Killswitch Engage are a generational kind of band. Through their approach of blending impactful melodies with the ferocity of thrash metal and infusing hardcore punk into the rhythm section, Killswitch helped metalcore become known. They successfully charted a new path through metal’s many subgenres and influenced too many bands to count, even to this day. 

Here is a band that are armed to the teeth with hit songs and huge sing-alongs, so it’s easy to compile a list of good tunes from them. As the band are out touring on the killer Summer of Loud Festival across the US, we’re naming off what we consider 10 of the best Killswitch Engage songs. Keep in mind that this is by no means a definitive list or ranking nor will it include just “the hits” for inclusion’s sake. Our intention is to remind you how great this band is. We’ll list our choices in no particular order starting with…

Just Barely Breathing (from Alive Or Just Breathing)

Starting off our list is the powerful “title track” from the band’s seminal Roadrunner Records debut. Just Barely Breathing begins as a slow burning candle before said candle is actually revealed to be dynamite and explodes into the night. This is one of original vocalist Jesse Leach’s most fierce performances and a good showcase of the band’s mixture of melody and intensity. More than a few times in this track, the instrumentation slows down and begins to show Post Metal influences. The themes of existentialism throughout hinted at a thoughtful approach to songcraft. 

Rose of Sharyn (from The End of Heartache)

As far as metal songs in general go, Rose of Sharyn comes armed with not just one of the best riffs but two of them. The main verse riff chugs along with the best of them while the riff that follows it is a standout 2000s melodic metalcore staple, reminiscent of a ticking clock. The way the sound of the song ties in thematically to the lyrics about meeting a loved one again in the afterlife is pure poetry and brings out both the beauty and brutality of vocalist Howard Jones perfectly. 

Arms of Sorrow (from As Daylight Dies)

Killswitch Engage had several songs that broke them to the mainstream in the mid-2000s and this might be one of the most underrated of the Howard Jones era. Arms of Sorrow became a blueprint for how to combine moody atmospherics, heavy, angular riffing and tortured lyricism into an appealing hit. The songwriting is succinct and to the point, allowing for the vocal melodies to shine. There’s a great showing of guitarist Adam D’s vocal chemistry trading off with Howard’s lead vocals in the chorus too. Arms of Sorrow is a heavy song with hardly any screaming in it, having been written about anxiety and depression. The band hardly topped this blending of their signature elements going forward. 

In Due Time (from Disarm The Descent)

A triumphant anthem of hope and determination from then-returning vocalist Jesse Leach created an all-timer for Killswitch. The way the guitars crunch but still hook with small floruishes throughout the verses and make way for a jaunty melodic chorus is nothing short of masterful. Before 2013’s Disarm The Descent, there weren’t many, if any, guitar solos in any of the band’s songs. Here we get a great soaring solo full of leads and quick tapping. Adam D and Joel Stroetzel are certainly guitar heroes for our time and this record plays a big part in defining exactly why. 

Strength of The Mind (from Incarnate)

A great showcase for the rhythm section of drummer Justin Foley, bassist Mike Diantonio and rhythm guitarist Adam D this one. Strength of The Mind was the lead single off 2016’s Incarnate, a record that is a testament to the band’s consistent quality.  This song in particular has an interesting groove and bounce to it that most KSE songs to this point hadn’t attempted and one of Jesse Leach’s best choruses. And funnily enough, this is one of the few Killswitch songs to go for a breakdown, one of metalcore’s trademarks that the band don’t normally participate in. 

As Sure As The Sun Will Rise (from Atonement) 

2019’s Atonement hasn’t had its day in the sun yet aside from monster collab featuring former vocalist Howard Jones, The Signal Fire, AKA “the fist bump that broke the internet”, but it certainly deserves its flowers. As Sure As The Sun Will Rise shows how tight the band’s musicianship had gotten to this point with numerous rhythm changes, singing over blast beats (always a sign of a great Killswitch song), vocal interplay between Adam D and Jesse and a huge showing of passion throughout. A catchy and triumphant sleeper hit, As Sure As The Sun Will Rise rules. 

The Fall of Us (from This Consequence)

As good as Killswitch Engage are at touching our hearts, they sometimes go straight for our throats. The Fall of Us is one of the most ferocious songs in the band’s catalog, alternating between death metal shrieks, beastly growls and an entire chorus sung over blast beats. The song doesn’t let up and bleeds agonizing intent for its entirety. This Consequence is still fairly new having released earlier this year, but few KSE songs are this heavy and tearful at the same time. The record overall goes for a darker tone. 

This Fire (from As Daylight Dies special edition)

It’s a crime that This Fire didn’t make the standard edition of As Daylight Dies’ runtime, but even without top billing it became one Killswitch’s most beloved songs. Acting as the theme song for CM Punk certainly helped, but the song is just a great calling card for the band in general. “Even through the darkest days, this fire burns, always” is one of metalcore’s hallmark statements, a genre that rails against adversity and provokes persistence. The bridge section might be one of the band’s rowdiest moments overall. Just don’t yell “I WILL NOT BE DENIED” at anyone in public. It won’t end well. 

Loyalty (from Incarnate special edition) 

A bonus track made specifically for Game of Thrones, Loyalty was the heaviest Killswitch song to date when it was released. It’s hardly been rivaled since, almost having a modern deathcore sound to it with its blasting drums and syncopated rhythms. The chorus is characteristically declarative in the best way, vowing “Loyalty, unto the grave” and featuring a great Adam D tradeoff. The beautiful atmospheric outro lets you get a breath in after the relentless beating that just ensued. 

Always (from As Daylight Dies)

As Killswitch Engage keep emotion at the forefront of their music, they’re naturally great at penning a softer track. Always is one of the band’s most experimental and inarguably best put-together songs. As a somber reflection of what can be lost and important reminder of what still remains after, Always builds up masterfully with a haunting vocal melody from Jesse Leach leading an ethereal Post Metal backing. The song is able to capture an unsettling sense of beauty that somehow elicits the sensation of grief perfectly. It is not a song for dry eyes and also not a song that just anyone can write.