Jump to content

Killswitch Engage

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage performing in 2014
Killswitch Engage performing in 2014
Background information
OriginWestfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Genres
DiscographyKillswitch Engage discography
Years active1999 (1999)–present
Labels
Members
Past members
Websitekillswitchengage.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 eight studio albums and three live performance albums. Their eighth studio album, Atonement, was released on August 16, 2019. The band's upcoming ninth album, This Consequence, is set to be released in Early 2025.

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, and has also been considered one of the earliest leading forces of the metalcore genre.[1]

History

[edit]

Early years and debut album (1999–2001)

[edit]

Killswitch Engage formed following the disbandment of metalcore bands Overcast and Aftershock in 1999.[2] After Overcast broke up in 1998, bassist Mike D'Antonio collaborated 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.[2] 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.[3]

In 1999, Killswitch Engage recorded a demo containing four tracks, including "Soilborn", the first song written by the band.[4] The demo was first released at the band's first show, opening for melodic death metal act In Flames, in November 1999.[2][4] 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.[5]

Lineup changes and Alive or Just Breathing (2001–2004)

[edit]

For a brief time in 2000 and 2001, ex-Overcast guitarist Pete Cortese joined Killswitch Engage, but left when he became a father.[5] Killswitch Engage began writing new material for their second album in November 2001. Mixed in January at Backstage Studios by producer Andy Sneap,[6] 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.[7]

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. On Leach's end, he remarked "I didn't have the mental energy to face them, or even call them on the phone rather. I was at a point in my life where I just didn't want to face any of them so I wrote them a long email explaining, like, I'm just done", while 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."[8]

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".[9] 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.[9] Bleeding Through vocalist Brandan Schieppati says that both he and James Hart of Eighteen Visions were also asked to try out for the band in 2002,[10] though Hart has contested this, saying "I don't think it's true. I remember it being talked about that they needed a new singer [but] neither of us lived on the East Coast... I was never like asked to try out or join the band and I don't think he was either."[11]

The new lineup played on the Road Rage tour in Europe in 2002 with 36 Crazyfists and Five Pointe O [citation needed]. 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.[12] 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.[13] 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.[14][15]

The End of Heartache (2004–2006)

[edit]

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,[16] and it also peaked at number 39 on the Australian Albums Chart.[17] The album went on to sell more than 500,000 copies in the U.S and was certified gold on December 7, 2007.[18] 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".[19] 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".[20]

"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.[18]

As Daylight Dies (2006–2007)

[edit]
Killswitch Engage performing 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.[21] 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.[22]

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.[23] It also entered the Australian Albums Chart at number 29.[17] Mixed by Dutkiewicz, the album received mostly positive reviews—Thom Jurek of Allmusic called it "a Top Five metal candidate for 2006 for sure".[24] 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".[25] 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".[26] As of November 27, 2007, As Daylight Dies has sold more than 500,000 units in the US.[27]

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,[28] peaked at number 12 on the Mainstream Rock charts.[29] 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.[30]

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.[31] 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.[32]

Second self-titled album (2007–2011)

[edit]
Guitarists Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel, 2009

Killswitch Engage entered the studio in October 2008 to start recording their next album with Dutkiewicz and Brendan O'Brien co-producing the album.[33] 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."[34] 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,[35] debuting at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's highest chart position for an album.[36] 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.[37] At least one source speculated that Jones's hiatus was due to back pain.[38] 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.[39]

In 2010, the band contributed the track "My Obsession" to the God of War: Blood & Metal soundtrack.[40] 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.[41] 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 band's debut album The Hymn of a Broken Man on January 18, 2011.[42] Along with Dutkiewicz and Leach, Times of Grace added Joel Stroetzel to their tour lineup.[43] 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.[44] D'Antonio started the hardcore band Death Ray Vision, with Shadows Fall vocalist Brian Fair and former Killswitch Engage guitarist Pete Cortese.

Jones's departure, Leach's return and Disarm the Descent (2011–2015)

[edit]

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."[45] 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!"[46] 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.[47]

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.[48] 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;[48][49] Jones later explained he departed the band to manage his type 2 diabetes which was worsened by a hectic touring lifestyle.[50] 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.[51] 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.[52] 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.[53] 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 the band played the album live in its entirety. Support on the tour came from fellow Massachusetts natives Shadows Fall and Acaro.[54]

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[55] April 2 in the US. The first single "In Due Time" was released on February 5, 2013.[56] 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,[57] but lost to "God Is Dead?" by Black Sabbath.[58] 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 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)

[edit]
Killswitch Engage at Rock im Park 2016

In an interview with Wikimetal, Jesse Leach announced that the band will start demoing new material "in the coming months".[59]

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.[60]

On March 30, 2015, Mike D'Antonio stated that the band had completed demoing material for its next studio album.[61]

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.[62] 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 took part in March of that year with Memphis May Fire and 36 Crazyfists as supporters.

On September 27, 2016, Leach revealed on his Instagram page that the band would be releasing a documentary compiled of live footage since 2012.[63]

On November 25, 2016, the band released a Blu-ray/CD called Beyond The Flames: Home Video Vol.2. The Blu-ray contains live performances that were recorded around the world from 2012 to 2016 and an hour long documentary taking place right after the band's (Set This) World Ablaze had left off, as well as music videos, band member profiles and more, plus a bonus live CD containing live tracks from the band's legendary 2014 Monster Mosh show. The two disc set had a one day exclusive sale in record stores everywhere on Black Friday. The set is now available for online purchase and digital download on the Killswitch Engage store.

Atonement (2017–present)

[edit]

On August 30, 2017, the band announced on their Instagram page that they were in the process of demoing material for their upcoming eighth studio album.[64]

In April 2018, it was revealed that their former singer Howard Jones will appear on their new album performing a duet with Jesse Leach during a song that was revealed to be titled "The Signal Fire".[65]

The band cancelled their tour dates from April 26 to May 5 due to the need of vocalist Jesse Leach undergoing surgery on his vocal cords.[66]

During an interview with the Wall of Sound: Up Against the Wall podcast in October 2018, Jesse Leach revealed more details about the song with former singer Howard Jones stating, "He does a verse. I do a verse. We sing the chorus together. It's a real heavy shitkicker." He also mentioned that the song was inspired by Howard's new band name Light the Torch and their friendship.[67] On April 24, 2019, the band posted on their Instagram that the follow-up to the 2016 album Incarnate would be released in the autumn.

According to Music Week, the band has signed with Metal Blade Records for the USA, Music for Nations for the UK, and an international contract with Columbia/Sony. These labels released the band's eighth studio album, Atonement, on August 16, 2019.[68]

On August 20, 2019, the band released their music video for Atonement's third single "The Signal Fire", the song they recorded with former frontman Howard Jones (now of Light the Torch).[69]

On May 1, 2020, the band released an EP titled Atonement II: B-Sides for Charity, containing six songs that were recorded during the Atonement sessions, but did not make the album. The EP was released on Bandcamp and sold as a "pay what you want" price, with all proceeds going to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy's COVID-19 Relief Fund.[70]

On July 15, 2021, the band announced a live stream to air on August 6 in which the band would perform their debut album and their latest album, Atonement, in their entirety at the Worcester Palladium.[71] The live stream was recorded and released as a live album on June 3, 2022, titled Live at the Palladium.[72]

In September 2024, the band confirmed that they will release their ninth studio album sometime in 2025.[73]

October 2024, the band teamed up with Revolver Magazine to release a collector's edition deluxe magazine that shares the bands 25-year history.[74]

Musical style, influences, and lyrical themes

[edit]

Killswitch Engage's musical style has been described as metalcore[14][75][76][77][78] and melodic metalcore.[78][79][80][81] Like some 2000s metalcore bands, Killswitch Engage vocally combine singing, screaming vocals, and growls in their music.[14] 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".[82] 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."[83]

Both current vocalist Jesse Leach and former vocalist Howard Jones write lyrics that are considered positive.[5] Jesse Leach stated on (Set This) World Ablaze, that the lyrics contain "unity, positivity, [and] love."[5] On the lyrical themes of Killswitch Engage, Ultimate Guitar reviewer Amy Sciarretto noted:

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.[84]

Mike Patton is a major vocal influence of Killswitch Engage.

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.[85]

Killswitch Engage's influences include Van Halen, Black Sabbath, Fear Factory, Carcass, At the Gates, Machine Head, Neurosis, Metallica, Iron Maiden, HIM, Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies, Anthrax, Slayer, Testament, Bad Brains, Agnostic Front, Leeway, and Sick of It All.[86][87][88] Both Leach and Jones cited Faith No More singer Mike Patton as their biggest influence.[89][90][91]

Jesse Leach has talked about the band's label of metalcore, stating: "I never liked the term 'metalcore.' I don't think it's an accurate representation of the wide variety of bands that get lumped under that category. But I get it. People have to categorize stuff and put it into their own little category so they can describe stuff to somebody else. I like to say we're more of a metal band. It is what it is. People are going to use that term whether I like it or not."[92]

Legacy

[edit]

Bands like Bring Me The Horizon,[93] The Word Alive,[94] Rise To Remain[95] and Miss May I[96] cited Killswitch Engage as an influence.

Band members

[edit]

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Grammy Award

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2005 The End of Heartache Best Metal Performance Nominated [101][102]
2014 In Due Time Best Metal Performance Nominated [102]
2019 Unleashed Best Metal Performance Nominated

Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2004 Killswitch Engage Best International Act Nominated [103]
2004 The End of Heartache Best Album Won [104]
2007 Killswitch Engage Best International Band Won [105]
2014 Killswitch Engage Best Live Band Won [106]

Boston Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2007 Killswitch Engage Outstanding Metal/Hardcore Band of the Year Won [107]
2007 Killswitch Engage Act of the Year Won
2007 As Daylight Dies Album of the Year (Major) Nominated [108]
2007 Howard Jones National Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated

Loudwire Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2013 Disarm the Descent Metal Album of the Year Nominated [109]
2013 In Due Time Metal Song of the Year Nominated
2013 Killswitch Engage Metal Band of the Year Nominated

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "'New Wave of American Heavy Metal' Book Documents Over 600 Bands". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on May 21, 2008. Retrieved April 27, 2008.
  2. ^ a b c Walker, Morgan (May 2000). "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE". KillswitchEngage.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2001. Retrieved February 11, 2010.
  3. ^ Barclay, Shelly. "5 Interesting facts about Killswitch Engage". AXS. Archived from the original on January 10, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  4. ^ a b "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE". KillswitchEngage.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2001. Retrieved February 25, 2010.
  5. ^ a b c d Korycki, Denise (director), Starace, Lia (editor) (November 22, 2005). (Set This) World Ablaze (DVD). Roadrunner Records. Event occurs at 11:40, 14:00, 35:00, 13:18. UPC 016861093990. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  6. ^ "Archive News – November 2001". Blabbermouth.net. November 6, 2001. Archived from the original on December 25, 2007. Retrieved December 21, 2007.
  7. ^ "Killswitch Engage biography". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on December 1, 2008. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
  8. ^ "Killswitch Engage Land New Frontman". Blabbermouth.net. July 4, 2002. Archived from the original on December 25, 2007. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
  9. ^ a b Parks, Andrew. "Killswitch Engage – Decibel Magazine". Decibel Magazine. Archived from the original on December 26, 2007. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
  10. ^ "Bleeding Through's Brandan Schieppati Says He Was Asked to Try Out for Killswitch Engage Back in 2002". August 29, 2022.
  11. ^ "EP 24 - James Hart (Eighteen Visions / Ex-Burn Halo) | It's Not a Phase". YouTube. April 20, 2024.
  12. ^ "Freddy vs. Jason soundtrack". Amazon. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  13. ^ Terry, Nick. "For metalcore's prodigal sons Killswitch Engage, The End of Heartache is just the beginning.". Decibel Magazine. Archived from the original on May 6, 2006. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
  14. ^ a b c Ditzel, Eleanor. "Killswitch Engage". AllMusic. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
  15. ^ "Billboard Bits: EMI/WMG, Liza/VH1, 'Headbanger's Ball'". Billboard.com. September 22, 2003. Archived from the original on December 26, 2007. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  16. ^ Whitmire, Margo (May 19, 2004). "Usher Keeps Rolling at No. 1". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2007. Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  17. ^ a b "Australian charts". Australiancharts.com. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
  18. ^ a b "Gold and Platinum". RIAA.com. Archived from the original on June 26, 2007. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
  19. ^ Caramanica, Jon (August 19, 2004). "Killswitch Engage – The End of Heartache". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 26, 2007. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  20. ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "The End of Heartache – Killswitch Engage". Allmusic. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
  21. ^ "Wwe: Wreckless Intent CD". CDuniverse.com. Retrieved December 19, 2007.
  22. ^ "WWE: Superstars – Raw – CM Punk". WWE. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  23. ^ Hasty, Katie (November 29, 2006). "Jay-Z Reclaims His 'Kingdom' With No. 1 Debut". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
  24. ^ Jurek, Thom. "As Daylight Dies AMG review". Allmusic. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  25. ^ Terry, Nick. "Engage your boners". Decibel Magazine. Archived from the original on December 26, 2007. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  26. ^ Lee, Cosmo (December 5, 2006). "Killswitch Engage Stylus". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on May 9, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
  27. ^ Graff, Gary (November 27, 2007). "Success Keeping Killswitch Engage Out of Studio". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on November 30, 2007. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  28. ^ "Killswitch Engage Don Swords, Armor for 'Holy Diver' Video". MTV. August 8, 2007. Archived from the original on December 25, 2007. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  29. ^ "Killswitch Engage Artist Chart History". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2009.
  30. ^ "Killswitch Engage explain tour postponement". NME. January 16, 2007. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  31. ^ "Ex-DAMAGEPLAN Singer To Play Guitar For KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – Feb. 20, 2007". Blabbermouth.net. February 20, 2007. Archived from the original on August 27, 2009. Retrieved December 30, 2009.
  32. ^ "Video Interview". RoadrunnerRecords.co.uk. October 23, 2007. Archived from the original on January 31, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2008.
  33. ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM IN WORKS!". Blabbermouth.net. December 4, 2009. Retrieved December 30, 2009.
  34. ^ "Killswitch Engage Offer Studio Update – Feb. 19, 2009". Blabbermouth.net. February 17, 2009. Retrieved March 3, 2009.
  35. ^ "Killswitch Engage Announce New Album". Blabbermouth.net. April 14, 2009. Retrieved April 14, 2009.
  36. ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: New Video Interview With JOEL STROETZEL Available". Blabbermouth.net. July 26, 2009. Archived from the original on July 28, 2009. Retrieved December 30, 2009.
  37. ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Frontman Forced To Leave Tour; ALL THAT REMAINS Singer To Fill In". Blabbermouth.net. February 9, 2010. Archived from the original on February 13, 2010. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
  38. ^ "Howard Jones Leaves Killswitch Engage Tour, Phil Labonte Takes Over". Noisecreep. February 10, 2010. Retrieved February 14, 2010.
  39. ^ "Killswitch Engage Reunite With Original Frontman Jesse Leach – A Top Story This Week – antiMUSIC News". Antimusic.com. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  40. ^ "The Official Website For". Roadrunner Records. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  41. ^ "News | Download Festival 2016". Downloadfestival.co.uk. Archived from the original on September 20, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  42. ^ "Kerrang! Killswitch Engage guitarist teams up with original singer". May 17, 2013. Archived from the original on May 17, 2013. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
  43. ^ "Times of Grace Announces Touring Lineup - Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. January 25, 2011. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  44. ^ "Killswitch Engage drummer Justin Foley joins Unearth for UK tour". Nme.com. June 15, 2011. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  45. ^ "Killswitch Engage Writing Material For New Album – Blorge". Gunshyassassin.com. June 29, 2011. Archived from the original on March 22, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  46. ^ "YO! Its Adam D! We're about to begin... – Killswitch Engage". Facebook. August 26, 2011. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  47. ^ "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". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on December 23, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
  48. ^ a b "Howard Jones Leaves Killswitch Engage". Metal Hammer. January 4, 2012. Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
  49. ^ "Killswitch Engage". Facebook.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
  50. ^ "Howard Jones Explains Killswitch Engage Departure". ultimate-guitar.com. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  51. ^ "Blabbermouth.Net – All That Remains Singer Will Not Be Joining Killswitch Engage". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2012.
  52. ^ Killswitch Engage (February 8, 2012). "Killswitch Engage Announce New Singer: Jesse Leach". facebook.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved February 8, 2012.
  53. ^ Paul, Long (April 24, 2012). "Trespass America Touring Fest Breaks Out: FFDP, Killswitch, Trivium, God Forbid, Hit the Road". KNAC. Archived from the original on October 20, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  54. ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Tour with Shadows Fall, To Play Alive Or Just Breathing in Full". Metalinjection.net. October 1, 2012. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  55. ^ "Watch Killswitch Engage 'In Due Time' Right Here! – Roadrunner Records Uk". Roadrunnerrecords.co.uk. Archived from the original on December 5, 2014. Retrieved April 9, 2013.
  56. ^ Freeman, Phil (January 7, 2013). "Killswitch Engage Are Back!". Roadrunner Records. Retrieved April 9, 2013.
  57. ^ Connor Williams (March 30, 2013). "ALBUM REVIEW: DISARM THE DESCENT – KILLSWITCH ENGAGE'". Rock Revolt Magazine.
  58. ^ "Black Sabbath Wins 'Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance' Grammy Award". Blabbermouth.net. January 26, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  59. ^ "Killswitch Engage To Start Demoing New Material in Coming Months". Blabbermouth.net. September 24, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  60. ^ "Killswitch Engage, 'Loyalty' – Exclusive Song Premiere". Loudwire.com. February 25, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  61. ^ "Killswitch Engage Completes Demoing Material For Next Album". Blabbermouth.net. March 30, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  62. ^ "Killswitch Engage Get All STAR WARS on the Cover of Revolver, Premiere Video (Exclusive)". Nerdist.com. December 10, 2015. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  63. ^ "🏴JeSsE LeAcH 🏴 on Instagram: "4 years in the making.... Full in depth Documentary and various raw live footage.....to tell a story, our story. We have some talented and…"". Instagram. Retrieved April 18, 2018.[permanent dead link]
  64. ^ Robert Pasbani (August 30, 2017). "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Demoing New Material, Teasing Album For 2018". Metal Injection. Retrieved September 8, 2017.
  65. ^ "Killswitch Engage Getting Back Together With Howard Jones for One Song". Ultimate=guitar.com. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
  66. ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Cancels Shows So JESSE LEACH Can Undergo Vocal Cord Surgery". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. April 25, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  67. ^ "Wall of Sound: Up Against The Wall Episode #56 feat. Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage is OUT NOW". Wall Of Sound. October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  68. ^ ""We are honoured and excited to be a part of this campaign": Music For Nations welcomes U.S. metal act Killswitch Engage". Musicweek.com. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  69. ^ "Yeahhhhhh Killswitch Engage Released A Music Video For 'The Signal Fire' Feat. Ex-Frontman Howard Jones!". Wall Of Sound. August 20, 2019. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
  70. ^ Spencer Kaufman (May 1, 2020). "Killswitch Engage Release Atonement II B-Sides for Charity: Stream". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  71. ^ James Weaver (July 15, 2021). "Killswitch Engage announce special livestream". Distorted Sound. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  72. ^ "Killswitch Engage Announce Live Album, Drop New Concert Video". MetalSucks. April 6, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  73. ^ Bihter Sevinc (September 29, 2024). "Killswitch Engage Prepares For 2025 With New Album Details". Metalhead Zone. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  74. ^ Blabbermouth (October 29, 2024). "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Announces Spring 2025 Tour With KUBLAI KHAN TX, FIT FOR A KING, FROZEN SOUL". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  75. ^ Bienstock, Richard; Epstein, Dan; Geist, Brandon; Grow, Kory; Krovatin, Christopher; Wiederhorn, Jon (January 12, 2016). "25 Most Anticipated Metal Albums of 2016". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  76. ^ Sanneh, Kelefa (November 20, 2006). "News CDs". The New York Times. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  77. ^ Yates, Clinton (May 25, 2010). "Least Creepy Claymation We've Seen In A While". Washington Post. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  78. ^ a b "This Fire Burns: On 'As Daylight Dies', Killswitch Engage helped to define modern metalcore". The New Fury. January 25, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  79. ^ Sievers, Alex (August 12, 2019). "Killswitch Engage / Atonement". Kill Your Stereo. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  80. ^ Wiebe, Laura (August 13, 2012). "Killswitch Engage Downsview Park, Toronto ON August 12". Exclaim!. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  81. ^ Brown, Alex (June 20, 2019). "Killswitch Engage Have "Unleashed" A New Teaser". Kerrang!. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  82. ^ "The Greatest Metal Bands of All Time". MTV. Archived from the original on December 30, 2009. Retrieved December 30, 2009.
  83. ^ Taylor, Jason. "Alive or Just Breathing – Killswitch Engage". Allmusic. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
  84. ^ Sciarretto, Amy (June 30, 2009). "Killswitch Engage (2009) Review". Ultimate Guitar. Retrieved January 8, 2010.
  85. ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: Interview, Performance Footage From U.K.'s DOWNLOAD Festival Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. June 12, 2009. Retrieved January 8, 2010. [dead link]
  86. ^ Schwartz, Dave. "Joel Stroetzel of Killswitch Engage". DaBelly. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  87. ^ Mike (August 9, 2015). "Killswitch Engage Interview". WSOU. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  88. ^ Laing, Rob (May 6, 2011). "Interview: Adam Dutkiewicz". Music Radar. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  89. ^ Leach, Jesse (August 10, 2020). "Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach: why I love Angel Dust by Faith No More". Metal Hammer. Loudersound.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2020. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  90. ^ "Up all night: Q&A with Devil You Know vocalist Howard Jones; band set to perform at El Paso's Tricky Falls". El Paso Times. Los Angeles, California. July 9, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2021. Question: Your voice is very unique in that you can go from very melodic to very heavy from one phrase to the next. Who are some of your influences and where did you learn to sing so melodically?
    Howard Jones: I think, obviously, Mike Patton from Faith No More is a big one. ...
  91. ^ Mahsmann, Steffi (March 29, 2004). "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE (HOWARD JONES)". Terrorverlag.com. Archived from the original on October 16, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2021. ... I'd say that the band that probably influenced me more than any was probably Faith No More. Just because I listened to it so much, when they were active. ... I would say "The Last to Know" by Faith No More [is his favorite song to sing in the shower]! I sing that song in the shower all the time. And I actually wrote the chorus to the song "Breathe Life" on our album, I wrote that in the shower. (laughs)
  92. ^ "Killswitch Engage's Leach: I Never Liked Term 'Metalcore.' It's Not Accurate Representation of All Bands in That Category". Ultimate-guitar.com. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  93. ^ Trapp, Philip TrappPhilip (February 22, 2022). "Oli Sykes Names the Album That First Got Him Into Metal". Loudwire. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  94. ^ Ramirez, Carlos RamirezCarlos (November 14, 2011). "Five Albums That Changed My Life: Tyler 'Telle' Smith of The Word Alive". Noisecreep. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  95. ^ Rauf, Raziq. "BBC - Music - Review of Rise to Remain - City of Vultures". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  96. ^ "SHUMedia - Music - Interview: Miss May I". September 28, 2015. Archived from the original on September 28, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  97. ^ "Ex-DAMAGEPLAN Singer To Play Guitar For KILLSWITCH ENGAGE". Blabbermouth.net. February 20, 2007. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  98. ^ Harris, Chris (February 10, 2010). "Howard Jones Leaves Killswitch Engage Tour, Phil Labonte Takes Over". Noisecreep. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  99. ^ Pasbani, Robert (July 31, 2013). "Here's Footage of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Performing With AS I LAY DYING Drummer Jordan Mancino". Metal Injection. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  100. ^ "Killswitch Engage's Joel Stroetzel Exits Tour Early For Family Emergency, Replacement Announced". ThePRP. February 17, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  101. ^ "Rock On The Net: 47th Annual Grammy Awards – 2005". Rockonthenet.com. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  102. ^ a b Hartmann, Graham (December 9, 2013). "Killswitch Engage React to 2014 Grammy Nod". Loudwire. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  103. ^ "Metal Hammer Award Nominees Announced". Ultimate Guitar. May 4, 2004. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  104. ^ "Metal Hammer Awards Announced, Madness Ensues". Bravewords. June 9, 2004. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  105. ^ "Bullet For My Valentine Booed At Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards". Blabbermouth.net. June 12, 2007. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  106. ^ "Iron Maiden, Avenged Sevenfold, Killswitch Engage Honored At Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards". Blabbermouth.net. June 16, 2014. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  107. ^ "Killswitch Engage Honored At Boston Music Awards". Blabbermouth.net. December 5, 2007. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  108. ^ Carioli, Carly (October 24, 2007). "2007 Boston Music Award Nominations Announced". The Phoenix. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  109. ^ Hartmann, Graham (February 11, 2014). "3rd Annual Loudwire Music Awards: Complete Winners List". Loudwire. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
[edit]