Killswitch Engage

USA, 1999–now

Massachusetts band formed in 1999, defining American metalcore. Alive or Just Breathing and The End of Heartache fused Gothenburg melodic death-metal riffing with hardcore breakdowns and soaring, sung choruses.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Killswitch Engage and 1 artist Killswitch Engage influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Killswitch Engage?

• At the Gates — Killswitch Engage built American metalcore on the Gothenburg sound — At the Gates' melodic death-metal riffing is their core template.
• Metallica — Metallica's thrash songcraft and melodic sensibility feed Killswitch Engage's anthemic metalcore.
• Slayer — Slayer's thrash aggression underpins the heavier, breakdown-driven side of Killswitch Engage.

Which artists did Killswitch Engage influence?

• Architects — Killswitch Engage's melodic American metalcore is part of the template Architects built their sound on.