“I think one of the most rewarding things for me is writing music, creating music, and playing guitar. Nothing makes me happier than to see other people happy listening to music.”
— guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz
Killswitch Engage wasn’t the first band to blend gut-wrenching metal with melodic hooks and vocals. But the band seemed to break into the metal scene at just the right time when everything it did sounded fresh. Since its major label debut on Roadrunner Records, the band has gradually forced its way to the front of the new American metal movement.
The band’s self-titled debut, released in 2000 on Ferret Records, was little more than a blip on the metal radar. But fans could already hear a glimpse of what was to come. The album was raw, ferociously underground, but still had that melodic edge. The underproduced “feel” of the album only added to the exciting feeling the band elicited. And of course the album ended up catching the eyes of the major labels and Killswitch Engage ended up landing at Roadrunner.
With three full-length albums under its belt, Killswitch Engage has already established itself on the metal scene. But when it comes to picking a classic from the band, I have one huge problem …
Right as the band was beginning to break “big,” the group lost its frontman Jesse Leach. I wasn’t sure how the band was going to be able to continue — usually, in that type of situation (with a star on the rise), the loss of a member, especially someone as important as the lead vocalist and frontman, how can the momentum be maintained?
Therein is the beauty of Killswitch Engage. Barely missing a beat (at least, in hindsight), the band picked up Howard Jones, of the noted hardcore band Bled Has Been Shed, and soldiered on. Jones brought a new dimension to the band — more aggression along with, surprisingly, more heartfelt melody.
When picking a classic from the band, it was easy to clear away the self-titled debut. The album was pretty raw and obviously was setting the stage for things to come. However, picking between the other two albums would prove more than I could handle.
Killswitch Engage
Alive or Just Breathing
Roadrunner Records
It’s hard to not point to “Alive or Just Breathing” as a perfect metal album. From the get-go, the album grabs then listener by the throat and almost refuses to let go. The choking assault of double-bass drumming, chugging bass and slaying guitar riffs, pulled together by Leach’s hoarse metal delivery and subtle melodic brilliance, forms a never-let-up amalgam of hook-laden metal.
From the opening punch of “Numbered Days” to the shuddering assault of the album closer “Rise Inside,” every track is a hit. No track could be called predictable, from the foreboding “Life to Lifeless” to the thunderous “Self Revolution” and instant classic “My Last Serenade.” And throughout the album, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz continues to show off his ability at crafting a perfect melodic hook, whether it’s in your face or just barely there, it appears to be the heart and soul of the band.
Killswitch Engage
End of Heartache
Roadrunner Records
As I already said, Jones brought a new dimension to the band on “End of Heartache.” The melody is kicked up a notch on tracks like “When Darkness Falls,” “Rose of Sharyn” and “Wasted Sacrifice,” while Jones’ hardcore background shines through on the more destructive “World Ablaze,” “Take This Oath” or “Breathe Life.”
The hooks are still there, every track still sounds like a hit and the band sounds even tighter. The metal edge seems sharper and the melodic moments even more poignant.
So why can’t I make a pick? I don’t think there was any problem with Jones stepping into the frontman slot, but hearing him tackle the Leach-era material … it’s hard to put your finger on, there just seems to be something missing. Much like for AC/DC fans, there was no way to replace Bon Scott, they were still able to accept Brian Johnson in the role. But you can still hear a difference in the band. While the Killswitch Engage shift took place over a much shorter span of time, and under far less tragic circumstances (Leach went on to front the rock/metal/grunge outfit Seamless), similarity is still there.
Each album covers an era of the band. And while I’m sure Jones and the boys will continue to crank out killer albums, “Alive…” is a moment in time that will never progress. That, in itself, makes it a perfect classic in my book — so there’s no question. Was “End of Heartache” Killswitch’s “Back in Black?” Well, it is a sick metal offering. And I, for one, can’t wait to see what the band comes up with next.
Each album is worthy of a slot in your collection, so do yourself a favor and pick them up. It you’re curious what the Leach material sounds like with Jones on vocals, there’s an “End of Heartache” digipac out there with a couple of tracks on there for comparison. Leach did a pretty big shift with his follow-up album, so perhaps he wasn’t that into what he was doing with Killswitch … or maybe he was ready for a change. Either way, he helped craft one of the metal scene’s new classics, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.
And that’s that. Until next time, take it easy. Stay tuned and enjoy the ride …
