hot from the US press office… FIRST BAND IN METAL’s NEW BREED TO SELL OVER 100,000 COPIES New York, NY: New England-based 5-piece Killswitch Engage is the first in metal’s new generation of bands to scan over 100,000 copies. According to Nielsen Soundscan, the band reached this milestone recently with their debut Roadrunner release, ALIVE OR JUST BREATHING. Through a firmly entrenched DIY ethic, relentless touring and growing word of mouth on the act, Killswitch Engage have broken through this first level. This was no small feat for a band that was forced to bring on a new lead singer (Howard Jones) two weeks after the release of the album after the departure of their original vocalist (Jesse Leach). Killswitch Engage is the creative pacesetter of this burgeoning musical movement that includes such up and coming metal crusaders as Lamb of God, Shadows Fall, Bleeding Through and As I Lay Dying. Alternative Press concurs, í¢ä‰åñKillswitch represent a changing of the guard, the growing consciousness of a truly new metal movement.í¢ä‰åŒ Their reign as leaders of metal’s new school is undeniable. The band is set to release their highly anticipated third album The End of Heartache on May 11, 2004. The album is an inspiring amalgam of sound í¢ä‰åäóì uncompromising riffs fused with harmonious, thunderous vocals. The End of Heartache is a testimonial to the band’s musical talent and accomplishment. Killswitch will debut their new material in a live setting as headliners at the New England Metalfest on Friday, April 30th. Shortly after this performance, the band is set to go out on a co-headline run with Swedish metal unit, In Flames. The tour will kick off May 3rd and wrap up on June 4th. The band’s live performance is one to witness. Killswitch had the critics raving as part of 2003’s Ozzfest and MTV2’s Headbangers Ball tour – í¢ä‰åñKillswitch Engage combines a classically irresistible lumbering groove with razoring riffs and an alternately rasping and melodic vocal attackí¢ä‰åŒ (LA Weekly), and í¢ä‰åñLed by frontman Howard Jones’ powerful presence, the crowd was on its feet and would not let up for one second throughout the entire setí¢ä‰åŒ (Metal Maniacs).