Grammy-nominated, Massachusetts-based hard rockers Killswitch Engage – singerJesse Leach, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarist Joel Stroetzel and drummer Justin Foley – have announced 'Disarm the Descent' as the title of their upcoming sixth album. The 12-track record is due out April 2 on Roadrunner and is the follow-up to 2009's self-titled release. 'Disarm the Descent' is the band's first album with original singer Leach at the vocal helm since 2002's now-classic, genre-defining 'Alive or Just Breathing'. Leach returned to the band in January 2012 after a decade-long absence. The first single, "In Due Time," will be made available digitally on February 5. Album pre-orders will kick off in early February, as well, with more details forthcoming.
'Disarm the Descent' was selected by Alternative Press magazine for its "Most Anticipated Albums of 2013" issue, and the band was profiled in Guitar World as one to watch in 2013. Clearly, buzz from fans and the metal and hard rock community regarding new KsE remains deafening.
"It is with a grateful spirit that we prepare for this record's release," Leach said. "From the music, to the lyrics, to the artwork, we are all proud of what we have accomplished. To me this is by far my best vocal performance, much thanks to Adam's guidance and faith in my abilities. I am very grateful to be where I am in life, back in an amazing band with a record we are all excited for the world to hear. Thanks to all the fans for their warm welcome back and their undying love for Killswitch Engage."
2012 marked a busy year for KsE. With Leach firmly installed as the frontman for the last 12 months, the band spent its summer on the road. KsE shook the bedrock of venues across the country as part of the first-ever Trespass America tour alongside Five Finger Death Punch. The band recently embarked on a tour that celebrated the 10th anniversary of 'Alive or Just Breathing'. They performed the album in full, with a few fan favorites and hits from their gold-selling albums, 2004's 'The End of Heartache' and 2006's 'As Daylight Dies', sprinkled into the setlist. KsE were also profiled by 'Decibel' in the magazine's highly respected "Hall of Fame" feature for 'Alive or Just Breathing'.
In between tours, the band put its nose to the grindstone to work on what would become 'Disarm the Descent', with Dutkiewicz producing. The wheels have been turning for the past year, as the band supplemented recording with touring. The time is upon us for the next chapter of Killswitch Engage, who were at the forefront of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal resurgence that defined the '00s and have remained vital into the new decade.
'Disarm the Descent' Track Listing:
01. The Hell In Me
02. Beyond the Flames
03. New Awakening
04. In Due Time
05. A Tribute to the Fallen
06. The Turning Point
07. All That We Have
08. You Don't Bleed for Me
09. The Call
10. No End in Sight
11. Always
12. Time Will Not Remain
Source: Roadrunner Records