Killswitch Engage were rejoined by former lead singer Howard Jones during the band’s 25th anniversary set as part of the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival on Saturday (September 21st) in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Jones joined his old band onstage for three songs at different spots in the set — “Take This Oath”, “Rose of Sharyn” and “The Signal Fire” — sharing vocals with current frontman Jesse Leach. Relishing the moment, Jones nailed his vocal parts and worked the crowd into a frenzy when Leach took over for the melodic singing sections.
“That’s how it goes, it’s unity — U-N-I-T-Y,” exclaimed Leach after hugging out with Jones following his first song. “Respect — that’s our community here in hardcore. … Give it up for my brother, Howard Jones!”
Jones fronted Killswitch Engage from 2002 through 2012, after original singer Leach had left the band. Jones provided lead vocals and lyrics for three studio albums in that span, including fan favorites The End of Heartache (2004) and As Daylight Dies (2006).
In 2012, Jones stepped away from Killswitch as he battled manic depression and bi-polar disorder, with Leach returning to the lineup.
Jones went on to form the melodic metalcore act Devil You Know, a band that now operates under the name Light the Torch. He lent his vocals to KsE for their 2019 track “The Signal Fire,” which was reprised by Jones and company during the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival set.
Meanwhile, Killswitch Engage were just added to the 2025 Sonic Temple festival, joining other initial acts Metallica, Rob Zombie, and Alice in Chains.
Below you can check out audience footage from Howard Jones’ appearance alongside Killswitch Engage at the fest.