Killswitch Engage’s Jesse Leach on Embracing the Legacy of Howard Jones
Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach recently discussed the challenges and eventual fulfillment he found in performing songs originally sung by Howard Jones, his predecessor. In a new interview with Heavy New York, Leach detailed how initially, stepping into Jones’s shoes felt daunting, but ultimately became a process of personal connection and artistic growth.
The Initial Hurdles: Performing Someone Else’s Story
Leach admitted that when he first rejoined Killswitch Engage, singing songs written and recorded by Jones was “a little difficult.” He hadn’t previously experienced the task of interpreting and performing material not originally his own. The difference between singing along in the car and delivering a genuine performance before a live audience was significant. He focused on understanding the emotional landscape Jones inhabited when writing the lyrics.
“It’s one thing when you’re singing in your car and you can sort of relate to a song. It’s another thing when I’m standing in front of people and they’re looking at me and I have to present it genuinely,” Leach explained.
Finding Resonance: Personal Connection and Emotional Ownership
Over time, through consistent performance, Leach began to connect with the songs on a deeper level. He found universal emotions within the lyrics, relating them to his own life experiences. He specifically mentioned “The Conclude Of Heartache,” connecting the song’s theme of longing to his own feelings of missing his wife and family while on tour.
“After a full tour of singing those songs every night, it’s just clicking with me. I’m, like, these are emotions I can totally relate to,” Leach stated. He now approaches both his own songs and those originally performed by Jones with the same dedication to authentic delivery.
Acknowledging Fan Preferences and the Importance of Respect
Leach recognizes that fans often have strong preferences for particular singers. He drew a parallel to his own feelings about Van Halen, acknowledging that preferences are subjective. However, he emphasized the importance of giving a full and genuine performance, regardless of who originally sang the song.
“It’s tricky, man. And I get the whole, people prefer this [singer] over that [one] — I totally get it,” Leach said. “But at the same time, if you are the current singer and you’re singing somebody else’s material, the very least you can do is provide it on a hundred percent your all.”
The Evolving Relationship Between Leach and Jones
The dynamic between Leach and Jones has evolved over the years. Jones left Killswitch Engage in 2012, citing personal struggles, including untreated diabetes. He later formed Devil You Know (later Light The Torch) and has since collaborated with Killswitch Engage again, contributing vocals to “The Signal Fire” on the 2019 album Atonement.
Recent reports indicate that Jones and Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz are working on a collaborative project, Burn Eternal, with a debut album expected in 2026.
The Broader Trend: Vocalist Transitions in Metalcore
Killswitch Engage’s story reflects a common pattern in metalcore: vocalist changes and the challenges of maintaining a band’s identity. Bands like As I Lay Dying and All That Remains have too navigated similar transitions, often facing scrutiny from fans and the pressure to honor the band’s legacy.
The Importance of Authenticity in Legacy Acts
The success of these transitions often hinges on the new vocalist’s ability to demonstrate respect for the original material while also bringing their own unique voice to the band. Authenticity is key. Fans can discern when a performance feels forced or insincere.
FAQ
Q: Why did Howard Jones leave Killswitch Engage?
A: Howard Jones left Killswitch Engage in 2012 due to personal issues, including untreated diabetes and struggles with mental health.
Q: What is Burn Eternal?
A: Burn Eternal is a collaborative project between Howard Jones and Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz.
Q: How does Jesse Leach feel about singing Howard Jones’s songs?
A: Initially, it was difficult, but Jesse Leach now connects with the songs emotionally and delivers them with authenticity.
Did you know? Howard Jones was open about his struggles with manic depression and bipolar disorder in a 2016 interview with Metal Hammer, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness within the music industry.
Pro Tip: When a band undergoes a vocalist change, actively listening to both the old and new material can help appreciate the evolution of the band’s sound and the contributions of each singer.
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