Jesse Leach rejoins Killswitch Engage

[The Ozzman]

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ANNOUNCE NEW SINGER: JESSE LEACH

HE SERVED AS BAND'S ORIGINAL SINGER ON LANDMARK ALBUM ALIVE OR JUST BREATHING

(New York, NY): Killswitch Engage are pleased to announce that they have filled the singer vacancy in the band and they have done so with a familiar face: original vocalist Jesse Leach.

Leach sang on the band's first self-titled album, which came out in 2000, and on their landmark 2002 Roadrunner debut Alive or Just Breathing. Leach left the band in 2002 and was replaced by Howard Jones, but his work on Alive or Just Breathing has always been revered by diehard, longtime KsE fans. Things have come full circle a decade later, and Leach and the band couldn't be more pleased about this reunion.

The band revealed that Leach auditioned for the job he once held and pretty much blew everyone away and then some. The band stated, "After much deliberation and careful consideration, we are pleased to announce that Jesse Leach has rejoined Killswitch Engage. Our job was to find the best person to fill Howard's shoes: a decision based on talent and not familiarity."

The band further said, "Truth be told, Jesse blew us away in auditions. The room seemed charged with electricity. He commanded both new and old material, and proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he wanted to do this. The choice became very clear and apparent."

The band also is psyched to share the news with fans, saying, "This change is very exciting. We know you're going to love it. This is truly a new era in KsE history and it is ready to shred your face off. So, please help us in welcoming Jesse back into the KsE family; he is a rare and great talent, a fact that older KsE fans have known for years. Here is to a killer new record and a bright future. The five of us cannot wait to write this record and play shows together and bring that feeling to our fans. It's been far too long."

The "new" guy himself also commented on his return to the band after a decade-long absence, saying, "It is a great honor to rejoin my brothers after all of these years. After some discussion and much reflection, it was obvious to me this was the path I was meant to take. We got together and jammed on the 'Howard-era songs,' as well as some Alive or Just Breathing-era songs and we all felt the synergy."

He continued, "I look forward to writing the new record, since the demos sound absolutely amazing, as well as breathing new life and getting comfortable with the soulful songs Howard has written. It is a new chapter of my life filled with new and exciting challenges. I will give all that I can to honor the position I have been given and take nothing for granted. I will sing every note with all of my soul. I am very blessed and very thankful to be back in the KsE family! All things happen in their due time and now is the time for this reunion and new direction."

KsE remain hard at work on their latest album, which follows 2009's second self-titled album.

The band will perform at the New England Metal and Hardcore Fest on April 22, 2012. Leach last performed with KsE in March 2010 in New York City, Clifford Park, NY, and Wallingford CT.

I don't care what anyone thinks. I am a diehard fan of this band and Alive or Just Breathing is the album that really got me interested in metal. This is awesome news.

 

[The Butt]

Indeed. I like both Howard and Jesse, but Jesse's screams give me the fucking chills. I can't wait to see how Jesse handles the Howard-era material though.

 

[arg]

nice. Howard ruled but Adam D is the lifeblood of KsE. i look forward to hearing how Jesse does on the next album

 

[wodanbrlam]

That is a great site! I saw the information is very usefule!

 

[SufferTheLocust]

I love them both. They both have real emotion and passion in their singing/screaming. Overall I'd have to say that Jesse is a better screamer and his talent really shows in the Times of Grace album. With him back in I see Kse returning more to the metal roots and steering from the metal core that Howard had them on. Again I loved End of Heartache, very raw true emotion from Howard on vocals so I'm a bit disappointed to see him go. Either way at least its someone we already know retaking the reigns.

 

[PhlegethonVeins]

Some things are quickly having more clarity shined upon them.

 

[The Ozzman]

Unlike your posts

 

[PhlegethonVeins]

 

[Alteredmindeath]

If I was that Jesse dude I would refuse to play anything from the emo Howard era. Jesse is a better vocalist tho, Killswitch guitarist is still a dweeb.

 

[The Butt]

Emo Howard era?

There were some prime songs from the Howard era, son!

 

[The Ozzman]

Emo Howard era?

There were some prime songs from the Howard era, son!

Seriously. I'm anxious to hear them with Jesse on vox.

 

[arg]

fuck yes


THIS PLACE IS EVIIILLL

 

[The Ozzman]

I was thinking more

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-rIHFbOSDQ&ob=av2e[/ame]

 

[PhlegethonVeins]

 

[arg]

haha let's hear Jesse sing these!




here is Howard raping (in a good way) a Jesse song though:
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4Ge8_uiQwU&ob=av3n[/ame]

 

[The Ozzman]

lurk moar

haha let's hear Jesse sing these!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT1oWdIykAg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVskEA9-CtQ

here is Howard raping (in a good way) a Jesse song though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4Ge8_uiQwU&ob=av3n

I see your point. It should be interesting to see how Jesse does with these. My bet is they'll only play part of the material with Howard live. Jesse did guest on a song on The End of Heartache so he could probably do that one at least.

 

[PhlegethonVeins]

 

[Heavymetalzombie666]

cool news ever!

 

[Demo-nic]

While I'm not a big fan of the band, I do like Leach. He has a great melodic voice to go with his growls.

 

[F.S.S.O]

As much as I liked Howard, Jesse fits a little better imo

So I am happy for the band, lets hope it lasts!