What Happened to Killswitch Engage Band?
Updated Aug 31, 2023
What Happened to Killswitch Engage Band?
Rock band Killswitch Engage experienced a significant incident when their tour bus collided with an elk while en route to the Dalhalla Brinner festival in Rättvik, Sweden. The accident occurred on August 25, and the band's frontman, Jesse Leach, shared a video of the aftermath on Instagram along with his reflections.
In the post, Leach highlighted the uncertainty of the future and the importance of cherishing the present. He revealed that the crash happened around 6 a.m., and while there were no major injuries among the passengers, the driver suffered torn ligaments and was understandably shaken. Tragically, the elk did not survive the collision.
Leach confessed that witnessing the aftermath of the crash brought about some fear, even though he generally doesn't fear traveling. He expressed the worry of potential loss and serious injuries, reflecting on how close the situation had come to being much worse.
He also took a moment to acknowledge the challenges faced by other touring bands and crews who endure similar risks on the road. Leach's reflections shed light on the juxtaposition of the beauty and triumph of touring with the potential for suffering and loss, while also emphasizing the sacrifices made by those in the industry who spend long periods away from their families and home comforts.
Killswitch Engage Band Members
Here is a list of Killswitch Engage band members:
Current:
Former:
Live:
Killswitch Engage Band Origin
Killswitch Engage's origin can be traced back to the dissolution of two metalcore bands, Overcast and Aftershock, in 1999. Following the disbandment of Overcast in 1998, bassist Mike D'Antonio collaborated with Adam Dutkiewicz, who transitioned from being a guitarist in Aftershock to playing drums.
They enlisted guitarist Joel Stroetzel from Aftershock and vocalist Jesse Leach from the band Nothing Stays Gold, which was under the record label owned by Adam Dutkiewicz's brother Tobias, who was also the vocalist of Aftershock.
This combination of talent led to the formation of Killswitch Engage. The band's name was inspired by an episode of the TV show "The X-Files" titled "Kill Switch," written by William Gibson, who named the episode after encountering the industrial band Kill Switch...Klick.
In 1999, Killswitch Engage recorded a demo that included tracks like "Soilborn," their debut composition. The demo made its debut at the band's opening show for melodic death metal group In Flames in November 1999.
Their self-titled debut album was released the following year. Despite initial financial challenges and a lack of chart success, the album drew the attention of Carl Severson, a figure at Roadrunner Records.
Severson connected the band with Roadrunner representatives, and after talent agent Mike Gitter attended their shows, Killswitch Engage accepted Roadrunner's offer for a recording contract. Recognizing Roadrunner's capacity for promotion and distribution, the band chose the larger label over smaller alternatives.
Killswitch Engage Musical Styles
Killswitch Engage's musical style is often categorized as metalcore and melodic metalcore. They are known for their fusion of singing, screaming vocals, and growls, which are characteristic of the metalcore genre.
The band's approach to their music, particularly in albums like "Alive or Just Breathing," has been lauded for its skilled and expertly crafted heavy metal sound that draws inspiration from the genre's traditional roots, evoking comparisons to renowned bands like Metallica and Slayer.
Notably, Killswitch Engage's lyrical themes, whether written by current vocalist Jesse Leach or former vocalist Howard Jones, tend to carry a positive and uplifting tone. Their lyrics often touch on themes of unity, positivity, love, relationships, and faith.
This approach has set them apart and contributed to their impact within the metalcore scene. As pioneers in the genre, the band's influential role in shaping metalcore is acknowledged, with MTV even labeling them as one of the founders of metalcore.
Killswitch Engage Band Info
Killswitch Engage is a prominent American metalcore band hailing from Westfield, Massachusetts. Formed in 1999 subsequent to the disbandment of the groups Overcast and Aftershock, the band has made a significant impact on the metal scene.
The current lineup of Killswitch Engage features vocalist Jesse Leach, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, bassist Mike D'Antonio, and drummer Justin Foley. Their musical journey encompasses a discography of eight studio albums and three live performance albums, with their eighth studio album titled "Atonement" released on August 16, 2019.
Killswitch Engage's rise to prominence can be largely attributed to their 2004 release "The End of Heartache," which reached number 21 on the Billboard 200 chart. The title track of the album earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance in 2005. Their impact extended beyond album sales, as they gained a reputation for their energetic live performances, leading to the release of a live DVD titled "(Set This) World Ablaze" in 2005.
With an extensive concert history that includes appearances at renowned festivals such as Soundwave Festival, Wacken Open Air, Ozzfest, Download Festival, and Knotfest, Killswitch Engage has solidified its position within the metalcore and New Wave of American Heavy Metal movements. Their influence has been felt by selling over four million records in the U.S. and being recognized as one of the pioneering forces in the metalcore genre.
What Happened to Killswitch Engage Band - FAQs
Yes, their tour bus collided with an elk in Sweden while en route to a festival.
The driver sustained injuries, but the band members and passengers were fortunate to escape major harm.
Unfortunately, the elk did not survive the collision.
Jesse Leach shared a video of the incident and emphasized the challenges touring musicians face.
He expressed his concern for potential loss, serious injuries, and acknowledged the sacrifices made by touring bands and crews.