At the Festival d’été de Québec, Howard Jones joined his old band for a performance of The End Of Heartache.
It’s been seven years since Howard Jones left Killswitch Engage and was replaced by original vocalist Jesse Leach, but there’s clearly still a strong bond between the Westfield, MA metalcore band and the 48 year-old vocalist.
Not only does Howard contribute vocals to a song called The Signal Fire on Killswitch’s forthcoming full-length, Atonement, but earlier this week at the Festival d’été de Québec in Quebec City, he joined his former band for a powerful rendition of The End Of Heartache.
The pairing came about because Howard’s current band, Light The Torch, were on the same bill. But it’s not the first time he’s done that -- he also sang that song with the band in London last year when they were supporting Iron Maiden.
The song is the title track from the band’s third album, which was released in 2004 and was the first to feature Howard on vocals after Jesse left the band. The other night in Quebec, both men took turns on vocals, much to the clear delight of the crowd. And understandably -- it is a pretty epic, and also heartwarming, moment, as you can see below in these two fan videos:
Yet as much as this was a touching celebration of the past, there’s no doubt that Killswitch are looking forward to the future, too. In a post on Instagram last night, Jesse wrote about how much he loved the record:
“Today I listened to the new album in its entirety while climbing a mountain. Yes it was epic! After all the time, blood, sweat, tears and a damn vocal surgery… I have to say I wouldn’t change a thing. At first I was a bit crestfallen that a few songs I truly loved didn’t make the cut. Now after time has passed (and I’ve not listened to it for a while) I listened with fresh ears today. I gotta say I am quite satisfied! The messages, the tones, the track listing order, the artwork, the overall feel of this album it just feels fresh!
“I feel there is something for everyone on this one. It captures the wide range of styles and topics that are part of our history as a band as well as pushing things just a touch. It is a pretty amazing feeling as a very picky and perpetually unsatisfied (and fairly insecure) artist to feel accomplished. Anyway enough out of me for now, more to come in the next month or so! Until then many thanks for all the love and support my friends! Here is to another chapter and another album cycle on the way!”
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