Jesse Leach, the vocalist of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, has revealed that he is currently immersed in “the final few recording sessions” for the band’s upcoming album, following their 2019 release, “Atonement”
In a social media update on Wednesday (February 21), the 45-year-old KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer, residing in Woodstock, New York with his fiancée, Corinne Paris (also known as Philia Porphyra), shared a glimpse of his progress. He said: “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.
“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,” he continued. “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,” Jesse added. “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.”
Just last month, Jesse Leach posted an update to Instagram stating that the upcoming KILLSWITCH ENGAGE album had “taken its toll” on him. “It is by far the most difficult album I’ve ever worked on for various reasons,” he said. “That being said as I see the distant light at the end of this long tunnel. I can truly say it has all been a much needed growing experience. When I say that I mean it personally, lyrically and vocally. I’ve been able to take any criticism from my dudes and separate it from my being to push through and rise to the occasion.
“This has been a work in progress as everything I write is always deeply personal and for the most part difficult to write,” he continued. “It’s always hard to let go of my work. I’m very pleased I’ve learned to separate my emotions from the work. It’s been liberating! I’ve also been able to stretch the limits of my voice mixing techniques and hues of sound (still working on this as a full time student of the voice via @zenofscreaming).
“Lastly, lyrically I’ve crafted some songs to feel more like a story, which I believe makes the material more interesting,” he added. “Adam has helped a great deal as usual being a great producer and a good friend throughout. Talking me off the cliff and making me laugh when need be. It can’t be overstated how crucial he is (even when I can get thrown sideways at times). He always sees the bigger picture and pushes me to my limit for better or worse. The outcome however is always far better than I imagined.”
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE‘s “Atonement” debuted in August 2019 through Metal Blade Records in the U.S. and Sony Music Entertainment internationally. Noteworthy for its guest appearances by former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE vocalist Howard Jones and TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy, the album marked the band’s third full-length effort since Leach rejoined in 2012.
Additionally, in July 2021, Leach and Dutkiewicz unveiled the sophomore album from their TIMES OF GRACE venture, titled “Songs Of Loss And Separation“, released under the band’s independent label, Wicked Good Records, distributed by ADA Worldwide.
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