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.”
