Howard Jones Joins Killswitch Engage Live For 'The End Of Heartache'

"(Seek me) For comfort/(Call me) For solace"

Killswitch Engage and former vocalist Howard Jones surprised new and old fans at their August 10th O2 Arena London supporting Iron Maiden show by having Howard join them for their performance of 'The End Of Heartache' with current frontman, Jesse Leach.'

Alongside 2002's 'Alive Or Just Breathing', 2004's 'The End Of Heartache' is considered one of the better Killswitch Engage records, by fans and critics alike. It's an important album, not just for other incredible metalcore compositions like 'Rose Of Sharyn', but also because it was the very first album without Jesse and the first with Howard. So to now have both vocalists perform the title track of said record live together, 14 years on from release, is a huge moment for the pair, fans and the rest of the band.

Taking to his Instagram after the night's performance, Jesse wanted to touch on the positivity for this moment in time, as well as the solidarity and recognition he and the Killswitch guys still have with Howard; also asking people to focus on reality and not compare the two singers. He wrote that:

"Here we are over 6 years after my return & I’ve seen those issues dissolve, be forgiven & friends reuniting behind the scenes. This level of respect & friendship is admirable & I’m honored to be a part of it. I wasn’t close to Howard during all of this & it wasn’t my business to talk about it. However now I consider Howard a friend. So I decided to shine light on the positive aspects of this history & relationship by extending a hand of solidarity & recognition. So I asked him to sing on a song for the new album (which he did) & now to join us on stage to sing a song with us. I understand we are different vocalists & some people have a preference. Hell prior to my vocal surgery I wasn’t sure about my vocal performances, it was rough. However I’ve learned a great deal since then not just about proper technique but about the power of words, music & having a voice.

After having a second chance at this as a career I decided to use this voice for what it was intended for, to bring people together. I also feel I have to recognize all of the hard work Howard put in for 9 years with KSE. I am a fan of his work and now his friend & I want him to do well with his band @lightthetorchband and his career. THAT is what this is about, respect and solidarity, not division & comparison. Killswitch isn’t changing its line up & my ego or insecurities will not dictate how I carry myself in my career. My friends have overcome & forgiven so I take this opportunity to show my solidarity and respect for that. Support both bands, focus on the beauty of friendship and stop wasting time on comparison and a possibility that has no bearing on reality. Make this about what it is, the power of friendship, forgiveness, humility and respect! Music is Life! All hails!”

Watching the duo play off one another on-stage, trading melodic clean and screamed parts together, it's just so damn cool to witness. Honestly, this is some wonderfully wholesome stuff; a great conversion of friends, family, history and music from two different periods of an awesome band. All making myself (and many others I'm sure) very excited for Howard's guest feature come this brand new Killswitch Engage record in 2019.

Check out some different takes and perspectives of this kick-ass, special moment from last week below: