THE END OF HEARTACHE BY KILLSWITCH ENGAGE

HERE IN 2019, the sound of metalcore is one of the most universally recognisable styles in modern heavy metal. We’ve come to accept it as one of our most prolific sub-genres, with its own set of well-worn tropes. Back in 2004, however, metalcore was only just beginning to come into true prominence, and although there was an exciting crop of new, young artists ready to smash through the glass ceiling, the world needed a band to give that scene the crossover anthem it deserved. Enter: Killswitch Engage.

“Obviously, this was our first album with Howard [Jones, former Killswitch frontman who replaced the outgoing Jesse Leach at the time] and we knew what a great singer he was, so why the hell wouldn’t we utilise that?” Killswitch guitarist Adam D tells us when we ask him about the creation of the tune that would send his band stratospheric. “The song came together huge.”