Killswitch Engage: Step Into The Unblind
Trials and tribulations turn us introspective at certain points while we navigate through life. This reflection is an integral part of self-improvement and enlightenment. Normally this will happen with small groups after a life changing event. The spectre of a pandemic still haunts many across the globe. It was a time which we turned inward and evaluated the lives we led up until that point. Perhaps a product of this introspection, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE released Live At The Palladium, the official presentation of 2021’s Vaccinated And Intoxicated livestream.
Compiled of 2019’s Atonement and 2000’s eponymous effort played in their entirety; this is a celebration of the two decade reign KILLSWITCH ENGAGE have had over metalcore. Calling from his home in Woodstock, NY, vocalist Jesse Leach explains the notion that a standalone livestream didn’t feel like enough of a celebration. “It just felt like the amount of work we put into it, and the effort, it didn’t have enough legs. We really wanted to do more than what it did.”
What it did was provide an insight into KILLSWITCH ENGAGE we may not have gotten otherwise. Not only do we get to hear the sonic and lyrical progression between first and last outings but also the astonishing difference in Jesse’s voice. After emergency surgery to remove polyps from his voice box in 2018, Jesse not only had to learn how to sing again but also how to speak differently. “I think it’s better than ever honestly,” he comments on the current state of his vocals. “I went through pretty rigorous training after the surgery. That coupled with the rest I had, I feel in control of my voice now and can do things with it I never could in the past.”
That training came from long-term friend Melissa Cross, legendary extreme metal vocal coach and the curator of The Zen Of Screaming program. With LAMB OF GOD, BEARTOOTH, and FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY listed as clients, Melissa coached Jesse back to health and beyond. “It’s been liberating!” He says with a hint of a smile. “I feel like I’m finally coming into my own as a vocalist after close to 30 years of doing this shit.”
Jesse pauses for a moment when we ask what the biggest challenge was in rebuilding his wheelhouse. When he answers, we’re reminded of the intensity this otherwise tranquil man carries. “The biggest thing for me was learning how to relax honestly. There’s a push and pull of the aggression and intensity of being present for the lyrics but then allowing the techniques to dial it back enough to where you still sound aggressive but you’re not damaging yourself. Especially with the screaming, I get so into it that the emotions take over.”
While no longer pushing himself physically as he did when emerging from his hardcore and punk roots, it’s undeniable Jesse still cuts an imposing figure when performing. An example of this aggression taking over lies within Know Your Enemy. Trademark barks of ‘Destroy their authority/ And know your enemy’ seethe with militant rage hot enough to ignite the pyro on stage. The posting of the video could well relate to the Russian invasion of Ukraine but Jesse denotes things aren’t always so obvious. “I try to make those songs timeless, not just about one particular incident or phase in life, and that comes from looking at the world through an Orwellian lens,” he muses. Yet agenda is the furthest thing from this man’s mind. “I’m asking people just to think for themselves. That’s what I want with my lyrics, to make people think.”
It’s this thought provocation we’re keen to explore further. Whether it be posting Instagram Lives or co-hosting Stoke The Fire with Matt Stocks, Jesse has made a point of being candid with his mental health. The purging of a hyper-empathetic soul allowed him to fuel his passion for deeper spiritual connections. In doing so, he was able to develop the tools and self-awareness he needed to live with his own demons. “I’ve learned so much from other people’s experiences,” he continues. “You never know what you’re doing when you open up and are honest about something. It’s a blessing we can all do that for each other.”
With the coming of age between KILLSWITCH ENGAGE’s self-titled and Atonement, we’re interested to find out the biggest difference between the two versions of Jesse. Conscious of sounding “a bit hokey” the answer our new-found confidante gives is one we hoped for. “I learned to love myself, accept my flaws and be okay with them.” The joy in speaking with Jesse comes with comments like those. It comes with hearing the reflection of a soul which travelled the world to find itself. A spirit which immersed itself in different walks of life to expand their horizons. “Becoming open to hearing people has humbled and changed me,” he ponders. “It also made me realise I’m a constant work in progress. I still have moments where I have self-loathing and doubt, but I have found a self-love I’ve never had.”
Our time draws to a close as the sun sinks below the horizon. Almost picking up on the change in time, Jesse becomes contemplative. “When you learn something the hard way that lesson is much more powerful. Learn from your mistakes and you will find the self-love you’re searching for.”
Live At The Palladium is out now via Metal Blade Records.
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