In a shocking announcement on their official website, Killswitch Engage have announced they parted ways with Howard Jones. Here is the official statement:
To our family, friends and fans: We have decided to continue on without Howard Jones as the singer of Killswitch Engage. We love Howard and are thankful for the nine years that we’ve had him in the band. Out of respect for everyone involved we will not be discussing the specific reasons behind this decision. Howard is a part of our family and always will be, and we wish him well. He has left big shoes to fill, so we certainly have our work cut out for us to find the next singer of Killswitch, something we plan on making priority #1 going forward. Most importantly, thanks to all of you for all the support throughout the years and for sticking by us for all this time. We really do appreciate it and we very much look forward to having a new record for all of you in the not too distant future that we can all be proud of. Sincerely, Adam, Joel, Mike & Justin.
Killswitch have been pretty inactive as of late, but recently announced plans to release a new album in 2012, as well as headlining this year's New England Metal and Hardcore Festival in their hometown. Jones made headlines two years ago when a porn star alleged (and then retracted) that he got her pregnant. He has been out of the public eye ever since.
Let the speculation begin as to who will replace Howard. When he dropped off the band's tour two years ago, Killswitch got Phil Labonte of All That Remains and former vocalist Jesse Leach to help fill in the burden of Howard being gone. Could either of those two be considered for the position? And, even if they are would they be willing to give up their current lives to be in a huge active band like Killswitch is? I know longtime fans of the band would love to see Leach return to the fold, as would I but really that's more up to them than us.
[Thanks Yeremy]
