Massachusetts NWOAHM band Killswitch Engage have announced that they have parted ways with long time singer Howard Jones. Jones was vocalist for Killswitch Engage for nine years, replacing original singer Jesse Leach. Jones sung on the bands three most recent albums, the most recent of which was 2009’s self titled album. Killswitch Engage were originally scheduled to begin recording their sixth studio album next month. The band have released a statement through their Facebook page, which can be read below:
“To our family, friends and fans: We have decided to continue on without Howard Jones as the singer of Killswitch Engage. We love Howard and are thankful for the nine years that we’ve had him in the band. Out of respect for everyone involved we will not be discussing the specific reasons behind this decision. Howard is a part of our family and always will be, and we wish him well. He has left big shoes to fill, so we certainly have our work cut out for us to find the next singer of Killswitch, something we plan on making priority #1 going forward. Most importantly, thanks to all of you for all the support throughout the years and for sticking by us for all this time. We really do appreciate it and we very much look forward to having a new record for all of you in the not too distant future that we can all be proud of.
Sincerely, Adam, Joel, Mike & Justin.”
Though the announcement was only made a few hours ago, rumours and wild speculation are already flying around the Internet as to the identity of Howard Jones’s replacement. Phil Labonte of All That Remains has already come out and said it won’t be him after numerous people questioned him on the subject via Twitter, while many longtime KSE fans will be hoping for a return of Jesse Leach, particularly after reconvening his musical relationship with Adam Dutkiewicz by forming Times of Grace.
Rest assured, when the news of who Killswitch Engage’s new singer is, we will bring it to you here on Rocksins. Please stay tuned for any further developments on this, and for your daily dose of rock & metal news as well.
