Killswitch Engage
Metal Band Makes Return to Thunder Bay
By Kris Ketonen
Killswitch Engage is spending plenty of time on Canadian highways this month, but for lead singer Jesse Leach, it’s not long enough. The American metal band is on a two-month tour, with the first couple of weeks seeing them hit stages across Canada (including a return to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium).
“I honestly wish it was longer,” Leach says. “I feel like bands don't give Canada a proper chance. [...] Hell, I think we could take a full month and do Canada and get out there to some of the towns that a lot of bands don't hit.”
Killswitch Engage has played the Auditorium before, but this will be Leach’s first stop in Thunder Bay; he wasn’t in the band at the time of the band’s first show in town.
“I've only heard legends and stories about Thunder Bay,” he says. “Our guitar player's [Joel Stroetzel] wife's family's from there, and I've heard stories from them just how wholesome and rowdy the crowds are and the people are.”
And there’s a chance fans may run into Leach when Killswitch Engage is in the city.
“I really do enjoy getting out there and not necessarily trying to be recognized, but not being afraid if somebody's like, ‘Oh, hey, can I get a picture? Hey, can I buy you a beer?’” he says.
“And I often find if I actually sit and have a drink with somebody and talk to people, I get inspiration for music.”
As for the Thunder Bay show, Leach really recommends fans get there early. “Get your place, because this isn't just about Killswitch Engage,” he says. “Obviously we have the legendary Robb Flynn and Machine Head, a band I grew up listening to and I'm still a big fan of,” Leach says. “But the opening band, Malevolence, is hand-picked by all of us. [...] They're talented, they're tight, they're a powerhouse of a band, and mark my words, I think they're on their way to the top. Those guys are going to blow up.”
Killswitch Engage plays the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on August 11.
For more, visit killswitchengage.com.
