Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Killswitch Engage

Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band formed in 1999 in Westfield, Massachusetts, by musicians emerging from the local hardcore and punk scenes after the disbandment of Overcast and Aftershock. Pioneering the metalcore genre through a fusion of aggressive thrash metal riffs, melodic clean vocals, and breakdown-heavy structures, the band has released nine studio albums, amassed over three billion streams, and earned three Grammy nominations for Best Metal Performance. Founded by bassist , drummer , guitarist , and vocalist , Killswitch Engage debuted with a self-titled album on Ferret Music in 2000, gaining underground traction in the circuit. Their 2002 breakthrough, on , featured the hit single "My Last Serenade" and is ranked among magazine's top 100 greatest metal albums of the 2000s, marking a shift away from nu-metal dominance toward . Leach departed in 2002 due to personal struggles, replaced by of , while Dutkiewicz transitioned to guitar and joined on drums in 2003. Under Jones's tenure, the band achieved mainstream success with The End of Heartache (2004), which went gold and peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard 200, and As Daylight Dies (2006), certified platinum and reaching No. 32. A self-titled second album followed in 2009, but Jones left in 2012 amid health issues, prompting Leach's return and the release of Disarm the Descent (2013), which hit No. 7 on the Billboard 200. Subsequent efforts include Incarnate (2016), Atonement (2019)—praised for its duality with both Leach and Jones contributing vocals—and their ninth album, This Consequence (2025) on Metal Blade Records. The current lineup consists of Leach on vocals, and Stroetzel on guitars, D'Antonio on bass, and Foley on drums, with the band having toured extensively alongside acts like , Slipknot, and . Killswitch Engage's emphasis on positivity, personal resilience, and genre innovation has influenced a wave of bands, including , , and , solidifying their role in the "New Wave of American Heavy Metal."

History

Formation and debut album (1999–2001)

Killswitch Engage was formed in 1999 in Westfield, Massachusetts, emerging from the remnants of two local hardcore and metal bands, Overcast and Aftershock, which had recently disbanded. Guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz and rhythm guitarist Joel Stroetzel came from Aftershock, while bassist Mike D'Antonio and vocalist Jesse Leach hailed from Overcast. The band's name was inspired by an episode of the television series The X-Files titled "Kill Switch," written by William Gibson, which D'Antonio had seen and suggested as a reference to the group's aggressive, high-energy sound. The initial lineup consisted of Leach on vocals, and Stroetzel on guitars, D'Antonio on bass, and drummer Tom Gomes, who had previously played with Dutkiewicz in . In late 1999, the band recorded a four-song that included early compositions like "Soilborn," helping to build local buzz within the New England scene. Their first live performance occurred on November 18, 1999, opening for In Flames, , and at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival held upstairs at The Palladium in . The demo's circulation caught the attention of independent label Ferret Music, leading to a signing in early 2000. The band recorded their self-titled debut at Zing Studios in , during 1999–2000, with production emphasizing their blend of melodic elements and hardcore aggression. Released on July 4, 2000, via Ferret Music, the featured tracks such as the opener "Prelude" and the intense "Irreversable," establishing Killswitch Engage as a key player in the emerging movement. In the wake of the album's release, Killswitch Engage hit the road extensively in the area, supporting acts like In Flames and contributing to the burgeoning scene through local shows and regional tours that helped solidify their grassroots following.

Lineup changes and (2001–2004)

This lineup adjustment provided stability as the band entered the studio to record their second full-length effort, , with vocalist contributing vocals throughout the sessions. The album was released on May 21, 2002, through , featuring standout tracks such as "My Last Serenade" and "Rose of Sharyn" that showcased the band's evolving blend of aggressive riffs and soaring melodies. It marked their major-label debut and achieved initial commercial success, peaking at number 37 on the Top Heatseekers chart. However, personal challenges soon disrupted the band's momentum; Leach departed in early 2002 amid struggles with depression and severe panic attacks exacerbated by the demands of constant touring. To fill the vocal void, Killswitch Engage held auditions and recruited , frontman of the hardcore band , in March 2002. Jones, who had prior connections with the band members, quickly adapted to the material and debuted live with Killswitch Engage that summer, enabling them to promote Alive or Just Breathing on the road. The group supported the release through extensive touring, including dates alongside Poison the Well and , which helped build their reputation within the scene. A for "My Last Serenade" further amplified visibility, receiving rotation on MTV's and capturing the band's high-energy performance style. These lineup shifts solidified a core configuration that propelled Killswitch Engage toward broader recognition, with early media coverage in outlets like Revolver magazine highlighting their pivot toward more accessible, melodic metalcore elements. By 2003, further adjustments occurred when Gomes left the band; he was replaced by Justin Foley, formerly of Blood Has Been Shed, who brought a fresh rhythmic intensity to ongoing tours and preparations for future releases.

The End of Heartache era (2004–2006)

Killswitch Engage achieved their first major commercial breakthrough with the release of their third studio album, , on May 11, 2004, via . The album debuted at number 21 on the chart, selling over 44,000 copies in its first week and marking a significant step up from the band's prior releases. Produced by guitarist at Zing Studios in , the record featured a refined blend of elements, with delivering his debut full-length performance as lead vocalist. Key singles included "Rose of Sharyn" and the title track "," the latter earning a nomination for Best Metal Performance at the in 2005. The album's success propelled Killswitch Engage into extensive touring, including their debut on the second stage in summer 2004 alongside acts like and , as well as co-headlining North American and international runs often supported by fellow band . These performances helped expand the band's live reputation, drawing larger crowds and fostering a dedicated following through high-energy sets that highlighted the album's anthemic tracks. By late 2004, had amassed substantial radio play and media attention, further embedding Killswitch Engage within the burgeoning scene. In November 2005, the band released their first live DVD, (Set This) World Ablaze, on November 22 through , capturing concert footage, behind-the-scenes content, and interviews from their 2004–2005 tours. The production, directed by David Brodsky, showcased the intensity of their live shows and contributed to the era's momentum. It achieved gold certification from the RIAA in 2006 for shipments exceeding 50,000 units, underscoring the band's rising popularity. Overall, the The End of Heartache era solidified Killswitch Engage's commercial viability, with the album certified by the RIAA on , 2007, after surpassing 500,000 units sold. This period not only grew their fanbase through consistent touring and visual but also positioned them as a leading force in , influencing subsequent bands in the genre with their accessible yet aggressive sound.

As Daylight Dies period (2006–2008)

Killswitch Engage's fourth studio album, , was released on November 21, 2006, through . The album debuted at No. 32 on the chart, marking the band's highest chart position at the time. Building on the momentum from their previous release , which had achieved certification, eventually reached status by the RIAA on November 23, 2021, for sales exceeding one million units in the United States. Recorded at Studios in , and produced primarily by , the album featured a polished sound with soaring melodies and aggressive riffs. The album spawned several singles, including "My Curse," released on November 6, 2006, which peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and was later certified platinum by the RIAA in 2020. Another notable release was the band's cover of Dio's "Holy Diver," issued as a single on September 4, 2007, and included as a bonus track on the special edition of the album. This period represented a commercial peak for the band, with As Daylight Dies solidifying their status in the metalcore scene through radio play and video game inclusions, such as "My Curse" in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Amid extensive touring to support the album, guitarist suffered a severe back injury in January 2007 during the band's leg, leading to emergency that month and forcing the postponement of several shows. underwent further recovery measures, including leaving the in August 2007 to focus on rehabilitation from the procedure performed earlier that year. Despite these setbacks, the band maintained a rigorous schedule, joining the in 2007 alongside Korn and , and performing at in , on May 17, 2008. They also expanded internationally with a headline tour in October 2007 and their tour in June 2008. In 2007, Killswitch Engage issued a of featuring a DVD with live and behind-the-scenes content, enhancing fan engagement during the promotional cycle.

Second self-titled album and transitions (2008–2012)

Following the success of their previous album , which achieved gold certification in 2009 and later platinum status in 2021, Killswitch Engage began work on their fifth studio album, the second self-titled effort simply known as Killswitch Engage. The band announced the album's production in early 2009, with recording taking place at Zing Studios in , and New Hidden Valley Studio in , , under the production of guitarist . Released on June 30, 2009, via , the album debuted at number 7 on the chart, selling 44,000 copies in its first week. It featured singles "My Obsession," which appeared on the for the God of War III in March 2010, and "Starting Over," accompanied by a directed by P.R. Brown. The album's release was supported by extensive touring, including the Mayhem Festival in summer 2009 alongside acts like and All That Remains, as well as co-headlining European dates with in late 2009 and early 2010. These tours highlighted the band's rising prominence but also strained internal dynamics, as the relentless schedule exacerbated personal and health challenges amid their growing success. In late 2010, vocalist took an indefinite from touring due to personal issues, including severe anxiety, forcing the band to complete dates with guest vocalists like All That Remains' Phil Labonte. During this period, guitarist and rhythm guitarist collaborated with former Killswitch Engage vocalist on the side project , formed in 2010 as an outlet for more melodic and introspective material. The project's debut album, The Hymn of a Broken Man, was released on January 18, 2011, via , featuring Leach on lead vocals and Dutkiewicz handling guitars, bass, drums, and additional vocals. Leach stepped in to fill vocals for select Killswitch Engage shows in 2011, including a guest appearance at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival, providing a temporary bridge during Jones' absence. Tensions culminated in Jones' official departure on January 4, 2012, which he attributed to ongoing personal struggles, including a diagnosis of complicated by the unhealthy touring lifestyle of constant travel, poor diet, and stress. The band expressed support for his health recovery while seeking a permanent replacement, marking a significant transition after nearly a decade with Jones at the helm.

Disarm the Descent and Leach's full return (2012–2015)

On January 4, 2012, vocalist departed Killswitch Engage due to personal health challenges, including a recent diagnosis that prompted him to prioritize his well-being. Following this transition, the band announced on February 8, 2012, that original frontman had rejoined as their permanent singer, marking his full return after guest vocal contributions on their 2009 self-titled album. Leach's reinstatement came after intensive vocal training to rebuild his technique, which had suffered during his decade-long hiatus stemming from burnout and struggles, alongside efforts to reconcile with bandmates over past tensions from his 2002 exit. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their breakthrough 2002 album , Killswitch Engage reissued the record on CD in August 2012, including bonus tracks such as a re-recorded "In the Unblind" and demos like "Numbered Days." This release coincided with a North American tour where the band performed the album in its entirety, helping to rekindle connections with longtime fans and underscore Leach's renewed presence. The band's fourth studio album, , arrived on April 2, 2013, via , produced by guitarist at his Zing Studios in . Featuring Leach's raw, dual clean and screamed vocals, the album debuted at No. 7 on the chart, selling over 27,000 copies in its first week and signaling a strong resurgence for the group. The lead single "In Due Time" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance at the 2014 awards, highlighting the track's aggressive riffing and themes of . Disarm the Descent propelled a robust touring schedule, including a slot on the 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival alongside acts like Rob Zombie and Mastodon, which allowed the band to reconnect intimately with audiences through high-energy sets blending old and new material. Later that year, Killswitch Engage headlined a spring European tour, performing in cities like London, Paris, and Cologne, where Leach emphasized the emotional bond reformed with fans who had supported the band through lineup shifts. Internally, Leach openly addressed his past battles with depression in 2012–2013 interviews, crediting therapy and band support for his growth and ability to sustain the demanding vocal style central to Killswitch Engage's sound.

Incarnate release (2015–2017)

Following the stability brought by Jesse Leach's full return to the band, Killswitch Engage began work on their seventh studio album, Incarnate, which was produced by guitarist . The album was released on March 11, 2016, through . It debuted at number 6 on the chart, selling 35,000 copies in its first week and marking the band's highest chart position to date. Promotion included the singles "Strength of the Mind," released in December 2015 with an official , and "Quiet Distress," which premiered as an audio track in March 2016. The band supported Incarnate with extensive touring throughout 2016 and 2017, including performances at major festivals such as in October 2016, where they played a set featuring tracks from the new album alongside classics like "My Curse." International dates extended to and in March 2017, where the band headlined shows with support from . In November 2016, Killswitch Engage released the documentary Beyond the Flames: Home Video Vol. II, a two-disc Blu-ray and CD package initially available for Record Store Day Black Friday on November 25, with a digital release following on December 9. The 75-minute film chronicles the band's activities from Leach's 2012 return through 2016, including behind-the-scenes footage from tours supporting Disarm the Descent and the early promotion of Incarnate, accompanied by a live CD recording 17 songs from various shows during that period. To mark the 15th anniversary of their breakthrough album , the band incorporated full performances of the 2002 record into their 2017 and New Zealand tour dates, blending it with selections from Incarnate. This celebration extended to archival releases, including a limited-edition reissue of and a collaborative anniversary beer with Wormtown Brewery.

Atonement and live milestones (2017–2023)

Killswitch Engage released their eighth studio album, , on August 16, 2019, via , marking a period of introspection and reconciliation for the band. The album debuted at number 13 on the chart, showcasing their enduring appeal in the scene. Its , "Unleashed," received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance in 2020, highlighting the track's aggressive riffing and Leach's commanding vocals. A standout collaboration on the record was "The Signal Fire," a featuring former frontman , which served as a poignant symbol of healing and unity between the two vocalists after years of separate paths. The onset of the severely disrupted the band's momentum, leading to the cancellation of their planned 2020 tour dates, including a North American run with and . In adaptation, Killswitch Engage hosted the Atonement Livestream event on August 6, 2021, at their hometown venue, The in , where they performed Atonement in full followed by their 2000 self-titled debut album. Capturing the energy of a live show amid restrictions, the performance was released as the live album Live at the Palladium on June 3, 2022, via , offering fans a documented snapshot of resilience during isolation. Touring resumed in 2022 with the rescheduled headline run across , co-supported by and , allowing the band to reconnect with audiences after the hiatus. This period also amplified frontman Jesse Leach's ongoing advocacy, as he shared personal experiences with and anxiety through interviews and band initiatives, fostering discussions within the metal community about vulnerability and support. Complementing these live efforts, Killswitch Engage marked their 20th anniversary in 2019–2020 with reissues, including a edition of their 2000 self-titled debut released on October 9, 2020, featuring bonus tracks from their 1999 demo, alongside a detailed historical timeline shared online to reflect on two decades of evolution.

This Consequence and 25th anniversary (2024–2025)

In September 2024, Killswitch Engage marked their 25th anniversary with a special performance at the in , on September 21, where former lead vocalist joined the band onstage for select songs, including "The Signal Fire" and "My Last Serenade." The setlist emphasized the band's early catalog, celebrating their formation in 1999 and enduring impact on , drawing a large crowd to the outdoor stage at The Palladium. This reunion appearance highlighted the ongoing camaraderie among members past and present, serving as a nostalgic capstone to the band's milestone year. The band's ninth studio album, This Consequence, was released on February 21, 2025, through , featuring 11 tracks that blend aggressive riffs with melodic introspection. Produced by guitarist at various studios including Mainline Recording, the album explores themes of personal consequence, reflection on past traumas like abuse, and the weight of life's choices, as articulated by vocalist , and debuted at No. 188 on the chart. The lead single "I Believe," released in January 2025, achieved significant radio success, reaching the top 10 on the charts and marking the band's first entry in that territory. To promote the record, Killswitch Engage embarked on a Spring 2025 North American headline tour from March 5 to April 12, supported by Kublai Khan TX, , and Frozen Soul, with additional May dates added featuring , , and Boundaries. Building on the album's momentum, the band announced a headline tour of the and for October 2025, with dates including October 9 in , , and extending into a broader European run through December 2025, covering dates in , Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, with support from , , and Decapitated, emphasizing the band's continued international draw. In a November 2025 Metal Hammer interview, delved into the emotional backstory of "My Last Serenade," revealing how the 2003 track stemmed from his personal struggles with depression and during the era, describing it as a raw outpouring that he wishes he could have approached with more at the time. Alongside , Leach reflected on the song's enduring resonance, underscoring its role in the band's therapeutic songwriting process that persists into This Consequence.

Musical style and influences

Musical style

Killswitch Engage is classified as a band, characterized by their fusion of aggressive hardcore elements with melodic structures derived from traditions. This blend creates a dynamic sound that balances raw intensity with accessible, anthemic hooks, setting them apart as pioneers in the genre's development during the early . Central to their style are heavy breakdowns that provide mosh-pit energy, contrasted by soaring clean vocals and guttural harsh screams, often switching seamlessly within songs to heighten emotional impact. Guitarists and employ dual harmonies to craft intricate, layered riffs that emphasize melody amid aggression, while bassist contributes driving grooves that anchor . Drummer Justin Foley's precise double-kick patterns further amplify the band's propulsion, enabling rapid tempo shifts typical of tracks like "My Curse," which operates around 177 . The band's sound has evolved from the raw, unpolished edge of their 2000 self-titled debut to a more refined and expansive production in subsequent releases, particularly after 2004's . Guitarist Dutkiewicz's role as in-house has been in achieving greater clarity and depth, allowing for sophisticated arrangements. This progression reflects a maturation that maintains core aggression while incorporating broader sonic palettes, continuing in later albums like (2019) and This Consequence (2025), which blend heavy riffs with catchy choruses and modern production techniques.

Influences

Killswitch Engage's origins are deeply rooted in the hardcore scene of the late , where founding members drew from local bands like and to shape their intense, aggressive sound. Guitarist and drummer came from , while bassist hailed from , both pioneering acts in the region's metallic movement that emphasized and breakdown-driven structures. This foundation was further influenced by contemporaries such as Converge and , whose relentless intensity and mosh-pit anthems informed the band's early approach to blending aggression with metal elements. The group's metal inspirations prominently feature Swedish death metal bands like In Flames and , which introduced melodic guitar harmonies and dynamic riffing that became hallmarks of Killswitch Engage's style. has cited ' Slaughter of the Soul as a massive influence on the band's guitar work, appreciating its artistic fusion of and metal. Similarly, In Flames' contributed to the incorporation of soaring leads amid heaviness, fostering mutual respect between the scenes. Classic rock and also played key roles in the band's development, with influences from Black Sabbath's heavy riffs providing a foundational groove and Van Halen's guitar tones inspiring technical flair. Dutkiewicz has emphasized Metallica's impact, particularly James Hetfield's style on like ...And Justice for All, which taught him palm-muting and down-picking techniques central to Killswitch's sound. Additionally, influenced vocal dynamics through their mix of heaviness and catchiness, while added groove-oriented hooks that encouraged singalong choruses. The late metal scene further molded the band, exposing them to a blend of , thrash, and emerging nu-metal elements, though Killswitch Engage leaned toward acts like and rather than mainstream nu-metal trends. This regional ecosystem, centered around venues and festivals, cultivated their pre-2002 raw aesthetic before broader melodic refinements emerged.

Lyrical themes

Killswitch Engage's lyrics often center on themes of personal struggle, , , and , reflecting the emotional experiences of vocalists and . The band addresses challenges, heartbreak, loss, and overcoming adversity, emphasizing positive messages of inner strength and perseverance that distinguish them within . Influenced by —particularly Leach's evolving —many songs incorporate motifs of spiritual redemption, , and . Examples include "My Last Serenade" (2002), which grapples with grief and farewell, and "" (2004), focusing on healing from emotional pain. Later works like "I Am Broken Too" (2019) explore tied to and human brokenness. In their 2024 album This Consequence, these themes continue with reflections on , enduring darkness, and emerging hope, reinforcing the band's commitment to uplifting listeners through adversity.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of Killswitch Engage, as of 2025, consists of vocalist , guitarists and , bassist , and drummer . This core group has driven the band's evolution through multiple albums and tours, blending intensity with melodic elements. Jesse Leach serves as the lead vocalist, having joined as a founding member in 1999 and remaining with the band through its debut album, before taking a hiatus from 2002 to 2012 due to personal challenges; he rejoined full-time in 2012 and has fronted the group since, contributing to releases like Disarm the Descent (2013) and This Consequence (2025). Leach is renowned for his versatile vocal delivery, seamlessly alternating between clean singing and harsh screams, which has become a signature of the band's sound. Additionally, he has been a prominent advocate for mental health awareness in the metal community, openly discussing his experiences with anxiety and depression to encourage others to seek support. Adam Dutkiewicz has been the lead guitarist and primary producer since the band's inception in 1999, initially contributing on drums before switching to guitar; he has engineered and produced nearly all of Killswitch Engage's albums, shaping their polished production style, and has extended his production work to other acts like . plays , a role he has held since co-founding in ; he emphasizes intricate guitar harmonies that complement Dutkiewicz's leads, enhancing the band's layered sound across albums, and also participates in the side project alongside bandmates Leach and Dutkiewicz. Mike D'Antonio has provided bass since 1999 as a founding member, drawing from his prior experience in the band ; beyond his rhythmic foundation, he designs all of Killswitch Engage's album artwork and merchandise through his company Dark Icon Design, influencing the band's visual identity from (2002) onward. joined as drummer in 2003, bringing technical precision to the band's complex rhythms, particularly in double-kick patterns that underpin their high-energy tracks; his drumming appears on albums starting with (2004), and he also plays guitar in the instrumental project Lybica.

Former members

Howard Jones served as the lead vocalist of Killswitch Engage from 2002 to 2012, contributing to the band's breakthrough albums including (2004), (2006), and the second self-titled release (2009), which marked a significant commercial peak for the group. His departure in January 2012 was attributed to health challenges, primarily a recent diagnosis of that exacerbated personal struggles with anxiety and required him to step away from the demands of touring and recording. Following his exit, Jones formed the band Devil You Know in 2013, where he continued as the frontman. Pete Cortese was the lead guitarist from 2000 to 2001, joining shortly after the band's formation and contributing to their self-titled debut album released in 2000. He performed on early tours but departed after his final show with the band on January 13, 2001, in , with no specific reason publicly detailed at the time. Tom Gomes handled drums from 2001 to 2003, stepping in after transitioned from drums to guitar, and he recorded on the album (2002). Gomes toured extensively with the band during this period but left in late 2003 under circumstances described as unknown in contemporary reports. In addition to full-time former members, brief contributors included guest appearances by on later tracks, such as the duet "The Signal Fire" from (2019), showcasing his continued vocal collaboration with the band.

Side projects

Times of Grace

is a formed in 2008 by Killswitch Engage guitarist and vocalist , with fellow Killswitch Engage guitarist later joining for touring duties. The project began as an outlet for Dutkiewicz during his recovery from emergency back surgery following an injury sustained while on tour with Killswitch Engage. Stroetzel's involvement started as assistance on acoustic recordings and evolved into full live support. The band's debut album, The Hymn of a Broken Man, was released on January 18, 2011, through . Drawing from personal experiences of hardship, the record delves into themes of redemption, resilience, and spiritual reflection. It debuted at number 44 on the , selling around 10,000 copies in its first week. Times of Grace's second album, Songs of Loss and Separation, arrived on July 16, 2021, via Wicked Good Records and was produced by Dutkiewicz. Shifting toward a more introspective sound, the release incorporates elements of and while retaining roots. The band conducted select live shows from 2011 to 2012, including U.S. headline dates and appearances at festivals such as Soundwave in . Following the second album, they emphasized an atmospheric metalcore style in performances, though activity remained sporadic alongside members' commitments to Killswitch Engage.

Other endeavors

Mike D'Antonio, the band's bassist, is also the founder and bassist of the hardcore punk and thrash metal band , which released its debut EP Get Lost Or Get Dead in 2011 and has issued full-length albums through , including No Mercy from Electric Eyes in 2023. In addition to his musical contributions, D'Antonio operates the graphic design company DarkicoN Design and has created all of Killswitch Engage's album artwork and tour merchandise, including the cover for the band's 2004 album , which features a stylized heart motif symbolizing emotional turmoil. Drummer contributes guitar to the instrumental band Lybica, formed in 2020 during the ; the group released its self-titled debut album in 2022 via , blending intricate rhythms with atmospheric soundscapes. Foley has also performed session drumming for other metal acts, notably tracking drums for Unearth's 2011 album Darkness in the Light at Zing Studios after the band's previous drummer departed. Guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz has established himself as a prominent producer in the metalcore scene, working on albums for bands such as The Devil Wears Prada (Dead Throne, 2011), where he handled production, engineering, and mixing; Parkway Drive's early releases Killing with a Smile (2005) and Horizons (2007); and others including All That Remains, Unearth, and As I Lay Dying. Dutkiewicz does not pursue solo music projects but focuses on production and his roles within Killswitch Engage and Times of Grace. Vocalist provided guest vocals on German metalcore band Heaven Shall Burn's cover of Killswitch Engage's "Numbered Days," featured on their 2025 album Heimat and released as a single in June 2025, blending his signature melodic style with the band's aggressive reinterpretation. Rhythm guitarist maintains a lower profile outside Killswitch Engage, participating in mellower side projects such as the Americana-influenced Hidden Skyline, which released the album Causeways in 2024 (on which Stroetzel also served as ), and the rock band Brothers Born, which issued singles in recent years. He occasionally assists with production on these endeavors but has no extensive solo .

Discography

Studio albums

Killswitch Engage's debut studio album, Killswitch Engage, was released on July 4, 2000, through Ferret Music, serving as a raw introduction to the band's sound without entering major charts. Their second album, , arrived on May 21, 2002, via , marking a breakthrough that peaked at number 37 on the Heatseekers chart. The End of Heartache, released May 11, 2004, on , debuted at number 21 on the and was certified gold by the RIAA on November 21, 2007. As Daylight Dies, issued November 21, 2006, through , reached number 32 on the and earned platinum certification from the RIAA on November 23, 2021. The band's second self-titled album, Killswitch Engage, came out June 30, 2009, on , achieving a peak of number 7 on the Billboard 200. Disarm the Descent, released April 2, 2013, via , debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200. Incarnate, their seventh studio effort, was put out March 11, 2016, on , landing at number 6 on the . Atonement, released August 16, 2019, through , peaked at number 13 on the . The latest album, This Consequence, debuted February 21, 2025, on , entering the at number 188, with lead single "I Believe" reaching number 4 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.

Other releases

In addition to their studio output, Killswitch Engage has released several live recordings, capturing their energetic performances. Their first live album, (Set This) World Ablaze, was recorded at The Palladium in , and issued in 2005 as a DVD with accompanying audio, featuring tracks from their early catalog alongside behind-the-scenes footage. The release earned gold certification from the RIAA for shipments exceeding 50,000 units in the United States. More recently, the band documented a special streaming event held on August 6, 2021, at The Palladium, where they performed their 2019 album in full followed by their 2000 self-titled debut; this performance was released as the live album Live at the Palladium on June 3, 2022, via , spanning 20 tracks including fan favorites like "Unleashed" and "The Signal Fire." The band has also ventured into EPs and special compilations, often highlighting acoustic reinterpretations or milestone editions. In 2008, Killswitch Engage released an acoustic version of "The Arms of Sorrow" from their 2006 album , distributed digitally as a standalone that showcased a stripped-down emphasizing emotional depth over heavy . To mark significant anniversaries, the group issued reissues of key works, including expanded editions in 2012 celebrating the 10th anniversary of with bonus tracks and remastered audio. Video releases have provided fans with immersive glimpses into the band's history and creative process. Beyond the live concert footage in (Set This) World Ablaze, Killswitch Engage produced the documentary Beyond the Flames: Home Video Volume II in 2016, a two-disc set (Blu-ray and CD) that includes a 75-minute on the band's reunion with vocalist , lineup changes, and personal struggles, paired with 17 live performance videos from tours supporting and Incarnate. While Killswitch Engage has not compiled a dedicated singles collection, several tracks have achieved notable commercial success and cultural impact. The 2007 single "My Curse" from As Daylight Dies became their first platinum-certified release by the RIAA in 2020, with over one million units sold or streamed, driven by its anthemic chorus and music video rotation on networks like MTV2. In 2019, "The Signal Fire"—a duet reuniting Leach and former singer Howard Jones on Atonement—gained attention for its symbolic collaboration, peaking at No. 25 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Similarly, lead single "Unleashed" from the same album reached No. 13 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, highlighting the band's enduring radio presence.

Legacy

Impact on metalcore

Killswitch Engage emerged as pioneers of melodic metalcore in the early 2000s, with their second album Alive or Just Breathing (2002) serving as a genre landmark by fusing hardcore aggression with soaring melodies and technical riffs, effectively burying the dominance of nu metal and igniting a metalcore revolution. Their follow-up, The End of Heartache (2004), further solidified this innovation, peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy nomination for its title track in Best Metal Performance, while emphasizing emotional depth through dual vocal styles. Collectively, the band's albums have sold over four million records in the United States, establishing them as commercial trailblazers in blending hardcore and metal elements for mainstream appeal. The band's influence extended to numerous peers, mainstreaming the hardcore-metal hybrid and shaping melodic shifts in the genre. Bring Me the Horizon's frontman has credited Killswitch Engage's early work, particularly , as his gateway into metal, inspiring the group's incorporation of breakdowns and melodic structures in their initial phase. drew from their riff-driven intensity and melodic evolution, as evidenced by shared production influences and mutual admiration in the mid-2000s scene. Architects, in turn, adopted elements of vocal duality—alternating harsh screams with clean singing—pioneered by Killswitch Engage, contributing to the subgenre's emotional and atmospheric expansions. Culturally, Killswitch Engage boosted Roadrunner Records' metalcore roster by headlining tours and delivering MTV-friendly singles like "My Last Serenade," which helped elevate acts such as Shadows Fall and Unearth alongside them. They played a key role in reviving the New England metalcore scene during the early 2000s, emerging from Massachusetts' punk and hardcore roots to foster a regional wave of heavy music innovation. Long-term, their 25th anniversary in 2024, marked by a special performance at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival—including a reunion with former vocalist Howard Jones—and a Revolver magazine collector's issue, underscored their enduring fanbase and contributions to festival circuits like Ozzfest, where they helped propel the "New Wave of American Heavy Metal."

Awards and nominations

Killswitch Engage has received several accolades throughout their career, including Grammy nominations, wins at the , and Music Awards, along with RIAA certifications for sales milestones. The band has not secured a Grammy win but has been recognized for their contributions to metal and . Their commercial success is reflected in multiple and platinum certifications from the (RIAA).

Grammy Nominations

Killswitch Engage earned three Grammy nominations in the Best Metal Performance category. In 2005, for the , the band was nominated for "The End of Heartache" from their 2004 album of the same name. In 2014, at the , "In Due Time" from their self-titled 2013 album received a . Their third nomination came in 2020, for the , with "Unleashed" from the 2019 album . None of these resulted in a win.

Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards

The band has won three awards at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods, a prominent UK-based metal awards ceremony. In 2004, The End of Heartache was awarded Best Album. They received Best International Band in 2007. In 2014, Killswitch Engage won Best Live Band.

Boston Music Awards

As a Massachusetts-based act, Killswitch Engage has been honored multiple times at the Boston Music Awards. In 2005, they won in the Hard Rock Band category. For the 2007 ceremony, the band took home Act of the Year and Hard Rock/Metal Album of the Year for As Daylight Dies.

Certifications

Killswitch Engage's RIAA certifications highlight their sales achievements in the United States. The 2004 album was certified on December 7, 2007, for 500,000 units shipped. Their 2005 live DVD (Set This) World Ablaze reached status on August 4, 2006, for 50,000 units. The 2006 album was certified on June 30, 2009, and upgraded to on November 24, 2021, for one million units. The single "My Curse" from achieved certification on September 11, 2020, for one million units.

Other Recognition

Killswitch Engage performed at the inaugural Revolver Golden Gods Awards in , though they did not win. The band has not received major award wins since as of November 2025.

References

  1. [1]
    Killswitch Engage | The Music Museum of New England
    Jul 18, 2025 · Killswitch Engage formed in Westfield (about 15 miles from Springfield) in 1999 after the disbandment of two other groups, Overcast and ...
  2. [2]
    Killswitch Engage - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives
    Sep 25, 2002 · Killswitch Engage ; Status: Active ; Formed in: 1999 ; Genre: Metalcore ; Themes: Heartbreak, Romance, Suffering, Personal struggles, Positivity ...
  3. [3]
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE | This Consequence
    Hailing from Western Massachusetts (where the only thing icier than the freeway in winter is the blunt sense of humor shared by the locals), Killswitch Engage - ...
  4. [4]
    Alive Or Just Breathing: how Killswitch Engage saved metal from itself
    May 25, 2020 · With Alive Or Just Breathing and The End Of Heartache, Killswitch Engage buried nu metal and sparked the metalcore revolution.
  5. [5]
    Killswitch Engage's Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel
    Feb 17, 2025 · ... KILLSWITCH ENGAGE (@killswitchengage) • Instagram photos and ... › Killswitch Engage › · KILLSWITCH ENGAGE | This Consequence ›. The Latest.
  6. [6]
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: Fire From The Lion's Mane
    Sep 3, 2019 · ... Jesse Leach from Nothing Stays Gold. The band has endured numerous highs and lows throughout its 20 year career. Releasing a demo in 1999 ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    In Flames Setlist at Palladium Upstairs, Worcester
    Nov 18, 1999 · ... 1999 Tour and other In Flames Setlists for free on setlist ... Killswitch Engage Add time · Add time · Shadows Fall Add time · Add time.
  8. [8]
    Artist of the Month Jan 06: Killswitch Engage Review - antiMUSIC
    This 3 song demo would be passed along to Roadrunner Records, and 3 months ... Killswitch Engage - Alive or Just Breathing (reissue). Label:RoadrunnerMissing: 1999 | Show results with:1999<|control11|><|separator|>
  9. [9]
    Killswitch Engage
    First Killswitch Engage live show takes place Upstairs at The Palladium in Worcester, MA opening for In Flames, Moonspell and Shadows Fall (Nov 18, 1999).
  10. [10]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/2226564-Killswitch-Engage-Killswitch-Engage
  11. [11]
    Killswitch Engage: the story behind My Last Serenade - Louder Sound
    Apr 5, 2022 · Guitarist Adam D loos back at Killswitch's classic 2002 anthem My Last Serenade, the song which introduced the world to the band and put them on the map.
  12. [12]
    https://killswitchengage.com/
  13. [13]
    Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach Details Past Depression - Loudwire
    Feb 11, 2014 · The frontman explained, “When I left Killswitch, there was definitely something wrong with my head. I was dealing with a depression.
  14. [14]
    Inside Killswitch's 'The End of Heartache': Haunted Studios, Howard ...
    May 10, 2019 · Enter Jones, then fronting the Connecticut-based hardcore band Blood Has Been Shed. The singer had known the guys in Killswitch for years. He ...
  15. [15]
    Blood Has Been Shed not breaking up - Lambgoat
    Jul 11, 2002 · Since Blood Has Been Shed vocalist Howard Jones officially joined Killswitch Engage last week, there has been some uncertainty surrounding ...
  16. [16]
    Poison the Well's 2002 Concert & Tour History
    Poison the Well tours & concert list along with photos, videos, and setlists of their live performances.
  17. [17]
    Killswitch Engage - My Last Serenade [OFFICIAL VIDEO] - YouTube
    Oct 26, 2009 · Killswitch Engage's music video for 'My Last Serenade' from the album, Alive Or Just Breathing. Celebrating its 20th anniversary later this ...Missing: Ian McClelland
  18. [18]
    Fan Poll: 5 Best Killswitch Engage Songs - Revolver Magazine
    Feb 14, 2018 · 1. "My Last Serenade". Killswitch Engage's 2002 breakthrough album, Alive or Just Breathing, features what is arguably the group's most famous ...
  19. [19]
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Drummer Out? - BLABBERMOUTH.NET
    Oct 7, 2003 · Drummer Tom Gomes is strongly rumored to have left KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. His replacement, according to unconfirmed reports, is Justin Foley ...Missing: 2001-2003 | Show results with:2001-2003
  20. [20]
    Ten Years Of The End Of Heartache - Louder Sound
    May 11, 2014 · Ten years ago today, Killswitch Engage released The End Of Heartache ... Released on 11 May, and peaking at number 21 on the Billboard 200 ...
  21. [21]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/11520543-Killswitch-Engage-The-End-Of-Heartache
  22. [22]
    History - Ozzfest
    Shadows Fall Black Label Society In Flames Rob Zombie Killswitch Engage As I ... 2004. Black Sabbath Judas Priest Slayer Dimmu Borgir Superjoint Ritual
  23. [23]
    When did Killswitch Engage release (Set This) World Ablaze? - Genius
    Killswitch Engage released (Set This) World Ablaze on November 22, 2005.Missing: RIAA certification<|control11|><|separator|>
  24. [24]
    Killswitch Engage to Re-Broadcast Livestream For Fans
    Dec 14, 2021 · The single “The End of Heartache” and their cover of “Holy Diver” are also certified gold. Lastly, the Atonement Tour will be back on the road ...
  25. [25]
    Gold & Platinum - RIAA
    ### Certification Details for "The End of Heartache" by Killswitch Engage
  26. [26]
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's 'As Daylight Dies' Album Certified Platinum ...
    Nov 24, 2021 · KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's fourth album, 2006's "As Daylight Dies", has been certified platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of ...
  27. [27]
    'As Daylight Dies' Becomes First Platinum Killswitch Engage Album
    Nov 24, 2021 · As Daylight Dies, Killswitch's fourth studio album, reached No. 32 on the Billboard 200 charts upon its initial release and was certified gold ...
  28. [28]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/8765481-Killswitch-Engage-As-Daylight-Dies
  29. [29]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/3593574-Killswitch-Engage-As-Daylight-Dies
  30. [30]
    Three Killswitch Engage Songs Reach New Sales Milestones
    Sep 13, 2020 · ... Killswitch Engage, who saw three of their tracks reach new sales heights. The RIAA has now certified "My Curse" as a platinum track (for one ...
  31. [31]
    Holy Diver - Killswitch Engage - The Metal Archives
    Sep 5, 2007 · Killswitch Engage ; Type: Single ; Release date: September 4th, 2007 ; Catalog ID: RR PROMO 1009 ; Label: Roadrunner Records ; Format: CD ...
  32. [32]
    Killswitch Engage explain tour postponement - NME
    Jan 16, 2007 · “After a series of tests in hospital, Adam was informed his back injury ... Killswitch Engage had no choice but to postpone their shows in ...
  33. [33]
    Adam Dutkiewicz to Leave Warped Tour - Guitar World
    Aug 2, 2007 · Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz has been forced to leave ... Adam underwent back surgery in early 2007. In order to fully ...
  34. [34]
    Family Values Tour 2007 - Concerts - Songfacts Forums
    Aug 8, 2007 · Family Values Tour 2007. RonJonSurfer. By RonJonSurfer. August 8 ... Killswitch Engage, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, MC Chris, Meg ...
  35. [35]
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE October European tour - Metal Injection
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE will head to Europe for a tour in October: October 03 – London, UK – Brixton Academy October 04 – Cologne, GER – Palladium ...
  36. [36]
    https://tower.jp/article/news/2008/03/14/100012672
  37. [37]
    Lamb of God and Killswitch Engage Announce Tour - Guitar World
    Sep 26, 2007 · After a successful premiere run on Warped Tour 2007, Killswitch Engage ... Japan, Australia, U.K. and Europe, Lamb of God will take 2008 ...
  38. [38]
    Killswitch Engage's 2009 Concert & Tour History
    Killswitch Engage tours & concert list along with photos, videos, and setlists of their live performances.
  39. [39]
    Howard Jones Reveals Anxiety Led to Killswitch Engage Exit
    Jun 9, 2014 · Devil You Know frontman Howard Jones confirms in a new interview that anxiety issues led to his eventual exit from Killswitch Engage.
  40. [40]
    Killswitch Engage comments on singer's absence - Lambgoat
    Feb 17, 2010 · Official press release: Last week, it was announced that Killswitch Engage vocalist Howard ... KsE also said, "We seriously considered cancelling ...
  41. [41]
    Howard Jones forced to leave KILLSWITCH ENGAGE tour
    Howard Jones has had to leave the current Killswitch Engage tour with Dark Tranquility and The Devil Wears Prada due to what the band is calling "unforeseen ...
  42. [42]
    TIMES OF GRACE: 'The Hymn Of A Broken Man' Artwork, Final ...
    Oct 21, 2010 · The CD is scheduled for release on January 18, 2011 through Roadrunner Records. Dutkiewicz and Leach worked together on KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's ...
  43. [43]
    Killswitch Engage Perform With Jesse Leach At New England Metal ...
    Killswitch Engage Perform With Jesse Leach At New England Metal & Hardcore Fest 2012. by Zach Shaw | Apr 23, 2012 | Reviews, Video | 0 comments.Missing: fills 2011
  44. [44]
    Former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Singer Explains His Departure
    Jan 6, 2012 · Former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Howard Jones has released the ... One of the low points being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes that went unchecked ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  45. [45]
    Singer Howard Jones Explains His Exit From Killswitch Engage
    Jan 6, 2012 · Singer Howard Jones Explains His Exit From Killswitch Engage. Graham ... One of the low points being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes that went ...
  46. [46]
    Killswitch Engage confirm Jesse Leach has rejoined as their new ...
    Feb 9, 2012 · Killswitch Engage have confirmed that their former singer Jesse Leach has rejoined the band. The metallers parted ways with frontman Howard Jones last month.
  47. [47]
    AN NCS INTERVIEW: JESSE LEACH OF KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
    Nov 12, 2012 · [When I left Killswitch] I was going through a depression and going all out not being able to control my voice because I couldn't control my ...
  48. [48]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/7332475-Killswitch-Engage-Alive-Or-Just-Breathing
  49. [49]
    Killswitch Engage to Play 'Alive or Just Breathing' in Full on 2012 ...
    Oct 1, 2012 · The video continues to say, "'Alive or Just Breathing' 10 Year Anniversary Tour. Performing the entire record from beginning to end … with ...Missing: reissue bonus tracks
  50. [50]
    Killswitch Engage to 'Disarm the Descent' With Original Singer
    Feb 20, 2013 · Trending on Billboard. A change in singers made for a sea change in sound on Killswitch Engage's upcoming new album, “Disarm the Descent.
  51. [51]
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's 'Disarm The Descent' Cracks U.S. Top 10
    Apr 10, 2013 · ... release to land at position No. 7 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD arrived in stores on April 2 via Roadrunner Records. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE...
  52. [52]
    2014 Heavy Metal Grammy Nominees Include BLACK SABBATH ...
    Best Metal Performance: Anthrax – “T.N.T.” (AC/DC cover) Black Sabbath – “God Is Dead?“ Dream Theater – “The Enemy Inside“ Killswitch Engage – “In Due Time“
  53. [53]
    Mayhem Festival 2013 Setlists
    Add Setlist. Venues. Darling's Waterfront Pavilion, Bangor, ME, USA. Tour Update. Close Video. Marquee Memories: Killswitch Engage. 0 seconds of 54 seconds.
  54. [54]
    Tours: Killswitch Engage (Europe) | Punknews.org
    Feb 1, 2013 · Killswitch Engage (Europe) ; April 29, 2013, Paris, France, Le Trabendo ; April 30, 2013, Cologne, Germany, Essigfabrik ; May 2, 2013, Manchester, ...
  55. [55]
    Adam D and Joel Stroetzel: how Killswitch Engage evolved to create ...
    Jun 16, 2016 · Killswitch Engage's Incarnate may be their darkest and most diverse yet, but it belies Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel's relaxed state of mind.
  56. [56]
    Incarnate by Killswitch Engage (Album; Roadrunner; 1686-174912)
    Rating 3.1 (870) Mar 11, 2016 · Incarnate, an Album by Killswitch Engage. Released 11 March 2016 on Roadrunner (catalog no. 1686-174912; CD). Genres: Melodic Metalcore.
  57. [57]
    Killswitch Engage's 'Incarnate' Cracks Billboard Top 10 - Loudwire
    Mar 21, 2016 · Killswitch Engage's newest album, 'Incarnate,' debuted at No. 6, moving 35000 copies in its first week.
  58. [58]
    Killswitch Engage - Strength Of The Mind [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
    Dec 11, 2015 · Stream/download: https://smarturl.it/kse-inc Killswitch Engage's video for "Strength Of The Mind", from the album, Incarnate - available on ...Missing: Quiet Distress
  59. [59]
    Killswitch Engage - Quiet Distress (Audio) - YouTube
    Mar 9, 2016 · /smarturl.it/incarnate-itunes Subscribe: http://bit.ly/171a3Ya Site: http://www.killswitchengage ... KILLSWITCH ENGAGE As Daylight Dies full album.
  60. [60]
    Killswitch Engage Setlist at Knotfest México 2016
    Oct 15, 2016 · Get the Killswitch Engage Setlist of the concert at Centro Dinámico Pegaso, Toluca, Mexico on October 15, 2016 from the Incarnate Tour and ...
  61. [61]
    Killswitch Engage Announce 2017 Australian Tour - Music Feeds
    This time they'll be bringing genre-mates Fallujah for their first-ever Australian jaunt. Watch: Killswitch Engage – 'Hate By Design'.
  62. [62]
    Killswitch Engage To Release 'Beyond the Flames: Home Video Part II'
    Oct 27, 2016 · Killswitch Engage To Release 'Beyond the Flames: Home Video Part II' · 1. "No End in Sight" · 2. "Life to Lifeless" · 3. "Always" · 4. "In Due Time"
  63. [63]
    Reviews - Beyond the Flames: Home Video Volume II - Blabbermouth
    Leach left KILLSWITCH ENGAGE after the band broke out with 2002's "Alive or Just Breathing": leaving the band in a quandary. Enter Howard Jones and drummer ...
  64. [64]
    Killswitch Engage To Perform 'Alive Or Just Breathing' In Full On ...
    Nov 24, 2016 · Killswitch Engage have announced that their forthcoming 2017 Australian tour will see them play 'Alive Or Just Breathing' in full.
  65. [65]
    Killswitch Engage To Release Vinyl Of 'Alive Or Just Breathing ...
    House of ...
  66. [66]
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Reveal Impressive Chart Positions For ...
    Aug 29, 2019 · KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Reveal Impressive Chart Positions For Atonement Album ... #2 – Billboard Top Albums #13 – Billboard Top 200. Canada: #1 ...
  67. [67]
    Killswitch Engage receive 2020 Best Metal Performance Grammy ...
    Nov 20, 2019 · Killswitch Engage received a 2020 GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of Best Metal Performance for their song “Unleashed.”
  68. [68]
    Hear Jesse Leach, Howard Jones Duet on Killswitch Engage's "The ...
    Aug 16, 2019 · Hear Jesse Leach, Howard Jones Duet on Killswitch Engage's "The Signal Fire". Band's new album 'Atonement' out now. Tap to unmute. Your browser ...
  69. [69]
    Coronavirus: A Full List of Metal and Hard Rock Tours and Their ...
    Mar 12, 2020 · Killswitch Engage, August Burns Red, Light the Torch Run dates: March 10 – April 12. Status: entirely canceled as of March 13. band issued ...
  70. [70]
    Killswitch Engage to Perform Two Full Albums for August Livestream ...
    Jul 13, 2021 · Killswitch Engage have announced a livestream event set for August 6th. The band will perform 2019's Atonement and 2000's self-titled LP in ...<|separator|>
  71. [71]
    Killswitch Engage “Live at the Palladium” | Metal Blade Records
    Buy iTunes Artist Page. ARTIST: Killswitch Engage ALBUM: Live at the Palladium RELEASE DATE: 06/03/2022. 01. Unleashed 02. The Signal Fire
  72. [72]
    Killswitch Engage Announce Rescheduled Winter 2022 Headline ...
    AUGUST BURNS RED + LIGHT THE TORCH TO REJOIN AS SUPPORT. Gold-selling and three-time Grammy-nominated hard rock heavyweights Killswitch Engage have announced ...
  73. [73]
    Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach On His Renewed Voice & Mental ...
    Aug 7, 2019 · Jesse has prompted a dialogue for mental health awareness, and with the band's 8th coming album, Atonement, it's only become more a target issue.
  74. [74]
    Killswitch Engage to re-release first self-titled album from 2000 on ...
    Aug 27, 2020 · Killswitch Engage to re-release first self-titled album from 2000 on vinyl October 9th · KILLSWITCH ENGAGE are celebrating the 20th anniversary ...
  75. [75]
    Watch: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Rejoined By Singer HOWARD ...
    Sep 22, 2024 · Watch: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Rejoined By Singer HOWARD JONES At 2024 NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL. September 22, 2024. Audio Coming Soon.
  76. [76]
    Killswitch Engage Reunite with Howard Jones at New England Fest
    Sep 23, 2024 · Killswitch Engage were rejoined by former lead singer Howard Jones during the band's 25th anniversary set as part of the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival.<|separator|>
  77. [77]
    Killswitch Engage Setlist at New England Metal and Hardcore ...
    Sep 21, 2024 · Get the Killswitch Engage Setlist of the concert at The Palladium Outdoors, Worcester, MA, USA on September 21, 2024 and other Killswitch Engage<|separator|>
  78. [78]
    Killswitch Engage “This Consequence” | Metal Blade Records
    ARTIST: Killswitch Engage ALBUM: This Consequence RELEASE DATE: 02/21/2025. 01. Abandon Us 02. Discordant Nation 03. Aftermath 04. Forever Aligned
  79. [79]
    Killswitch Engage Share Video for New Single “I Believe”
    Killswitch Engage Share Video for New Single “I Believe”. - January 23rd, 2025 –. NEW ALBUM THIS CONSEQUENCE OUT FEBRUARY 21 VIA METAL BLADE.
  80. [80]
    Killswitch Engage Announce Spring 2025 North American Tour
    Oct 29, 2024 · Killswitch Engage have announced a 2025 North American tour set to run from early March through mid April. The outing will feature support from Kublai Khan TX, ...
  81. [81]
    Killswitch Engage Announce Headline Return to the UK and Europe
    May 6, 2025 · For the EU dates, the line-up will be: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, DECAPITATED, and EMPLOYED TO SERVE. The tour comprises 25 dates ...
  82. [82]
    Killswitch Engage Tickets | 2025-26 Tour & Concert Dates
    Killswitch Engage come to National Stadium, Dublin on 20 October 2025. When are tickets on sale? Tickets are on sale ...
  83. [83]
    https://www.loudersound.com/bands-artists/it-spiralled-me-into-a-really-dark-place-i-needed-a-more-gentle-hand-and-i-didnt-know-how-to-ask-for-help-killswitch-engages-jesse-leach-explains-the-turmoil-behind-one-of-metalcores-biggest-anthems
  84. [84]
    https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/killswitch-engages-jesse-leach-turmoil-150000863.html
  85. [85]
    Killswitch Engage Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio ... - AllMusic
    Explore Killswitch Engage's discography including top tracks, albums, and reviews ... Formed. 1999 in Westfield, MA. Styles. Heavy Metal, Metalcore ...Missing: formation | Show results with:formation
  86. [86]
    Twenty Years Ago, Killswitch Engage Perfected Melodic Metalcore ...
    May 11, 2024 · As bands re-light the torch for this era, it would be wise to look back at Killswitch Engage perfecting melodic metalcore 20 years ago.
  87. [87]
    KEN SUSI Says UNEARTH Is One Of Only Metalcore Bands Who ...
    Nov 4, 2019 · ... melodic death metal-inspired riffing and hardcore "breakdowns." Ground zero for the scene was Massachusetts, with the likes of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ...
  88. [88]
    Justin Foley: Killswitch Engage's Rulebreaker
    May 5, 2011 · Foley gets some monstrous sounds from his diminutive kick, though. He's capable of playing double bass at breakneck speeds, but also ...
  89. [89]
    Tempo for My Curse - Killswitch Engage - SongBPM
    My Curse is a somber song by Killswitch Engage with a tempo of 177 BPM. It can also be used half-time at 89 BPM. The track runs 4 minutes and 5 seconds long.
  90. [90]
    Adam Dutkiewicz on the Evolution of Heaviness | HIMMP Interview
    Jul 19, 2025 · Grammy-winning producer Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage) reveals how the perception of heaviness in metal production evolved from the ...
  91. [91]
    Review: Killswitch Engage – Incarnate - The Toilet Ov Hell
    Mar 21, 2016 · The band comprised of popular local acts Overcast, Aftershock, and Nothing Stays Gold ... Jesse Leach left the band via email, citing depression ...
  92. [92]
    Jesse Leach's ultimate hardcore (and metal, and trip-hop) playlist
    Sep 9, 2020 · Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach talks us through the music that's essential to his life – and he goes big on the 'core, throwing in some healthy slabs ...Missing: members | Show results with:members
  93. [93]
    Five Minutes Alone With Killswitch Engage's Adam D - Louder Sound
    Nov 4, 2016 · ... Bands & Artists · Interviews · Killswitch Engage. Five Minutes Alone With ... A LOT OF THE BANDS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED YOU – AT THE GATES, IN ...Missing: members | Show results with:members
  94. [94]
    Times Of Grace / Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam D on the 10 ...
    Times Of Grace / Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam D on the 10 albums that changed his life ... It's obviously where we all got our influences ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  95. [95]
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's ADAM DUTKIEWICZ: 'JAMES HETFIELD ...
    Feb 13, 2022 · KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz spoke about the influence of METALLICA on his musical upbringing.Missing: members | Show results with:members
  96. [96]
    JESSE LEACH Discusses The Influence Of FAITH NO MORE ...
    Leach also added that Killswitch Engage was influenced by the likes of Faith No More and Pantera during the writing process in terms of mixing heaviness and ...
  97. [97]
    How Jesse Leach went from preacher's son to metalcore icon | Louder
    Mar 14, 2025 · Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach shares the trials, tribulations and ultimate triumphs that made him a metal hero.
  98. [98]
    How Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach Learned to Scream - Loudwire
    Jun 6, 2025 · ... Killswitch Engage singer Jesse Leach ... Funny enough, Leach discovered his most powerful vocal capabilities by accident.
  99. [99]
    Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach: Mental Health + Mushrooms
    Jul 16, 2019 · Jesse Leach talks about his own mental health struggles and a natural alternative that's helped him through it.
  100. [100]
    Adam Dutkiewicz Bio, Net Worth, Family, Facts, Career ... - Mabumbe
    Jan 28, 2025 · In 1999, Dutkiewicz co-founded Killswitch Engage with Joel Stroetzel, Mike D'Antonio, and Jesse Leach. Initially serving as the drummer, he ...
  101. [101]
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's MIKE D'ANTONIO Denies Using Artificial ...
    Feb 13, 2025 · All of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's album artwork and tour merchandise is designed by D'Antonio, who is a graphic artist. D'Antonio's company ...Missing: Overcast | Show results with:Overcast
  102. [102]
    Lybica, Featuring Killswitch Engage Drummer Justin Foley On Guitar ...
    Lybica, Featuring Killswitch Engage Drummer Justin Foley On Guitar, Share Double Single “Palatial” + “Ferment” ... “These tunes were two early ...Missing: patterns | Show results with:patterns
  103. [103]
    Howard Jones Reveals Exactly What Led to Him Leaving ...
    When Howard Jones originally confirmed that he was leaving Killswitch Engage in 2012, he said it was mainly because he had been diagnosed with type 2 ...
  104. [104]
    Howard Jones Reveals Specific Reasons Behind Leaving Killswitch ...
    Jun 11, 2014 · Howard Jones has revealed the reasons that he left Killswitch Engage. As the singer told Revolver (via Metal Injection), anxiety issues, ...
  105. [105]
    Killswitch Engage singer Howard Jones: Diabetes, personal ...
    Jan 6, 2012 · Singer Howard Jones attributed his decision to leave Westfield metal band Killswitch Engage to personal issues, including dealing with diabetes.
  106. [106]
    Ex-Killswitch Engage Vocalist Howard Jones Resurfaces in Devil ...
    Oct 23, 2013 · Ex-Killswitch Engage Vocalist Howard Jones Resurfaces in Devil You Know ... Howard Jones departed Killswitch Engage at the beginning of 2012 and ...
  107. [107]
    Killswitch Engage guitarist to leave band - Lambgoat
    Jan 10, 2001 · Guitarist Pete Cortese will officially be leaving Killswitch Engage. His last live show with the band will be on January 13th in Syracuse, ...
  108. [108]
    Pete Cortese - Encyclopaedia Metallum - The Metal Archives
    Apr 12, 2011 · [1] He appeared in Killswitch Engage for a short period of time. Pete graduated from Bergvliet Primary School and then Milford High School ...
  109. [109]
    Tom Gomes - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives
    Apr 12, 2011 · Tom Gomes is a former drummer for the metalcore bands Aftershock, Catchthirteen, and Killswitch Engage. He joined Killswitch Engage after ...Missing: changes | Show results with:changes
  110. [110]
    Killswitch Engage Replace Drummer? - Metal Underground.com
    Oct 7, 2003 · KILLSWITCH ENGAGE drummer Tom Gomes is heavily rumored to have left the band for unknown reasons. The man replacing him is rumored to be ...Missing: changes 2001-2003
  111. [111]
    Times of Grace Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & M... - AllMusic
    The side project of hyperkinetic Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, Times of Grace formed in 2008 while Dutkiewicz was convalescing after getting ...
  112. [112]
    “I don't think anyone is who they are onstage when they're… | Kerrang!
    Jul 13, 2021 · Times Of Grace started out back in 2007, from music Adam wrote as he recovered from emergency surgery in London while on tour with Killswitch ...
  113. [113]
    Adam Dutkiewicz Debuts His Side Project - Guitar World
    Mar 30, 2011 · Four years ago, while on tour with Killswitch Engage, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz found himself laid up in a London hospital bed with a severe ...Missing: formation date<|control11|><|separator|>
  114. [114]
    TIMES OF GRACE Announces Touring Lineup - Blabbermouth
    Jan 25, 2011 · Stroetzel's involvement in TIMES OF GRACE was a happy accident, as he assisted his former and current bandmates when they recorded acoustic ...
  115. [115]
    Times of Grace - Heavy Christian Music
    Debut Album: The Hymn of a Broken Man (2011) ... As of 2023, Times of Grace remains an active project for both Dutkiewicz and Leach, existing alongside their ...
  116. [116]
    TIMES OF GRACE (Feat. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Members) Unveil ...
    Sep 1, 2021 · The band's debut album “The Hymn Of A Broken Man” arrived in 2011 ... 44 on The Billboard 200 chart. Tap to unmute. Your browser can't ...
  117. [117]
    Times of Grace (Killswitch Engage) Announce New Album, Share ...
    May 21, 2021 · ... Songs of Loss and Separation. Ahead of the July 16th release date, the band has shared the video for the lead single, “The Burden of Belief”.
  118. [118]
    Times of Grace - Songs of Loss and Separation (Album Review)
    Rating 8.5/10 · Review by Gonzalo PozoJul 16, 2021 · What is this? Report Ad. Released by: Wicked Good Records Release Date: July 16th, 2021. Genre: Metal. Musicians: Dan Gluszak / Drums; Adam ...
  119. [119]
    Times of Grace announces touring line-up - Lambgoat
    Jan 25, 2011 · ... Joel Stroetzel, bassist Daniel Struble and drummer Dan Gluszak ... involvement in Times of Grace was a happy accident, as he assisted ...
  120. [120]
    Times of Grace - Concert - Setlist.fm
    Oct 29, 2025 · Times of Grace at Dirt Fest 2011 · Strength in Numbers · Willing · Hope Remains · In the Arms of Mercy · Live in Love · Worlds Apart · Hymn of a Broken ...Missing: 2024 | Show results with:2024
  121. [121]
    Times Of Grace's Songs Of Loss And Separation: Jesse Leach and ...
    Rating 4.0 · Review by Stephen HillJul 13, 2021 · Ten years after their debut album, The Hymn Of A Broken Man, Jesse Leach and Adam Dutkiewicz have revisited their Times Of Grace project.Missing: Pain 2024
  122. [122]
    Death Ray Vision | Metal Blade Records
    Mike D'Antonio: Bass Colin Conway: Drums Birthed at the juncture where hardcore and punk meet metal, Death Ray Vision hit their stride with the soon to be ...
  123. [123]
    https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/times-of-grace-4bd29b96.html
  124. [124]
    Lybica, Featuring Killswitch Engage Drummer Justin Foley on Guitar ...
    Jul 28, 2022 · Lybica, Featuring Killswitch Engage Drummer Justin Foley on Guitar, Announce Self-Titled Debut Album · Lybica Arrives On September 16 Via Metal ...Missing: double- patterns<|control11|><|separator|>
  125. [125]
    https://www.metalblade.com/us/artists/death-ray-vision/
  126. [126]
    Unearth Check In From The Studio - Theprp.com
    Jan 5, 2011 · We're currently at Zing Studios in Westfield, MA tracking drums with our sit in drummer for the album Justin Foley of Killswitch Engage/Blood ...
  127. [127]
    Adam Dutkiewicz - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives
    Apr 21, 2011 · Producer. 2013, Disarm the Descent, Engineering, Producer. 2016, Incarnate, Engineering, Producer, Mixing, Recording (as "Trash D.") 2019 ...
  128. [128]
    Parkway Drive look back on being produced by Killswitch Engage ...
    Sep 5, 2025 · Parkway Drive have spoken about being produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam D. The Australian metalcore band were accompanied by the ...
  129. [129]
    Heaven Shall Burn team up with Jesse Leach for Killswitch Engage ...
    Jun 11, 2025 · Heaven Shall Burn have shared their rendition of Killswitch Engage song "Numbered Days," featuring KsE frontman Jesse Leach.
  130. [130]
    How Killswitch Engage went to thrash metal bootcamp to deliver ...
    Apr 21, 2025 · Joel, you've got some side projects as well, but they're not nearly as loud as Killswitch. Stroetzel: “[Laughs]. Yeah, I play in two mellower, ...
  131. [131]
    Joel Stroetzel (Killswitch Engage) - The Riffhard Podcast
    Jul 18, 2022 · Joel Stroetzel is a guitarist for Killswitch Engage. Joel is also active in various side projects including Brothers Born and The Hidden Skyline.
  132. [132]
    Killswitch Engage (2000) Lyrics and Tracklist - Genius
    The self titled debut album by Killswitch Engage is often viewed as one of the first successful metalcore albums, it was re-released five years after its ...
  133. [133]
    Alive or Just Breathing - Metal Wiki - Fandom
    Alive or Just Breathing is the second album by American metalcore band Killswitch Engage. The album reached No. 37 on Billboard magazine's Heatseekers chart.
  134. [134]
    https://www.riffhardpodcast.com/joel-stroetzel-killswitch-engage/
  135. [135]
    Killswitch Engage Certified Gold By RIAA For 'The End Of Heartache'
    Nov 21, 2007 · Killswitch Engage have officially received their first RIAA gold certification for their sophomore Roadrunner release, The End of Heartache.
  136. [136]
    https://metal.fandom.com/wiki/Alive_or_Just_Breathing
  137. [137]
    How did they go from #15 to #188 on the Billboard Top 200? - Reddit
    Mar 4, 2025 · [deleted]. • 8mo ago. Cuz the new album sucks. Community Info Section. r/killswitchengage. Join. Killswitch Engage. Killswitch Engage. Show more ...
  138. [138]
    Killswitch Engage discography - Wikipedia
    Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts. Their discography consists of nine studio albums, three video albums, ...
  139. [139]
    https://bravewords.com/news/killswitch-engage-reveal-impressive-chart-positions-for-atonement-album
  140. [140]
    https://www.music-discussion.com/showthread.php?tid=24945
  141. [141]
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Singles Hit New U.S. Sales Milestones
    Sep 11, 2020 · Three singles from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE have reached new sales milestones in the U.S. "My Curse" has been certified platinum by the RIAA ...
  142. [142]
    BMTH's Oli Sykes Names the Album That First Got Him Into Metal
    Feb 22, 2022 · Bring Me the Horizon and Killswitch Engage have since toured together, bringing his fandom full circle. BMTH built their name with deathcore and ...
  143. [143]
    Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach - Metalcore Became Oversaturated
    Apr 26, 2022 · Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach acknowledged this phenomena in metalcore, arguing that the subgenre became oversaturated.
  144. [144]
    Massachusetts Metalcore: How'd it Happen? - SevenString.org
    Jul 10, 2012 · Many American metal/metalcore bands that thrived in the mid-2000's were from Massachusetts. Killswitch Engage, All that Remains, The Red Chord, Unearth, Acacia ...
  145. [145]
    REVOLVER celebrates KILLSWITCH ENGAGE with collector's issue ...
    Oct 25, 2024 · REVOLVER celebrates KILLSWITCH ENGAGE with collector's issue, exclusive vinyl and merch. Commemorating the metalcore pioneers' 25th anniversary.
  146. [146]
    Killswitch Engage | Artist | GRAMMY.com
    ### Grammy Awards and Nominations for Killswitch Engage
  147. [147]
    Gold & Platinum - RIAA
    Certification Date: November 7, 2025. Label: ATLANTIC RECORDS. Format: ALBUM. SHARE. MORE DETAILS. SHARE. DOLLY PARTON, A HOLLY DOLLY CHRISTMAS, November 7, ...Certification Criteria · RIAA Gold & Platinum Program · Apply · NewsMissing: Heartache | Show results with:Heartache
  148. [148]
    https://www.antimusic.com/news/24/1231killswitch_engage_reunited_with_howard_jones_at_new_england_metal_and_hardcore_festival_2024_in_review.shtml
  149. [149]
    https://www.grammy.com/artists/killswitch-engage/13024
  150. [150]
    Golden Gods Best Live Band: Killswitch Engage - Louder Sound
    Jun 16, 2014 · Killswitch Engage have won the Best Live Band Award, sponsored by Ticketmaster. The pioneers of metalcore have recently found themselves ...
  151. [151]
    https://www.grammy.com/awards/47th-annual-grammy-awards
  152. [152]
    Gold & Platinum - RIAA
    - **Insufficient relevant content**: The provided URL (https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Killswitch+Engage&ti=Set+This+World+Ablaze#search_section) contains no certification details for "(Set This) World Ablaze" by Killswitch Engage.
  153. [153]
    https://www.loudersound.com/news/golden-gods-best-live-band-killswitch-engage
  154. [154]
    https://www.bostonmusicawards.com/bma/boston-music-awards-2007/
  155. [155]
    KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: We 'Are Pleased To Be Nominated For A ...
    Dec 9, 2013 · The title track from 2004's gold-selling "The End Of Heartache" was nominated for a Grammy in the same category in 2005. Of the nomination ...