This is a small Killswitch Engage bio I wrote a while back, its not hugely impressive,
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When metalcore pioneers Overcast split in 1998, a small, but significant chapter in metal history closed. Due mainly to this band, metalcore has become the dominant style of play in the hardcore genre.
Mike D'Antonio (ex-Overcast) however, felt he had alot more music to come. After spending a year planning the next step in metal's revolution, D'Antonio began working with Aftershock guitarist Adam Dutkeiwicz in the summer of 1999. Soon joined by Dutkeiwicz's fellow Aftershock guitarist Joel Stroetzel, the trio began to notice they had something special. When former Nothing Stays Gold vocalist Jesse Leach joined the pack, Killswitch Engage were already off and running. The band made their hugely anticipated debut, supporting metal titans In Flames, and apparently it went down well.
Their debut release, a self titled LP on Ferret Records, showed a new found originality and sophistication in the metalcore genre. The precision and ferocity was unlike anything before produced by the band members. Produced by the KSE drummer Dutkeiwicz, it was a hugely accomplished debut, and a future classic in metal.
Seeing potential, heavy-music giants, Roadrunner snapped up the band along with their new drummer, Tom Gomes. Dutkeiwicz moved onto guitars and with expert help, the new and improved Killswitch made their major label debut in 2002, with the modern classic: 'Alive.. Or Just Breathing'.
This impressive album pushed Killswitch into space, and soon they were amongst the most important bands in the NWOAHM (New Wave Of American Heavy Music) movement. Countless bands have tried to knock them off top spot, and although bands such as Lamb Of God came close, nothing could stop KSE.
Even losing vocalist Leach in the summer of 2002 couldn't stop them. He was replaced by Howard Jones, of Blood Has Been Shed, and although fans were dubious at first, Jones filled Leach's boots perfectly. Writing the band's 3rd release, 'The End Of Heartache', Jones exceeded all expectations with even Adam Dutkeiwicz, who once again produced the album, admitting he was somewhat surprised at how well he settled. The album was more metal orientated and darker than KSE's sophomore release, and signalled a new, more mature direction for the metalcore legends-to-be.
Indeed, the future looks bright for the band widely credited with killing nu-metal, and despite line-up changes recently, I agree.
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