Different points in history create their own legends and for metalcore it was in 2009 when Killswitch Engage ushered in a new era with the release of Alive Or Just Breathing. At the helm, was Jesse Leach delivering a war-cry that would be remembered long after he prematurely departed for an extended leave of absence. In the engine room, driving and shaping what the band was guitarist/producer Adam D, his unwavering vision finally drawing Leach back into the fold for their sixth studio album Disarm The Descent. Jesse and Adam, spoke to Maniacs backstage at Soundwave 2013.
Well hello there, my names Adam.
.And I am Jesse.
Were in the band Killswitch Engage!
It seems simple enough but those words hold great meaning for KSE loyalists! When the band took the stage at Soundwave this year, it was a raucous homecoming of sorts for Leach, made all the more poignant by the fact it is the first time the original line up has played in Australia. The shows were in support of new album Disarm the Descent, a collaborative team effort from the crushing tunes right down to its mysterious cover art.
Jesse: Mike D (bass) actually came up with the design initially, which was a woman with a veil over her looking creepy. So about a week after I joined the band he emailed me with the idea and actually the title which was originally Disarming the Descent. I actually took some photos of myself posing how I thought the women should look and it actually made the grade so the photo you see is from a photo I took of myself doing that gesture!
Adam: Along with some weird dick pics!
Jesse: Yeah, of course.. Thats odd that you mention that, Adam never talks about dicks!
Adam: We didnt think that was a good idea for the cover though, a little too riskay.
And thats pretty much how a conversation with KSE goes. They take the music seriously, but not themselves. Even still, there are a couple of other things they are consider vital!
Adam: What makes us Maniacs Like what are we crazy about? Im pretty obsessive about several things. Music, obviously. Beer, like insane beer. Food, I love hot and spicy food. Hot sauces, I have a huge collection of hot sauces in my house its strange. I think that pretty much sums up my personality right there.
Jesse: Yeah, Im really crazy, Im a Maniac. I love to read books.Im currently reading a book called Please Kill Me. Its the oral history of Punk rock in New York City. So yeah books dude, Im a Maniac for books! So crazy! I dont even know what to do, like you cant trust me, you never know what Im going to do, I might snap at any second and start reading a book, watch out.
To read our full interview with KSE go to maniacsonline.com.au. Disarm The Decent is out now on Roadrunner. See the clip for In Due Time here!
Disarm The Descent is out now!
