Killswitch Engage are not just a band that writes music that is original, innovative intense. With the lyricism of both Jesse Leach and Howard Jones, the riffs and guitar work of Adam D and Joel, the amazing rhythmic contributions of Justin and Mike D, Killswitch Engage have created a legacy and a following like no other. Lyrics that are relatable and open to interpretation, music that is constantly reinventing itself and the most dedicated fan base, Killswitch Engage have always been a band that are there for you during your greatest times and your hardest. Here are some reasons why they deserve their success and reputation \m/

If you go to a Killswitch Engage concert, and ask fans what their favorite album is, you will get a different answer every time. Some people have been following from the days of the underground and consider the first self titled or Alive or Just Breathing to be their best. The End of Heartache and As Daylight Dies serve as timeless classics in the realm of metalcore. The return of Jesse has gotten many more fans on board and consider Disarm the Descent, Incarnate or their latest offering Atonement to even be their best. Every album has something to offer and something that makes it stand out, serving as a soundtrack to its time.

Their live shows demonstrate further on why Killswitch Engage is a force to be reckon with. Aside from executing their material note for note, there is no denying that Adam D is one of the funniest people to witness on stage. We are always wondering what the hell he is going to wear on stage and one the hell he is going to say between songs. Jesse interacting with the crowd, not just covering every inch on the stage, but practically covering every inch of the whole venue. As they are executing their material to a T, they are not just staring at their instruments, but actually engaging with the audience and making them become one with the band.

As you indulge in a Killswitch Engage album and get lost in their sound of pure aggression and harmony, you may find yourself looking at some of the most amazing album artwork from bassist Mike D. Mike D has a great way of bringing the lyricism and the sound to a great visual essence, essentially showing that Killswitch Engage is more than just something you listen to, but something that you immerse yourself into. When we hear of a new album coming out, we are just as excited to see the artwork and new merch surrounding it as we are to hear the music.

Lyrically, both Howard and Jesse are able to create lyrics that can engage a listener into seeing things from their point of view, or having the ability to make it their own. Having songs such as The Great Deceit or You Don’t Bleed for Me, tackling political turmoil that is happening, or songs such as I am Broken Too, The Arms of Sorrow or It Falls on Me demonstrating the inner demons that one can face. Rose of Sharyn and My Last Serenade has often been an anthem for anyone dealing with the agony of loss, while My Curse and The End of Heartache has often been deemed as the ultimate metalcore ballad. If anyone thinks metal is all about anger and negativity, listen to songs such as This is Absolution, or Us Against the World and you have the ultimate power anthems to help you face any challenge. They are the ultimate emotional roller coaster of a band that are appropriate for any situation.

What is metalcore. Is it based on the contrast between screams and cleans? Is it the riffs? Is it the combination of metal and hardcore? The metalcore debate on who invented it or what it actually is, is a discussion that has been circulating ever since the name of this sub-genre was brought to the table. There is no denying though that no matter how one interprets this genre, Killswitch Engage will probably be the first to come to your mind. Killswitch have helped perfected the genre and paved away for so many other bands such as All that Remains, Shadows Fall, Unearth, Diecast and more to rise to the surface. This genre has been a gateway drug for many metalheads, essentially starting off with an album such as The End of Heartache and As Daylight Dies, and then moving onto stuff as heavy as Deicide or Morbid Angel. It also has the reverse affect of getting some people into lighter and more mainstream music as well. Killswitch is the ultimate bridge between many genres of music.

Unity is the ultimate word to describe Killswitch Engage. From having multiple styles incorporated in their sound, to having multiple emotions expressed through the music, addressing many different issues that all of us relate to, to having a crowd that will push you in the pit and pick you right up afterwards, Killswitch Engage is a band that continues to stay relevant, passionate and unique. 20 years is a long time, but Killswitch Engage is ready to make their legacy last a lifetime.