Former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Singer Explains His Departure

Former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Howard Jones has released the following statement regarding his departure from the band:

"Well, I guess I will shed a little light without going too deep.

"As some of you may know, I've had a pretty interesting couple of years, to say the least, battling with some personal issues. One of the low points being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes that went unchecked for years. The rest of the band stuck with me through it, and, to be honest, they are the ones that kept me going. The whole experience definitely put a scare in me.

"Recently we've all been in writing mode, but somehow I couldn't get excited about the new album and all the touring that would go with it. The guys saw it before I did. In hindsight, I now realize that my heart wasn't in it.

"I have had an amazing decade with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. I love Justin, Mike D, Joel and Adam for hanging in there and standing by me no matter how bad it was. I have so many good memories, and those are the ones that I will keep.

"Will I be involved in music again? Sure. I have been in bands for a little over half my life; can't stop now. Until then, get the new KILLSWITCH ENGAGE album; it's going to be good.

"Thanks, everyone, for letting me try to entertain you, and I wish myself well in my future endeavors.

"Gone fishin', Howard."

Jones, 41, replaced original KILLSWITCHE ENGAGE singer Jesse Leach in 2002, after the release of the band's "Alive Or Just Breathing" album. He also handled lead vocals in the band BLOOD HAS BEEN SHED, with whom he released three studio albums.

Jones sat out KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's North American headlining tour in early 2010, leading to a flurry of rumors and questions about the status of the band. The group subsequently issued a statement addressing the matter, saying, "It became overwhelmingly obvious to all of us around Howard that he is in no condition to be on tour right now and that he needed to get off the road and get himself better. It's a personal matter and while we understand everyone's curiosity and concern for Howard and the band, we appreciate everyone respecting Howard's privacy at this time." Longtime friend, Phil Labonte of ALL THAT REMAINS, was able to fill in and help out the band for the remainder of the tour.

The latest, self-titled album from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE sold 58,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 7 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was released on June 30, 2009 via Roadrunner Records. It was produced by Brendan O'Brien (AC/DC, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE) and co-produced by Adam Dutkiewicz.