Jesse Leach has suggested that Killswitch Engage could benefit from releasing EPs instead of full-length albums. The singer shared his thoughts in an interview with Heavy Interviews.
Leach explained that bands typically only perform a small number of tracks from each album during live shows. He believes that shorter releases would make better use of studio time and fit the modern music landscape more effectively.
“We’ve put out enough records that the idea of putting out an EP or a couple of songs here and there, in addition to eventually putting out a record, I think is fun for me,” Leach said. “And the turnaround would be great.”
He went on to outline the practical reasons behind his proposal. “You put out a [full-length] record, and how many of those songs do you actually play live? Maybe four, maybe five,” he explained. “So those other songs just kind of go by the wayside. Why not just put out an EP — this is just my opinion — put out an EP with four songs that you for sure are gonna play live, ’cause everyone’s, like, ‘These songs rule.’ It just cuts out the fat, I guess, and makes the touring cycle easier and more frequent. And I think in this day and age, why not adapt a little bit to the times?”
Leach acknowledged the band’s attachment to the traditional album format while remaining open to change. “We’re old school, for sure. We all love the format of an album and the concept of an album, but I think you can pull it off in four or five songs as well,” he continued. “An EP can still have a concept to it. So I’m excited to try that — if the guys are open to it. I’m just sort of putting it out there into the universe to see. ‘Cause I think it’d be fun to do that.”
The comments reflect a broader conversation about how established bands can adjust their approach to releasing music while maintaining artistic depth.
Leach’s proposal comes after Killswitch Engage released This Consequence in February 2025 through Metal Blade Records. The album arrived nearly six years after their previous release Atonement, marking the longest gap between studio albums in the band’s history. The album was recorded between 2023 and 2024, with the band tracking multiple songs during sessions.
Leach has described the work on This Consequence as “the culmination of 2 years of hardcore work.” During the recording process, guitarist Joel Stroetzel noted that the band had recorded “too many” songs for the release, suggesting that having a more condensed approach to future releases could address the challenge of managing the volume of material the band creates.
The band has maintained an active touring schedule to support This Consequence and their catalog. Killswitch Engage toured North America in May 2025 and have continued with a summer 2026 headline tour alongside Machine Head, Iron Reagan, and Havok running from June through September and October, with additional Canadian dates in August. Shorter release cycles like EPs could allow the band to maintain momentum on the road without the lengthy gaps between album cycles that have characterized their recent history.
