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Killswitch Engage
Four men are shown on stage, from left to right, one man plays bass guitar, while another man sings into a microphone, the man shown in the back plays on a large drum kit while the man on the far right plays guitar.
Killswitch Engage in 2007 (shown from left to right: Mike D'Antonio, Howard Jones, Justin Foley, Adam Dutkiewicz).
Background information
OriginWestfield, Massachusetts, USA
GenresMetalcore
Years active1999–present
LabelsRoadrunner, Ferret
MembersHoward Jones
Mike D'Antonio
Adam Dutkiewicz
Justin Foley
Joel Stroetzel
Past membersJesse Leach
Tom Gomes
Pete Cortese
Websitewww.killswitchengage.com

Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbandment of Overcast and Aftershock. Killswitch Engage's current lineup consists of vocalist Howard Jones, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, and drummer Justin Foley. The band has released five studio albums and one DVD.

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 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, and a live DVD titled (Set This) World Ablaze was released in 2005. Killswitch Engage has performed at festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Reading and Leeds Festivals, Ozzfest, Download Festival, Rock on the Range, Rock Am Ring, Mayhem Festival, Pointfest, and the Australian Soundwave Festival. The band has sold over one-million records in the United States alone and have been widely referred to as "one of the founders of metalcore."

History

Early years (1999–2000)

Killswitch Engage formed when the two metalcore bands, Overcast and Aftershock disbanded during the late 1990s.[1] Following the disbandment of Overcast in 1998, bassist Mike D'Antonio jammed with Aftershock guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz. Dutkiewicz 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 Dutkiewicz, who was also the vocalist in Aftershock), to form a new band, Killswitch Engage.[1] The band's name is derived from an episode of the television series The X-Files entitled "Kill Switch", written by William Gibson. Gibson named his episode after a chance meeting with industrial band Kill Switch...Klick.

In 1999, Killswitch Engage recorded a demo tape containing four tracks, including "Soilborn," Killswitch Engage's first song.[2] The demo tape was first released at the band's first show, opening for melodic death metal act In Flames, in November 1999.[1][2]

Debut album and Alive or Just Breathing (2000–2002)

They released their self-titled debut album in 2000. 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 Roadrunner had the resources to promote and distribute Killswitch Engage releases, the band accepted his offer, declining several offers from smaller labels.[3] For a brief time in 2000 and 2001, ex-Overcast guitarist Pete Cortese joined Killlswitch Engage, but left in 2001 when he became a father.[3] Killswitch Engage began writing new material for their second album in November 2001. Mixed in January at Backstage Studios by producer Andy Sneap,[4] the album was titled Alive or Just Breathing for 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.[5]

New lead singer and drummer (2002–2004)

A man, with a large tattoo on his right arm, sings into a microphone while looking at the audience.
Howard Jones is Killswitch Engage's second vocalist, who replaced Jesse Leach shortly after his departure in 2002.

Following Alive or Just Breathing's release, which was 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."[6]

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".[7] 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 current vocalist Howard Jones. Without listening to the entire self-titled album or Alive or Just Breathing, Jones had to memorize seven songs for his debut at the 2002 Hellfest.[7]

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.[8] 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.[9] 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.[10][11]

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,[12] and it also peaked at number 39 on the Australian album chart.[13] The album went on to sell more than 500,000 copies in the U.S and was certified gold on December 7, 2007.[14] 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".[15] Eduardo Rivadavia of Allmusic commented "riff 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".[16]

"The End of Heartache" became the main single for the movie Resident Evil: Apocalypse, and in 2005 the song was nominated in the Best Metal Performance in the 47th annual 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 U.S. on April 8, 2006.[14]

As Daylight Dies (2006–2008)

Five men play instruments onstage; one sings, one plays a drum set, one plays bass guitar, and two play electric guitar. An audience watches the band play.
Killswitch Engage at Rock im Park in 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.[17] The track was intended to be the new theme song for WWE superstar Randy Orton; however, it was scrapped and later became the theme song for the WWE Judgment Day 2006 pay-per-view. "This Fire Burns" is formerly used as the entrance theme for WWE Raw superstar, CM Punk from 2006 until 2011 and was later re-released as "This Fire" on the As Daylight Dies Special Edition.[18]

Recorded in three months, As Daylight Dies was released on November 21, 2006 and peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart with 60,000 sales in its first week. "As Daylight Dies" proved to be one of their biggest albums yet.[19] It also entered the Australia album chart at number 29.[13] Mixed by Dutkiewicz, the album received mostly positive reviews—Thom Jurek of Allmusic called it "a Top Five metal candidate for 2006 for sure".[20] 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".[21] Cosmo Lee of Stylus Magazine commented "the album is astonishingly badly sequenced", even though it praised the album as being "less emotionally heavy-handed, and a lot more fun".[22] As of November 27, 2007, As Daylight Dies has sold more than 500,000 units in the United States.[23]

The album's first single, "My Curse", peaked at number 21 on the Hot Mainstream Rock chart, and is featured in the video games Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Burnout Paradise and is available as downloadable content for Rock Band and Rock Band 2. "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,[24] peaked at number 12 on the Mainstream Rock charts.[25] 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.[26]

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.[27] 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.[28]

Self-titled fifth album (2008–2010)

Two men, wearing T-shits which resemble tuxedos, play guitar on a stage set. The man on the left wears a cape and a bandana.
Guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz (left) is well known for his unique stage attire.[29]

Killswitch Engage entered the studio in October 2008 to start recording their next album with Dutkiewicz and Brendan O'Brien co-producing the album.[30] 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] is in Atlanta finishing vocals, and that "it shouldn’t be too much longer now.”[31] 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 the name of their album. The album was released on June 30, 2009,[32] debuting at #7 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's highest chart position for an album.[33] 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.[34] At least one source speculates that Jones' departure was due to back pain.[35] 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.[36]

In 2010, they contributed the track "My Obsession" to the God of War: Blood & Metal soundtrack.[37]

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.[38]

Sixth studio album (2011-present)

After the 2010 Download Festival, Killswitch Engage took a break from the road, and its members pursued other interests. Adam Dutkiewicz formed the band Times of Grace with former Killswitch Engage lead vocalist Jesse Leach and released the debut album "The Hymn of a Broken Man" on January 18, 2011.[39] Along with Dutkiewicz and Leach, Times of Grace added Joel Stroetzel to their tour lineup.[40] Justin Foley provided the drum tracking for the band Unearth on their new album "Darkness in the Light", released on July 5, 2011. Foley will also travel with the band for their 2011 summer tour.[41] D'Antonio started the hardcore band Death Ray Vision, with Shadows Fall vocalist Brian Fair and former Killswitch Engage guitarist Pete Cortese.

In an interview with Gun Shy Assassin, Mike D'Antonio has stated that the band is currently in the works for a sixth 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."[42]

Musical style and lyrical themes

"My Last Serenade"
Sample of "My Last Serenade" from Alive or Just Breathing (2002). Vocalist Jesse Leach's last single with Killswitch Engage. "My Last Serenade" includes both screaming and clean vocals.
"My Curse"
Sample of "My Curse" from As Daylight Dies (2006). Songs by Killswitch Engage such as "My Curse" incorporate elements of hardcore such as breakdowns.
Problems playing these files? See media help.

Killswitch Engage's genre is largely considered metalcore[43] or melodic metalcore,[44] combining elements of extreme metal and hardcore.[10] Like many metalcore bands, Killswitch Engage incorporates both singing and screaming vocals in their music.[10] In 2009, MTV, while naming "The Greatest Metal Bands of All Time" referred to Killswitch Engage as "one of the founders of metalcore".[45] 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."[46]

Both former and current vocalists, Jesse Leach and Howard Jones write lyrics that are considered to be positive.[3] Jesse Leach stated on (Set This) World Ablaze, that the lyrics contain "unity, positivity, [and] love."[3] 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 on this second self-titled effort."[47]

On Killswitch Engage's 2009 release, 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."[48]

Band members

Current members
Former members

Jesse Leach – lead vocals (1999–2002)
Tom Gomes – drums, percussion (2002–2003)
Pete Cortese - guitar (2000–2001)

Touring

Patrick Lachman – guitar (2007)
Josh Mihlek – guitar (2007)
Peter Wichers - guitar (2007)
Phil Labonte – lead vocals (Feb-May 2010)
Jesse Leach - lead vocals (Mar-May 2010)

Timeline

Discography

Main article: Killswitch Engage discography
Albums

References

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  2. ^ a b "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE". KillswitchEngage.com. Archived from the original on 2001-08-08. Retrieved 2010-02-25.
  3. ^ a b c d Korycki, Denise (director), Starace, Lia (editor) (2005-11-22). (Set This) World Ablaze (DVD). Roadrunner Records. Event occurs at 11:40, 14:00, 35:00, 13:18. UPC 016861093990. Retrieved 2010-01-09.
  4. ^ "Archive News – November 2001". Blabbermouth.net. 2001-11-06. Retrieved 2007-12-21.
  5. ^ "Killswitch Engage biography". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 2007-12-17.
  6. ^ "Killswitch Engage Land New Frontman". Blabbermouth.net. 2002-07-04. Retrieved 2007-12-17.
  7. ^ a b Parks, Andrew. "Killswitch Engage – Decibel Magazine". Decibel Magazine. Archived from the original on 2007-12-26. Retrieved 2007-12-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ "Freddy vs. Jason soundtrack". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  9. ^ Terry, Nick. "For metalcore's prodigal sons Killswitch Engage, The End of Heartache is just the beginning.". Decibel Magazine. Archived from the original on 2006-05-06. Retrieved 2007-12-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ a b c Ditzel, Eleanor and Apar, Corey. "Killswitch Engage". Allmusic. Retrieved 2007-12-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ "Billboard Bits: EMI/WMG, Liza/VH1, 'Headbanger's Ball'". Billboard.com. 2003-09-22. Archived from the original on 2007-12-26. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  12. ^ Whitmire, Margo (2004-05-19). "Usher Keeps Rolling At No. 1". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on 2007-12-18. Retrieved 2007-12-07.
  13. ^ a b "Australian charts". Australiancharts.com. Retrieved 2007-12-17.
  14. ^ a b "Gold and Platinum". RIAA.com. Retrieved 2007-12-17.
  15. ^ Caramanica, Jon (2004-08-19). "Killswitch Engage – The End Of Heartache". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2007-12-18. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "The End of Heartache – Killswitch Engage". Allmusic. Retrieved 2007-12-17.
  17. ^ "Wwe: Wreckless Intent CD". CDuniverse.com. Retrieved 2007-12-19.
  18. ^ "WWE: Superstars – Raw – CM Punk". WWE. Retrieved 2010-01-09.
  19. ^ Hasty, Katie (2006-11-29). "Jay-Z Reclaims His 'Kingdom' With No. 1 Debut". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-12-17.
  20. ^ Jurek, Thom. "As Daylight Dies AMG review". Allmusic. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  21. ^ Terry, Nick. "Engage your boners". Decibel Magazine. Archived from the original on 2007-12-26. Retrieved 2007-12-18. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ Lee, Cosmo (2006-12-05). "Killswitch Engage Stylus". Stylus Magazine. Retrieved 2007-12-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ Graff, Gary (2007-11-27). "Success Keeping Killswitch Engage Out Of Studio". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on 2007-11-30. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  24. ^ "Killswitch Engage Don Swords, Armor for 'Holy Diver' Video". MTV. 2007-08-08. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  25. ^ "Killswitch Engage Artist Chart History". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on 2007-12-27. Retrieved 2009-12-31. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 2007-12-26 suggested (help)
  26. ^ "Killswitch Engage explain tour postponement". NME. 2007-01-16. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  27. ^ "Ex-DAMAGEPLAN Singer To Play Guitar For KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – Feb. 20, 2007". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-02-20. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  28. ^ "Video Interview". RoadrunnerRecords.co.uk. 2007-10-23. Archived from the original on 2008-01-31. Retrieved 2008-01-01.
  29. ^ di Perna, Alan (October 2009). "Killswitch Engage: Seasons in the Abyss". Guitar World. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  30. ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM IN WORKS!". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-12-04. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  31. ^ "roadrunnerrecords.com: Killswitch Engage Offer Studio Update – Feb. 19, 2009". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-02-17. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  32. ^ "roadrunnerrecords.com: Killswitch Engage Announce New Album". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-04-14. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
  33. ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: New Video Interview With JOEL STROETZEL Available". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-07-26. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  34. ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Frontman Forced To Leave Tour; ALL THAT REMAINS Singer To Fill In". Blabbermouth.net. 2010-02-09. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  35. ^ "Howard Jones Leaves Killswitch Engage Tour, Phil Labonte Takes Over". Noisecreep. 2010-02-10. Retrieved 2010-02-14.
  36. ^ "Killswitch Engage With Original Frontman Jesse Leach".
  37. ^ "God of War: Blood & Metal track listing".
  38. ^ "Killswitch Engage at Download 2010".
  39. ^ "Killswitch Engage guitarist teams up with original singer".
  40. ^ "TIMES OF GRACE Announces Touring Lineup".
  41. ^ "Killswitch Engage drummer Justin Foley joins Unearth for UK tour".
  42. ^ "Killswitch Engage Writing Material For New Album".
  43. ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "allmusic ((( The End of Heartache > Review )))". Allmusic. Retrieved 2010-01-04.
  44. ^ "Killswitch Engage". MTV UK. Retrieved 2010-01-09. {{cite web}}: Text "MTV UK" ignored (help)
  45. ^ "The Greatest Metal Bands of All Time". MTV. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  46. ^ Taylor, Jason. "Alive or Just Breathing – Killswitch Engage". Allmusic. Retrieved 2007-12-17.
  47. ^ Sciarretto, Amy (2009-06-30). "Killswitch Engage (2009) Review". Ultimate Guitar. Retrieved 2010-01-08.
  48. ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: Interview, Performance Footage From U.K.'s DOWNLOAD Festival Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-06-12. Retrieved 2010-01-08.
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