Mike: Howard, how’s it going man?
Howard: Not bad, not bad.

Mike: So how’s the Mayhem tour going?
Howard: It’s going pretty good so far. The shows have been great, there’s
a good line up on this tour. I can’t complain.

Mike: Lets hear a little about the new album "Killswitch Engage", how did
the recording process go?
Howard: Honestly it was pretty rough. Well it always is rough, but this time was exceptionally hard. It took a long time to get everything finished this time around. Plus I got sick during the recording, and that delayed some things. It was a rough one, (laughs).

Mike: Damn man, sounds tough. What is different about this album, compared to your last one?
Howard: Well it’s the first time that we used an outside producer, so that was something new. We also tried a different approach this time through.
I mean, we are still the same band. This is still a Killswitch Engage record, but we focused more on the actual songwriting and lyrics. And we tried new things with the vocals, and just really put a lot of work and effort into those areas.

Mike: Do you have a favorite track?
Howard: (laughs) not really man. That’s kind of like asking to pick a favorite child. I mean I don’t have any kids, but you know what I mean. Its hard to narrow it down and pick a favorite.

Mike: Yeah, I can understand that. What’s the first memory you have of music, making an impact on you?
Howard: I would probably have to say, the first time I ever really heard heavy music. I mean I grew up around music all my life, but the first time I heard AC/DC and KISS on the radio, it changed me. I didn’t hear that kind of stuff around the house, so it was something new. I guess you could say that is what started my love affair with heavy music!

Mike: If you could tour with any two bands past or present, who would
you pick?
Howard: Metallica of course. And probably Faith No More.

Mike: Nice. Speaking of Faith No More, what was it like playing the Download Festival, and getting to see them perform there as well?
Howard: It’s such a great show. I think we have played the Download Festival like 3 times now, and it’s insane. It’s just like an ocean of people. Playing in front of like 70,000-80,000 people is just mind blowing. And Faith No More are a great band, they’re awesome to see.

Mike: I had the opportunity to hang out with you guys a couple years back, while on tour with In Flames, and it was a great time. (laughs). Adam had a pirate sword he was carrying around all night, and there was some crazy birthday Karaoke and all kinds of fun stuff... so who are the best bands to tour and go out with?
Howard: (laughs) yeah, In Flames are pretty awesome. As I lay Dying (who Adam just produced a record for), All that Remains, Shadows Fall, I could keep going… there’s a lot of cool bands we have toured with, that are a lot of fun.

Mike: I wanted to look back a few years, to when you stepped in as vocalist replacing former Jesse Leach. Was there a lot of pressure on you? Or was it an easy move?
Howard: Yeah of course there was some pressure. It was the debut album on Roadrunner Records, and they had to do it without their singer… so yeah there was a bit of pressure at the time I stepped in.

Mike: One thing that I think sets you guys apart from other bands is, while on stage you all always seem to be having a blast. Cracking Jokes, really getting into your performance and getting the crowd involved. How do you do that night after night?
Howard: That’s the name of the game. If we can’t go out and enjoy ourselves, then how are the fans supposed to enjoy it. We go out and try to have a good time, take everything in stride and be a little light hearted. And of course we want to sound good while we are up there to.

Mike: Well it works man, I have never seen a boring Killswitch Engage show. Ok, last one. What’s the craziest thing that has happened onstage during a show?
Howard: Hmm. That’s hard to say. Maybe when I hit Adam in the face with my microphone and cut his eye open. Or maybe when Mike hit me in the face with his bass, and cut my eye open, (laughs). There was one time when someone through a blow up doll onstage, and Adam wore it around as a cape… for like 3 shows in a row. There’s always something crazy happening onstage. One time in Europe, the bands we were touring with came out and completely TP'd the entire stage and us. There were over a 100 rolls of toilet paper being thrown around onstage... it was everywhere!

Mike- (laughs), I bet that would suck to clean up.
Howard: Yeah, but I didn’t have to stick around and do it… so that was cool.

Mike: Cool man, anything you wanna add?
Howard: Yeah thanks to all the fans, and you can check out our website. www.killswitchengage.com I don’t really look on the internet much, but I know we have one… and that its there. (laughs)!