Killswitch Engage
Metalcore's standard-bearers, where 'The End of Heartache' still detonates and two decades of the genre's template are played by its authors.
Where to see Killswitch Engage
- Slam Dunk Festival 2027Tickets
About Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage is a metalcore band from Westfield, MA, formed in 1999.
Killswitch Engage formed in Westfield, Massachusetts, in 1999 out of the wreckage of two earlier bands, Overcast and Aftershock. Bassist Mike D'Antonio and guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, initially on drums, recruited guitarist Joel Stroetzel from Aftershock and vocalist Jesse Leach from Nothing Stays Gold. The band's name comes from an X-Files episode written by William Gibson.
A four-song demo including 'Soilborn' appeared at their first show, opening for In Flames in late 1999. Their self-titled debut followed in 2000 and drew little commercial attention on release, but caught the ear of Roadrunner Records, who signed the band after seeing them play.
The band's approach set screamed verses against clean, melodic choruses over down-tuned, harmonised guitar riffs, a template many bands followed through the 2000s. Guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz also produced much of their work, shaping the wider scene's sound. The End of Heartache (2004) remains their best-known record, reaching number 21 on the Billboard 200, going gold, and earning a Grammy nomination for its title track.
The band has had two lead singers, Jesse Leach and Howard Jones, with Leach returning in 2012 after Jones's departure. Their fourth album, As Daylight Dies, went platinum behind the single 'My Curse,' while Disarm the Descent, Leach's first record back, reached the US top ten and drew a further Grammy nomination.
Killswitch Engage has picked up further Grammy nominations, Boston Music Awards and Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards since, and released a ninth studio album, This Consequence, in 2025. Songs from The End of Heartache, alongside a cover of Dio-era Ronnie James Dio material, remain fixtures of their live sets.
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Questions about Killswitch Engage
What festivals is Killswitch Engage playing in 2027?
Killswitch Engage is booked at 3 festivals we cover: Rock am Ring 2027, Rock im Park 2027, Nova Rock 2027.
Is Killswitch Engage on tour?
Yes. Killswitch Engage has 3 shows listed, from Adelaide, Australia on Nov 12, 2026 to Slam Dunk Festival 2027 on May 29, 2027, plus 3 festivals on the page above.
Is Killswitch Engage playing Rock am Ring 2027?
Yes, Killswitch Engage is on the Rock am Ring 2027 lineup, June 4–6, 2027 at Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany. They play Friday, June 4.
Is Killswitch Engage playing Rock im Park 2027?
Yes, Killswitch Engage is on the Rock im Park 2027 lineup, June 4–6, 2027 at Zeppelinfeld, Nuremberg, Germany. They play Sunday, June 6.
Is Killswitch Engage playing Nova Rock 2027?
Yes, Killswitch Engage is on the Nova Rock 2027 lineup, June 9–12, 2027 at Pannonia Fields, Nickelsdorf, Austria. They play Saturday, June 12.
Where is Killswitch Engage from?
Killswitch Engage is from Westfield, MA.
Who is in Killswitch Engage?
Killswitch Engage is Jesse Leach (lead vocals), Adam Dutkiewicz (drums, guitar), Mike D’Antonio (bass), Joel Stroetzel (guitar) and Justin Foley (drums). Former members include Pete Cortese, Howard Jones and Tom Gomes.
When did Killswitch Engage form?
Killswitch Engage formed in Westfield in 1999.
What was Killswitch Engage's first album?
Killswitch Engage's first album was Killswitch Engage (2000). The latest is This Consequence (2025).
What kind of music does Killswitch Engage play?
Killswitch Engage plays metalcore.
What festivals has Killswitch Engage played before?
Killswitch Engage has played Aftershock 2026, Louder Than Life 2026.