In the latest issue of Metal Hammer, Jesse Leach said Killswitch Engage borrowed from a Bad Brains song.
“‘Soul Craft’ creates a groove that countless bands – including Killswitch – have ripped off over the years since,” the frontman revealed after naming ‘Soul Craft’ among his favorite songs from Bad Brains. “You look at ‘My Last Serenade,’ the riffage of that song is directly ripped off of a Bad Brains idea of how you play a riff, pause, and the groove keeps happening.”
Leach also previously shared his favorite lyrics, including ‘Attitude’ from Bad Brains. He chose the lyrics, ‘Don’t care what they may say we got that attitude/ Don’t care what they may do we got that attitude/Hey we got that PMA.’
“Short, simple, and to the point,” Leach explained.”This song is about having a positive state of mind (PMA — Positive Mental Attitude). What’s so great about it, though, is that it is the ultimate offense and defense to another human.”
The vocalist continued, “I will keep a positive state of mind regardless of what you and your issues are. It’s like H.R. is saying, ‘You can’t mess with me, I’m on my own vibe; take your nonsense elsewhere!’ Words to live by for me!”
Leach also said in a 2012 interview that he finds The Clash amazing. He loves how they mix punk and reggae and says they’re his favorite band. He added the following about his love for Bad Brains, “Bad Brains would be second to that. Faith No More, old Faith No more, Cro-Mags. Those are my roots. That’s the stuff I still to this day, no matter what mood I’m in I can listen to.”
In August 2023, Killswitch Engage announced they would release their ninth studio album in 2024 but there is no further update yet.