This is the first "metal" song that I ever listened to. I can still remember seeing the video for the song pop up on a TV show that was promoting a tour featuring Deftones, The Used, and Dredg. At first, I thought the show's producer was either incredibly high or remarkably confused, but one Google search later, I discovered that they were not mistaken and that Killswitch was indeed touring with the aforementioned bands. I was intrigued at first, but the song eventually grew on me, and I never looked back.
Killswitch Engage is one of many metal bands from Western Massachusetts. They're classified as "metalcore," which is a dirty word to metal purists. Killswitch was one of the first American bands to popularize a style that featured melody and actual singing, and it won them an army of fans, detractors, and imitators. Although their acceptance by the greater metal community will always be a hot point of contention, if you were to construct a "Big Four" American metal bands from the past fifteen years, Killswitch, Lamb of God, Mastodon, and somebody else would end up on your list.
Limp Bizkit? Fred Durst says yes.
If you watch a Killswitch Engage music video, the first thing that you really notice is that their lead singer is black, something that is painfully uncommon in this genre of music. Howard Jones is an incredible vocalist with a "deep, soulful voice." He can bring the ruckus as well, but the songs that showcase his singing voice ("The End of Heartache" and "My Curse" in particular) are what helped make this band huge. It's also worth noting that he had to replace Jesse Leach, another incredible vocalist who was the driving force behind the band's first full-length record, Alive or Just Breathing, which was once described as "more addictive than crack cocaine that's been smothered in nicotine and drenched with chocolate." Even if Killswitch Engage someday become a country band, (all the Staind fans reading this just grabbed a beer, myself included) AOJB will still be considered a classic and one of the best records put out during this stupidly named "New Wave of American of American Heavy Metal."
"Your destination is a choice within yourself.
Will you rise or become a slave to self-righteousness?
Open up your heart and gaze within."
-from "My Last Serenade"
While Howard's lyrics deal a lot with love and heartache, Jesse's are about hope, personal conviction, and respect. I consider Jesse to be one of the best lyricists in music, and there was a certain pain behind his voice that gave his songs gravity and importance. Comparisons between the two will accompany Killswitch until they disband. I don't try to decide which one is "better." I've been fortunate enough to meet both of them, and they're both really nice guys; it just really shows how lucky KsE was to have them. If you put a gun to my head, I'd tell you that Howard is better at clean singing and that Jesse is better at writing lyrics. In fact, only Randy Blythe and Tim Lambesis compare to Jesse in that respect.
Oh and look at that. They're still good friends. Who knew?
If you watch a Killswitch Engage show, the first thing that you really notice is that their stage right guitarist is f***ing crazy. Adam D is a musical savant of sorts. He plays guitar, bass, drums, produces records for all kinds of bands in his spare time, and is involved in a number of side projects. He also has an incredible singing voice. You would think that someone this accomplished in metal would rock your token black tee, pants, and Vans on stage, but Mr. Dutkiewicz is instead festooned with Daisy Dukes, old man sneakers, and a cape; he wore a pirate hat and a viking helmet during both of Killswitch's performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! His onstage antics are celebrated and really set the tone for the rest of the band's live show; they can throw down, but they also like to have fun, which helps make a KsE show such an enjoyable experience.
Can you guess which one is Adam D?
But be warned: Adam D's banter between songs prevents their shows from earning a "PG rating." Here are some memorable examples:
"This song is for all the girls with braces for keeping it metal."
"Let's hear it for breakfast, the most important meal of the day!"
"I see a Jager tent out there. I see an FYE tent out there.
But I what I don't see is a Tampax tent for all you
f***ing pussies!"
"I wrote a little song about emos...here it goes..."
Before I stray too far from the topic of this post, I'd like you to know that Killswitch Engage is an incredible band and that you should check them out if you're genuinely curious about metal. They're a good "beginner band" of sorts, but you can still listen to them once you get into heavier stuff. "Rose of Sharyn" starts out as an up-tempo rager of a song, but it really pays off with the sing-a-long chorus and trademark KsE melodic interlude during the bridge. The song was written about a friend of the band whose mother had passed away, and the lyrics are justifiably poignant. If you've lost someone close to you, you will identify with this song. This song still gets to me. Enjoy.
Music Video:
Live performance from Set This World Ablaze:
Lyrics:
Numb and broken, here I stand alone Wondering what were the last words I said to you Hoping, praying that I'll find a way to turn back time Can I turn back time?
What would I give to behold The smile, the face of love? You never left me The rising sun will always speak your name
Numb and broken, here I stand alone Wondering what were the last words I said to you It won't be long, we'll meet again
It won't be long, we'll meet again Your memory is never passing It won't be long, we'll meet again My love for you is everlasting
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