The band index - logo

Discover Every Band, Feel Every Beat

Killswitch Engage

Upvote Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to vote Killswitch Engage!

What's your take on Killswitch Engage's sound? Share your thoughts! đŸ¤˜

Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Adam Dutkiewicz

2002

Background vocals

Guitar

Jesse Leach

2011

Lead vocals

Joel Stroetzel

1999

Guitar

Justin Foley

2003

Membranophone

Mike D’Antonio

1999

Bass guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Adam Dutkiewicz

1999
2002

Membranophone

Howard Jones

2002
2011

Lead vocals

Jesse Leach

1999
2002

Lead vocals

Tom Gomes

2002
2003

Membranophone

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.

Learn more about Killswitch Engage

Bands you may like

Follow us on
Contact Usprivacy policy
©2024
The Band Index
- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED