswitch Engage was a part of Disturbed's Music as a Weapon IV festival along with Lacuna Coil, Chimaira, Suicide Silence, Bury Your Dead and more. On April 14, the band announced the name of their album as Killswitch Engage, the second time the band has self-titled an album. The album was released on June 30, 2009,[36] debuting at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's highest chart position for an album.[37] In July and August, Killswitch Engage took part in Mayhem Festival with headliners Marilyn Manson, Slayer, Bullet for My Valentine and others. In February 2010, Killswitch Engage announced that vocalist Howard Jones would not be performing with Killswitch Engage during their winter tour with The Devil Wears Prada and Dark Tranquillity; during the time, All That Remains vocalist Philip Labonte was substituting for Jones until he could return.[38] At least one source speculated that Jones' hiatus was due to back pain.[39] On March 18, 2010, original vocalist Jesse Leach returned to the band for a series of songs. From then on, Leach and Labonte performed as substitute vocalists for the remainder of the tour.[40]

In 2010, the band contributed the track "My Obsession" to the God of War: Blood & Metal soundtrack.[41] The band was later added as late replacement to 2010's Download Festival in June, after original sub-headliner, Wolfmother could not attend as scheduled.[42] Afterward, Killswitch Engage took a break from the road, and its members pursued other interests. Adam Dutkiewicz formed the band Times of Grace with Leach and released the debut album "The Hymn of a Broken Man" on January 18, 2011.[43] Along with Dutkiewicz and Leach, Times of Grace added Joel Stroetzel to their tour lineup.[44] Justin Foley provided the drum tracking for the band Unearth on their album "Darkness in the Light", released on July 5, 2011. Foley also traveled with the band for their 2011 summer tour.[45] D'Antonio started the hardcore band Death Ray Vision, with Shadows Fall vocalist Brian Fair and former Killswitch Engage guitarist Pete Cortese.

Jones' departure and Disarm the Descent (2011–2015)

In an interview with FTC, Gun Shy Assassin, Mike D'Antonio had stated that the band was currently in the works for a sixth studio album. D'Antonio stated, "Currently, everyone is individually writing demos for the next Killswitch Engage record. There is no release date yet, but I would assume it will be out early 2012."[46] Adam Dutkiewicz followed that up with a statement on the Killswitch Engage Facebook, saying "YO! Its Adam D! We're about to begin writing our new record. Thanks to all of our fans for waiting so friggin' patiently...now let's turn on the "riff faucet" and RAGE!" [47] On December 1, 2011, Mike D'Antonio posted online that Killswitch Engage should be entering the studio around February/March 2012 to record their sixth album expected around summer 2012. He also stated that the band had eight demos finished for the new record.[48]

On January 4, 2012, the band announced via the band's official website, along with their other official sources, that Howard Jones had left the band after his nine-year membership with them.[49] In the statement, the band did not disclose the reason for this decision out of respect for Jones, but simply thanked him for his nine years with the band and wished him well, as well as thanking the fans for their support as they began the search for a new lead singer;[49][50] Jones later explained he departed the band to manage his type 2 diabetes which was worsened by a hectic touring lifestyle.[51] Soon after the announcement of Jones's departure, rumors began that Phil Labonte of All That Remains would officially take over lead vocals due to his previous history with the band, although Labonte quickly dispelled the rumor.[52] Many vocalists were considered in the search for a new one for the band. The band's search for a new singer concluded in February with the announcement that original lead vocalist Jesse Leach would return to the band, as the band felt that Leach's energy, as well as his overall comfort and command of both the old and new material, made him the clear choice during auditions.[53] Following Leach's return, the band continued to the process of recording their new album and touring. On April 22, 2012, the band performed Leach's first show since 2002 at the New England Metal and Hardcore Fest.

On June 20, 2012, the demo version of a new song titled "This Is Confrontation" was leaked on YouTube. Not long after the song was leaked, the videos were soon deleted. Later, the band took part in Metal Hammer's "Trespass America Festival" headlined by Five Finger Death Punch with additional support from God Forbid, Emmure, Pop Evil, Trivium and Battlecross.[54] The band performed this song live, confirming the song's title "No End in Sight". Not long after the album was confirmed, the song was streamed publicly again. In October 2012, with Jesse back at the helm, Killswitch Engage announced they would be celebrating the ten year anniversary of their seminal album, "Alive or Just Breathing" with a US Tour through November/December 2012, in which they would be playing the album live, in its entirety. Support on the tour came from fellow Massachusetts natives Shadows Fall and Acaro.[55]

The album Disarm the Descent was released April 1, 2013 in the UK. The album debuted at #15 in the UK charts while debuting at #7 in the Billboard top 200[56] April 2 in the US. The first single "In Due Time" was released on February 5, 2013.[57] The album has received critical acclaim from reviewers, and has been labeled as a "true standout" and "nothing short of amazing". It was announced in December 2013 that "In Due Time" was nominated for "Best Metal Performance" at the 2014 Grammy Awards,[58] but lost to "God Is Dead?" by Black Sabbath.[59] A tour in May 2013 was done to promote the new album. With Miss May I, Darkest Hour, The Word Alive and Affiance as support. As I Lay Dying was originally supposed to be on the tour but dropped due to criminal charges from frontman Tim Lambesis. The band also did a co-headliner with fellow Heavy Metal act Lamb of God in the October 2013 with Testament and Huntress as support for both bands. The band did a small headliner on the east coast for Halloween 2014. With All That Remains, Death Ray Vision and City of Homes supporting.

Incarnate (2015–2017)

Killswitch Engage performing in Budapest

In an interview with Wikimetal, Jesse Leach announced that the band will start demoing new material "in the coming months".[60]

On February 25, 2015 the band released a 40 second snippet of a new single titled "Loyalty". The track appears on the Catch The Throne: The Mixtape Volume 2 to promote the HBO TV series Game of Thrones. The mixtape also features appearances from various other metal and rap acts such as Anthrax and Snoop Dogg.[61]

On March 30, 2015, Mike D'Antonio stated that the band had completed demoing material for its next studio album.[62]

Killswitch Engage took part in a summer tour in July 2015, opening up for Rise Against with support from letlive.

On December 10, 2015 the band premiered a new song entitled "Strength of the Mind" on Revolver.[63]

The band also did a small Christmas 2015 tour on the East Coast with Unearth, Act of Defiance and 68.

On December 16, 2015 it was revealed that the band's upcoming seventh album, released on March 11, 2016, would be titled Incarnate. With a tour being set to take part in March of this year, Memphis May Fire and 36 Crazyfists will be the support.

On September 27, 2016 Leach revealed on his Instagram page that the band would be releasing a documentary compiled of live footage since 2012.[64]

Upcoming studio album (Present)

The band announced on their Instagram page that they were in the process of demoing material for their upcoming 8th studio album. This will mark the third studio album for Jesse Leach since his return in 2012. The new album is expected to be released sometime in 2018.

Musical style and lyrical themes

"My Last Serenade"
Sample of "My Last Serenade" from Alive or Just Breathing (2002). "My Last Serenade" includes screaming, growls and clean vocals and shows examples of their riffs and sounds from extreme metal and hardcore.
"My Curse"
Sample of "My Curse" from As Daylight Dies (2006). Songs by Killswitch Engage such as "My Curse" has sounds from hardcore such as breakdowns.
Problems playing these files? See media help.

Killswitch Engage primarily play heavy metal and metalcore,[65][66] combining sounds from extreme metal and hardcore.[15] Like some modern metalcore bands, Killswitch Engage vocally combine singing, screaming vocals, and growls in their music.[15]

Killswitch Engage's music mixes "crushing" riffs, double bass drum patterns, power chords, dual-guitar harmonies, often punctuated with pinch harmonic squeals in their music[67] and breakdowns that one can expect from the metalcore genre. Their music is influenced by Gothenburg metal scene, New York hardcore and thrash metal.

In 2009, MTV, while naming "The Greatest Metal Bands of All Time", said that Killswitch Engage have been "called one of the founders of metalcore".[68] Jason D. Taylor of Allmusic said Alive or Just Breathing is "a pure metal album that seemingly has ignored any fashionable trend and instead relies solely on skill and expertise to sculpt some of the meatiest heavy metal since the glory days of Metallica and Slayer."[69]

Both current vocalist Jesse Leach and former vocalist Howard Jones write lyrics that are considered positive.[8] Jesse Leach stated on (Set This) World Ablaze, that the lyrics contain "unity, positivity, [and] love."[8] On the lyrical themes of Killswitch Engage, Ultimate Guitar reviewer Amy Sciarretto notes:

Howard Jones has come into his own since 2004's The End of Heartache, and he continues to hit the notes, wax about relationships, faith-issues and other relatable issue (sic) on this second self-titled effort.[70]

On Killswitch Engage's 2009 self-titled album, Howard Jones states the change in lyrical themes:

I've got enough to draw on to write some stuff that can be dark. Maybe there's still a hint of positivity in it, but there are some songs on there that are not positive at all.[71]

Members

Timeline

Discography

Main article: Killswitch Engage discography

Accolades

Grammy Award

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2005 The End of Heartache Best Metal Performance Nominated
2014 In Due Time Best Metal Performance Nominated

Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2004 Killswitch Engage Best International Act Nominated
2004 The End of Heartache Best Album Won
2007 Killswitch Engage Best International Band Won
2014 Killswitch Engage Best Live Band Won

Boston Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 Killswitch Engage Outstanding Metal/Hardcore Band of the Year Won
2007 Killswitch Engage Act of the Year Won
2007 As Daylight Dies Album of the Year (Major) Nominated
2007 Howard Jones National Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated

Loudwire Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2013 Disarm the Descent Metal Album of the Year Nominated
2013 In Due Time Metal Song of the Year Nominated
2013 Killswitch Engage Metal Band of the Year Nominated

References

  1. ^ Hutcherson, Ben; Haenfler, Ross (2010). "Music Genre as a Gendered Process: Authenticity in Extreme Metal". In Norman K. Denzin; Christopher J. Schneider; Robert Owen Gardner; John Bryce Merrill; Dong Han (eds.). Studies in Symbolic Interaction. Emerald Group Publishing. pp. 103–104. ISBN 9780857243614.
  2. ^ "Killswitch Engaged – Related – Associated With". Allmusic.com. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  3. ^ "Killswitch Engage To Release 'Incarnate' Album". Blabbermouth.net. December 16, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
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