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Killswitch Engage

AmericasUnited StatesMelodic metalcore
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Band Timeline

1999

Formation of Killswitch Engage

Killswitch Engage was formed in 1999 in Westfield, Massachusetts, following the disbandment of the metalcore bands Overcast and Aftershock. The initial lineup included vocalist Jesse Leach, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz (who initially played drums), guitarist Joel Stroetzel, and bassist Mike D'Antonio. The band name was inspired by an episode of The X-Files. They recorded a demo in 1999 and debuted live opening for In Flames.
2000

Release of Debut Album 'Killswitch Engage'

In 2000 Killswitch Engage released their self-titled debut album. While the album initially did not achieve commercial success or chart presence, it captured the attention of Roadrunner Records representatives. This led to a recording contract offer from Roadrunner, which the band accepted to ensure better promotion and wider distribution.
2002

Release of 'Alive or Just Breathing' and Lineup Change

Killswitch Engage released their second album 'Alive or Just Breathing' in 2002. The album was produced by Andy Sneap and featured a music video for the single 'My Last Serenade' that increased exposure. The album peaked at number 37 on the Top Heatseekers chart. During this period, the band expanded from four to five members by moving Dutkiewicz to guitar and bringing in drummer Tom Gomes. However, vocalist Jesse Leach left the band in 2002 due to personal struggles.
2002-2004

Howard Jones Joins and Band’s Rising Fame

After Jesse Leach's departure, Howard Jones joined as the new lead vocalist. With Jones, Killswitch Engage released 'The End of Heartache' in 2004, which peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200. This album was certified gold in the U.S., selling over 500,000 copies. Its title track was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2005, marking a major breakthrough and rising fame for the band.
2006

Release of 'As Daylight Dies' and Platinum Certification

Killswitch Engage released their fourth studio album 'As Daylight Dies' in 2006. The album peaked at number 32 on the Billboard 200 and sold 60,000 copies in its first week. This record was later certified platinum by the RIAA after exceeding one million sales in the United States. It included the platinum-selling single 'My Curse,' further solidifying the band's commercial success.
2009

Self-Titled Album and Chart Success

In 2009, Killswitch Engage released their fifth studio album, also self-titled 'Killswitch Engage'. This album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, achieving the band's highest chart position at the time. It confirmed their continued relevance and growing fan base in the metalcore scene.
2012

Howard Jones Departs, Jesse Leach Returns

In 2012, lead vocalist Howard Jones left the band. Jesse Leach, the original vocalist, returned to reclaim his position. This lineup change marked a significant moment, as Leach had left after the second album but now resumed fronting the band, bringing back some of the band's original energy and style.
2013

Release of 'Disarm the Descent' with Jesse Leach

The first album after Jesse Leach’s return was 'Disarm the Descent', released in 2013. It reached the top 10 on the US Billboard 200 and charted within the top 20 in eight countries. The album featured the single 'In Due Time', which was nominated for a Grammy Award, indicating the band’s renewed vitality and critical acclaim after Leach's comeback.
2016

Release of 'Incarnate' and Highest Charting Album

In 2016, Killswitch Engage released 'Incarnate', which peaked at number six on the Billboard 200, their highest chart position so far. The album sold 35,000 copies in its first week and entered the top 10 in several countries. This success reinforced their position as leading artists in metalcore globally.
2025

Release of 'This Consequence'

On February 21, 2025, Killswitch Engage released their ninth studio album, 'This Consequence'. This album represents the band's continued presence and influence in the metalcore genre over more than two decades, demonstrating their longevity and ability to evolve while maintaining their core sound.

Albums

killswitch-engage_1st_album
Killswitch Engage
9 tracks
2000
killswitch-engage_2nd_album
Alive or Just Breathing
12 tracks
2002
killswitch-engage_3rd_album
The End of Heartache
12 tracks
2004
killswitch-engage_4th_album
As Daylight Dies
11 tracks
2006
killswitch-engage_5th_album
Killswitch Engage
11 tracks
2009
killswitch-engage_6th_album
Disarm the Descent
14 tracks
2013
killswitch-engage_7th_album
Incarnate
16 tracks
2016
killswitch-engage_8th_album
Atonement
11 tracks
2019
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Story of Killswitch Engage

Killswitch Engage: A Metalcore Giant

Hailing from Westfield, Massachusetts, Killswitch Engage emerged in 1999 from the ashes of the influential metalcore bands Overcast and Aftershock. This powerhouse quartet, consisting of vocalist Jesse Leach, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, bassist Mike D'Antonio, and drummer Justin Foley, has carved a formidable path in the heavy music scene.

Their rise to prominence began with the release of their 2004 masterpiece, "The End of Heartache," which peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved RIAA gold certification for exceeding 500,000 units sold in the US. The album's title track was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2005.

Since then, Killswitch Engage has released seven more studio albums, solidifying their status as metalcore pioneers. Their music is a sonic tapestry woven with intense aggression, melodic hooks, and soaring vocals, often incorporating elements of heavy metal and hardcore punk. This unique blend has garnered them a dedicated fan base worldwide, earning them a place among the leading forces of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal.

Early Years and Debut Album (1999-2001):

The band's origins can be traced back to the disbandment of Overcast in 1998. After Overcast's demise, bassist Mike D'Antonio joined forces with Adam Dutkiewicz, guitarist from Aftershock. This collaboration, coupled with the addition of guitarist Joel Stroetzel (also from Aftershock) and vocalist Jesse Leach (from Nothing Stays Gold), birthed Killswitch Engage. The band's debut album, "Killswitch Engage," was released in 2001, showcasing their early raw energy and aggressive sound.

Throughout their career, Killswitch Engage has graced stages at renowned festivals such as Soundwave, Wacken Open Air, Reading and Leeds, Ozzfest, Download, Rock on the Range, Rock am Ring, Mayhem, Monsters of Rock, Pointfest, Knotfest, and Heavy MTL, spreading their music and captivating audiences globally.

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