Killswitch Engage’s Jesse Leach Says the New Album is “Almost Complete”
Fans waiting patiently for the next Killswitch Engage album are going to be stoked about the latest update from frontman Jesse Leach, as it turns out they’re almost done making it.
The news comes after Leach posted a lengthy update on his Instagram account, stating that the band’s ninth studio effort and their follow up to 2019’s Atonement was “a great challenge” for the vocalist. Though we don’t know any further details about the album like its title or release date, Leach said once it releases, it will be the result of “two years of hardcore work.”
“This album has been a great challenge for me. Now that it’s almost complete I can say I wouldn’t change a thing! All the trials, difficulties and deep anxieties were all worth what this record is shaping up to be.
“I don’t ever half ass anything in my creative life. I can say this with the utmost confidence, I gave this my everything and it will show.”
We’ve known for a while now that Killswitch Engage had planned on releasing new music this year, but hearing that the album’s almost done makes it feel even closer to a reality now. Throughout his statement, Leach commended the people that worked on it with him, including guitarist and producer Adam Dutkiewicz and his vocal coach, Melissa Cross., explaining how this new album helped him reconnect with his talent as a vocalist.
In all, it sounds like Leach is really feeling the direction he’s headed as a performer, as well as where the band’s headed in general. You can find the rest of his statement below.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it until the day I die, Adam D [Adam Dutkiewicz, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist and producer] is my musical soulmate and a FORCE in my life as an artist, writer and musician. His role in my growth as a writer can’t be overstated. The man just knows how to get that performance out of me. I just don’t think I’ll ever have the synergy with anyone else in my life as a musician.
“Also the lessons, insights and support of [renowned vocal coach Melissa Cross] saved me and continue to guide me. I’ve learned new techniques (fry) that I use here and there but more importantly I’ve been able to really rediscovered my original style (false chord) on a whole other level because of her. The blend and the knowledge of the over all inner workings of the voice have empowered me to do things I didn’t think I could still do. I’ve also really learned to sing with more ease and confidence and it’s been super liberating to me. Pure POWER, grit, intensity and smooth big Melodie’s are the result of all of it. I pulled out all of my arsenal of vocal weapons and left it all on this recording. Even if people don’t like or naysay what we’ve done I could die happy knowing I gave this shit my ALL.
“I feel a true sense of satisfaction. I stood my ground when I needed to and I acquiesced and changed when it was needed. The end result is the culmination of 2 years of hardcore work.”
