Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach recently opened up admitting he doesn’t like the term “metalcore.” The vocalist believes the term is not an “accurate representation” of the bands that often get lumped into that category.

In the interview with PBS Metal Genesis, Leach admits, “I never liked the term ‘metalcore.’ I don’t think it’s an accurate representation of the wide variety of bands that get lumped under that category.” He adds, “I get it. People have to categorize stuff and put it into their own little category so they can describe stuff to somebody else. I like to say we’re more of a metal band. It is what it is. People are going to use that term whether I like it or not.”

Leach also shares an update on the group’s next studio album, which is due in 2019. Killswitch have written 21 songs and are in the process of choosing which tunes will move forward. “We’re going to cut it down and figure out what we’re going to do with the extra songs, just have them in our back pocket. We just want to make the best record we can and figure why not write a bunch of songs and choose the best songs out of that so the album is best it can be.”

The vocalist was also asked how the band keeps things fresh in studio after nearly 20 years as a band. "Everybody puts pressure on themselves, first and foremost, to try to stretch and come up with something new. That's the beauty of this band… everybody gives it all that they got,” Leach says. “We do it to each other, everybody pushes each other. It's great because it doesn't feel like it's old hat or routine. It doesn't feel like anyone is bitter and jaded and annoyed, which tends to happen in a career. Everyone is trying to push the band and put out the best music they can after all of these years."

One track destined to be on their next album is the duet the band recorded with former vocalist Howard Jones. Leach says, “It was fun. I didn’t have a ton of time, so he came in and sang what I wrote, but I did write the song with him in mind, even before I mentioned that I’d like for him to sing on it.” He adds, “It was really cool to stand outside of the studio room because it was a small room he sang in and listen to him belt out the choruses and sing that verse. I was getting chills. It was great. Since that experience, we’ve been really good friends and close friends. We text each other a lot on the phone. It’s awesome to see where he’s at right now with his new band, Light the Torch. I’m super proud of him and he’s overcome a lot of obstacle. What an incredible vocalist.”

Killswitch Engage just wrapped an Australian tour and kick off a short U.S. jaunt on Nov. 24 in Providence, R.I. Check out their tour dates here. Fans can listen to the interview below.

Jessie Leach PBS Metal Genesis Interview

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