Killswitch Engage

Killswitch Engage was formed in 1999 in Westfield, Massachusetts, following the breakup of two bands: Overcast and Aftershock.

In 1998, after Overcast disbanded, D'Antonio began searching for suitable musicians to blend hardcore, metal, and melody. He contacted Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel, who were the drummer and guitarist for Aftershock, respectively. The band's lineup was finalized when Jesse Leach, a vocalist for Corrin and Nothing Stays Gold, joined.

The band's name is taken from an episode of the television series *The X-Files* titled "Kill Switch."

Following the release of their debut album, *Alive Or Just Breathing*, and the subsequent tour in 2002, Jesse Leach left Killswitch Engage due to difficulties with vocal strain and the challenges of being newly married, with his wife missing him. Leach was soon replaced by Howard Jones.

After nine years with the band and contributing to their rise to fame, Howard left in 2012, citing his heretic lifestyle and diabetes as the reasons.

To find a replacement for Howard, the band held auditions for a new vocalist and received many applications. Ultimately, they chose their former vocalist, Jesse Leach.