For nearly three decades, Killswitch Engage has stood as an unshakable pillar of modern metal. As pioneers of the metalcore movement, they've built a legacy on crushing riffs, melodic sensibility, and emotionally charged lyricism that has inspired countless bands and connected with millions of fans worldwide. From their formation in Western Massachusetts in 1999 to their current status as Grammy-nominated heavyweights, KSE has never stopped evolving, or delivering. Now, that enduring legacy finds a stunning new canvas. HEAVYS is honored to announce a collaboration with the metalcore architects: the limited edition Killswitch Engage x HEAVYS Shells.
This exclusive Shell captures the powerful, visceral aesthetic of a band that has defined a genre. It's designed for the devoted fan who has screamed along to Jesse Leach's impassioned vocals, who has marveled at the technical wizardry of Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel's twin guitar attack, and who has felt the thunderous foundation laid down by Mike D'Antonio's bass and Justin Foley's drums. From the landmark Alive or Just Breathing to the anthemic The End of Heartache, from the Howard Jones era to Jesse's triumphant return, this Shell represents the full spectrum of the KSE journey. It's not just an accessory; it's a badge of honor for those who understand that metalcore is more than a genre, it's a community.
Build a collection of Shells that reflects every facet of your metal identity. Snap on the Killswitch Engage design for those moments when only the technical precision of As Daylight Dies or the raw energy of This Consequence will satisfy your ears. Then, seamlessly swap to another shell for a different vibe. Your headphones transform from a listening device into a dynamic extension of your own heavy music spirit.
The Architects of Metalcore: The Killswitch Engage Legacy
Formed in 1999 from the ashes of Overcast and Aftershock, Killswitch Engage took their name from an X-Files episode and proceeded to rewrite the rules of heavy music. Their 2002 album Alive or Just Breathing became a touchstone for an entire generation of metalcore bands, blending melodic death metal influences with hardcore intensity in a way that felt entirely fresh and undeniably powerful.
The band's mainstream breakthrough came with 2004's The End of Heartache, featuring Howard Jones on vocals. The title track earned a Grammy nomination and went gold, cementing KSE's place at the forefront of the metalcore movement. 2006's As Daylight Dies continued their dominance, producing anthems like "My Curse" and "The Arms of Sorrow" that remain live staples to this day.
When original vocalist Jesse Leach returned in 2012, it marked the beginning of a new era of creative renaissance. The band earned another Grammy nomination for "In Due Time" from 2013's Disarm the Descent, proving that their chemistry was as potent as ever. Album after album, Incarnate (2016), Atonement (2019), they continued to refine their sound while staying true to their core identity.
Their latest album, 2025's This Consequence, represents the band at their absolute peak. Released via Metal Blade Records, the album showcases KSE doing what they do best: blending technical aggression with undeniable melody, social commentary with personal introspection . Tracks like "Abandon Us," "Forever Aligned," and "Broken Glass" demonstrate a band that has lost none of their fire, continuing to push boundaries while honoring the sound they helped pioneer.
The Summer of Consequence: Killswitch Engage's 2026 Tour
This collaboration arrives as Killswitch Engage prepares for one of their most extensive touring campaigns in years. The band has announced a massive headlining U.S. tour for June 2026 in support of This Consequence, featuring an absolutely stacked supporting lineup
The 16-date trek kicks off June 3 at The Fillmore in Detroit, MI, and runs through a finale June 27 at The Warfield in San Francisco, CA . Along the way, the band will hit major markets including Minneapolis, Brooklyn, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles, with a can't miss stop at the legendary Hollywood Palladium on June 25
The tour also includes major festival appearances, including Milwaukee Metal Fest on June 6 and the DC Warped Tour on June 14 . For these dates, the supporting lineup will vary, but the KSE experience remains unmissable
But the touring doesn't stop there. Killswitch Engage has also been confirmed for Bangers Open Air Brasil, taking place April 25–26, 2026, at the Memorial da América Latina in São Paulo . They'll share the stage with an incredible international lineup including Arch Enemy, In Flames, Black Label Society, Jinjer, and Fear Factory—a celebration of heavy music that promises to be unforgettable
And for those planning ahead, the band will also appear at the massive Louder Than Life Festival in Louisville, KY, running September 17–20, 2026, at the Kentucky Expo Center . With Iron Maiden headlining opening night and My Chemical Romance closing out September 18, it's shaping up to be one of the year's premier metal events
Wear the Legacy, Feel the Consequence
Killswitch Engage's music has always been about more than technical proficiency—it's about connection, catharsis, and the unbreakable bond between a band and the fans who have carried their songs through decades of lineup changes, personal struggles, and triumphant returns. This collaboration extends that connection, letting you carry a piece of that legendary energy with you wherever you go.
Ready to wear the legacy? The limited edition Killswitch Engage x HEAVYS Shells™ are available now. This is where personal audio meets metalcore mastery.
Claim your Shell. This consequence is yours.
