Killswitch Engage Seek Submissions for Lead Vocalist Duties

2012-01-09

Story by Charles Ken

Killswitch Engage want interested singers to send in their demos

As reported late last week, Massachusetts heavy metal band Killswitch Engage is splintering with vocalist Howard Jones. While many fans are still simply stunned, others are starting to ask the inevitable question, “Who will take Jones’ place?”

In response, Killswitch Engage have released a statement regarding their search for a new vocalist, and they’re soliciting interested singers to send their demos into management. “We’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about the singer position,” the band stated. “If you are interested, please send an MP3 or a song link, a photo and a brief description of yourself to the management email address provided in the contact section of KillswitchEngage.com. thanks KsE”

By blending the finest fundamentals of aggressive metal-core and harmonious melodic metal, Killswitch Engage have built a rock solid fan base, first with singer Jesse Leach and, most recently, with Jones. Judging by the statements from the band and Jones, it seems no hard feelings exist between the two parties.

Killswitch’s statement regarding the parting with Jones is filled with affection: “To our family, friends and fans: We have decided to continue on without Howard Jones as the singer of Killswitch Engage. We love Howard and are thankful for the nine years that we’ve had him in the band. Out of respect for everyone involved, we will not be discussing the specific reasons behind this decision. Howard is a part of our family and always will be, and we wish him well… “

Jones’ official statement is equally warm: “… As some of you may know, I’ve had a pretty interesting couple of years, to say the least, battling with some personal issues. One of the low points being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes that went unchecked for years. The rest of the band stuck with me through it, and, to be honest, they are the ones that kept me going.” He added that, “recently, we’ve all been in writing mode, but somehow I couldn’t get excited about the new album and all the touring that would go with it. The guys saw it before I did. In hindsight, I now realize that my heart wasn’t in it. … I have had an amazing decade with Killswitch Engage. I love Justin, Mike D, Joel and Adam for hanging in there and standing by me no matter how bad it was. I have so many good memories, and those are the ones that I will keep.” Who do you believe could handle Jones’ spot in Killswitch?

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Charles Ken

Meet the expert - Charles Ken is a graduate of Michigan State University where he studied writing and history. He's a longtime music buff and covers classic rock for Audio Ink Radio. Contact him at ken@audioinkradio.com.