Killswitch Engage

Killswitch Engage is a metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, USA.

Their sound mixes crushing riffs, double bass drum patterns, and furious screaming-growling vocals with melodic elements. Their music is heavily influenced by the Gothenburg music scene. A key feature of the band's sound is the use of complex single-note and power chord riffs featuring dual-guitar harmonies, often punctuated with pinch harmonic squeals.


Following the demise of his band Overcast in 1998, bassist Mike D'Antonio trawled the underground Massachusetts hardcore and heavy metal scene in search of a line-up for a new band. In 1999, D'Antonio met Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel, Aftershock's guitarists. Dutkiewicz became the drummer, while Stroetzel remained on guitar. The trio searched for a vocalist and eventually hired Jesse Leach, formerly of Corrin and Nothing Stays Gold. The now four member band took the name of "Killswitch Engage", a name proposed by D'Antonio after watching...