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For fans of metalcore, few voices are as instantly recognizable — or emotionally raw — as that of Jesse Leach, the powerhouse vocalist of Killswitch Engage. Known for seamlessly blending guttural screams with soaring clean vocals, Leach recently sat down with Loudwire for their latest episode of How I Learned to Scream, filmed during last month’s Sonic Temple Festival in Ohio. What unfolded was a candid and compelling story of how one of modern metal’s most iconic screamers discovered his voice — quite literally — by accident.
A Screaming Discovery Born from Pain
As Leach tells it, his first real encounter with aggressive vocals came during a moment of genuine pain. Long before he fronted one of the most influential bands in metalcore, a teenage Leach found himself in a painful situation that unlocked something primal inside him.
“I was 14, going on 15 when I first heard that type of a voice,” he recalled. “The death growls and then the hardcore screams were the two things that really blew my mind.”
But it wasn’t just hearing others scream that changed things — it was doing it himself. At some point during an injury, Leach let out a sound that startled even him. It was raw, unfiltered, and powerful. And while most people might not think much of it, Leach realized that he might be onto something. That moment sparked a fascination with harsh vocals — one that would go on to define his career.
Early Inspirations and Parental Reactions
In the full episode, Leach dives into the vocalists who inspired him the most during his formative years. Death metal growlers and hardcore screamers alike shaped his approach to vocal delivery, helping him craft his now-signature blend of ferocity and feeling.
As for his parents? Well, they weren’t quite sure what to make of their son screaming his lungs out in the bedroom. Like many metal parents, they were a bit confused — but ultimately supportive — once they saw how passionate and dedicated Jesse was to his music.
“They were definitely concerned at first,” he joked. “But over time, they realized it was just another form of expression — and that I was serious about it.”
Finding His Voice — And Learning to Protect It
It’s no secret that screaming night after night can take a brutal toll on a vocalist. Leach doesn’t shy away from that truth. In fact, a major part of the episode is focused on how he’s learned to care for and protect his voice, especially after years of intense touring and recording.
“I’ve had to be a lot more mindful over the years,” he said. “You can’t just go out there and scream without warming up or taking care of yourself — not if you want to last.”
Hydration, vocal warm-ups, proper sleep, and knowing when to rest are all part of his daily routine on the road. And while screaming might seem chaotic and uncontrolled to the casual listener, Leach reveals there’s a real technique behind it — one he’s refined through years of trial, error, and vocal strain.
The Legacy of Killswitch Engage
Leach’s screaming voice helped define Killswitch Engage’s sound when they exploded onto the scene in the early 2000s. Though he briefly left the band in 2002, his return in 2012 only solidified his legendary status in the metal world. Over the past decade, Leach has become both the emotional and sonic core of the band’s music.
Their latest album, This Consequence, dropped in February 2025 via Metal Blade Records, and it’s already being hailed as one of their most powerful and introspective records yet. On the album, Leach’s vocals once again run the gamut — from thunderous growls to soul-piercing melodies — a testament to the emotional intensity he brings to every track.
Hitting the Road: Summer of Loud 2025 Tour
Killswitch Engage is showing no signs of slowing down. Starting June 21, the band will embark on the 2025 Summer of Loud tour, sharing the stage with Beartooth, I Prevail, Parkway Drive, and more. The tour promises to be one of the heaviest and most cathartic events of the year — and fans can expect to hear both new material from This Consequence and classic anthems like “My Curse,” “The End of Heartache,” and “In Due Time.”
Tour dates and tickets are available now on Killswitch Engage’s official website, and based on the buzz from fans online, many dates are expected to sell out fast.
Watch the Episode — and More to Come
How I Learned to Scream is part of Loudwire’s growing collection of behind-the-scenes music series, giving fans an intimate look into how their favorite vocalists developed their craft. The current season was filmed during Sonic Temple 2025 and includes interviews with a variety of metal and hardcore frontmen and women.
Jesse Leach’s episode kicks off the new season with a bang — both literally and emotionally. From discovering his scream through pain to learning how to master and preserve it, Leach’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful voices are born in the most unexpected ways.
Catch the full episode now on Loudwire’s YouTube channel, and stay tuned for more episodes of How I Learned to Scream, How I Learned to Sing, and a brand-new music series launching soon.