No need for sub-genres - metal is metal, says Killswitch Engage's Justin Foley

Drummer Justin Foley says it’s been a very long time, and he can’t believe the band is still playing new places. “We’ve had a lot of fun playing concerts in places we never expected and been able to keep this going for 15 years. It’s been an incredible journey.” The band from Westfield, Massachusetts formed in 1999 after the disbanding of two other bands. The current members consist of vocalist Jesse Leach, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, and Foley joined on drums in 2003. Six studio albums later, Foley says it’s tough for the most part playing metal in an age of pop, but they have been able to remain relevant to any age group that grew up with them, as well as younger generations. “People are still listening to heavy bands. The kids that were teens when they started listening to us are still listening, and somehow we’ve managed to pull in the younger crowds, too. “The key is to balance your audience so you don’t die out and we do that by being honest.” Foley says through the ups and downs of being in an international band such as Killswitch Engage the band has managed to remain as honest as possible. “We are still very invested in the music and fans, and try to write and play as honestly as we can. We play the music we enjoy and not what people expect us to, or what’s popular or even what we think will sell. “We enjoy it and hope our listeners do, too.” This will be the band’s first venture to South Africa, and they will be headlining the annual RAMfest music festival, which takes place over five cities in March. “We are thrilled to be playing in South Africa,” Foley says. “We have no idea what to expect and we’re going to be as open-minded as possible and have a good time. I hope nobody walks out.” Foley says their aim is to get everybody to have one great party and to have fun. “From what we can tell, our fans are as passionate as we are.” Killswitch Engage are classified as metalcore, which combines sounds from extreme metal and hardcore. But Foley says they don’t classify themselves at all. “We’re metal and there is no need to divide into sub-genres. I have no idea why there is this subdivision because metal is metal.” The band is currently on a world tour, following the release of their 2013 album Disarm the Descent. “There are still more places to go, shows to play and adventures to be had,” Foley says. “But hopefully we’ll wrap up soon and you can expect a whole lot more from us.”