From their facebook page:
(New York, NY): Killswitch Engage are pleased to announce that they have
filled the singer vacancy in the band and they have done so with a
familiar face: original vocalist Jesse Leach.
Leach sang on the band's first self-titled album, which came out in
2000, and on their landmark 2002 Roadrunner debut Alive or Just
Breathing. Leach left the band in 2002 and was replaced by Howard Jones,
but his work on Alive or Just Breathing has always been revered by
diehard, longtime KsE fans. Things have come full circle a decade later,
and Leach and the band couldn't be more pleased about this reunion.
The band revealed that Leach auditioned for the job he once held and
pretty much blew everyone away and then some. The band stated, "After
much deliberation and careful consideration, we are pleased to announce
that Jesse Leach has rejoined Killswitch Engage. Our job was to find the
best person to fill Howard's shoes: a decision based on talent and not
familiarity."
The band further said, "Truth be told, Jesse blew us away in auditions.
The room seemed charged with electricity. He commanded both new and old
material, and proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he wanted to do
this. The choice became very clear and apparent."
The band also is psyched to share the news with fans, saying, "This
change is very exciting. We know you're going to love it. This is truly a
new era in KsE history and it is ready to shred your face off. So,
please help us in welcoming Jesse back into the KsE family; he is a rare
and great talent, a fact that older KsE fans have known for years. Here
is to a killer new record and a bright future. The five of us cannot
wait to write this record and play shows together and bring that feeling
to our fans. It's been far too long."
The "new" guy himself also commented on his return to the band after a
decade-long absence, saying, "It is a great honor to rejoin my brothers
after all of these years. After some discussion and much reflection, it
was obvious to me this was the path I was meant to take. We got together
and jammed on the 'Howard-era songs,' as well as some Alive or Just
Breathing-era songs and we all felt the synergy."
He continued, "I look forward to writing the new record, since the demos
sound absolutely amazing, as well as breathing new life and getting
comfortable with the soulful songs Howard has written. It is a new
chapter of my life filled with new and exciting challenges. I will give
all that I can to honor the position I have been given and take nothing
for granted. I will sing every note with all of my soul. I am very
blessed and very thankful to be back in the KsE family! All things
happen in their due time and now is the time for this reunion and new
direction."
KsE remain hard at work on their latest album, which follows 2009's second self-titled album.
The band will perform at the New England Metal and Hardcore Fest on
April 22, 2012. Leach last performed with KsE in March 2010 in New York
City, Clifford Park, NY, and Wallingford CT.
