Roadrunner News BACK TO RR News | RR Blogs | Partner News

MAR 20.10

Ten Greatest Album Covers in Roadrunner History: #6

#6 Killswitch Engage – The End of Heartache

Released in 2004 to critical acclaim, this 3rd full-length from Massachusetts metalcore trailblazers Killswitch Engage showcased the band's new singer Howard Jones for the first time, taking the band to another level. With all the rapid, melodic riffage, vicious- screaming-alongside-hearty- crooning, and double-bass mastery one could want, it's no surprise this album won the title of the Roadrunner Staff's album of the decade just earlier this year. And right there with it's sonic splendor, The End of Heartache's imagery - as done by bassist and graphic designer Mike D' Antonio for all Killswitch albums - is just as noteworthy. Rather than explain it, here's the artist's perspective:

Says Mike D., “It's exciting to be recognized for "The End Of Heartache" album cover design. It still remains one of my favorites to this day. Surprisingly, the heart with nails image was something that was stuck in my head for many years. And I am glad it translated well into print.”

As for how he made it exactly, Mike goes on, “It all started with a trip to my local craft store. I bought a styrofoam heart, red and black gouache paint, a box of assorted nails and a few strings of fake flowers. In total, it cost me about $12.

“I painted the heart thick with black gouache and pushed nails into the styrofoam by hand. Next I set up a bunch of flood lights in my 4x4 bathroom and dunked my wife's hands in red gouache (for that thick "blood" look). I probably took 2 gigs of digital photos for the right angle and look for the cover... The rest is history.”

Check out what Senior VP of A&R Monte Conner had to say about it making the list, and listen in on some classic cuts off of Killswitch’s killer album in question below.

Go HERE to see our complete list of the Ten Greatest Album Covers in Roadrunner History.

Share on Facebook

Tags: Killswitch Engage, feature, Mike D'Antonio, Monte Conner, Ten Greatest Album Covers in Roadrunner History, The End of Heartache, video
Share:

Permalink: Click Here
Related Links: View Killswitch Engage Profile

COMMENTS

09.20.2011 bea pabilona wrote...

What's most impressive about this album is just how tightly written and played it is. Every song is calculated for maximum visceral and emotional impact, with the band deftly exploiting dynamics as they careen back and forth between balls-out aggression and soaring melodies. Yes, there are plenty of bands in the metal/hardcore/metalcore/whatever genre doing that right now, but KSE are still notable for the emotion, creativity, and musicianship they bring to the genre. Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel lead the charge with a devastating two-guitar assault, cranking out some complex and interesting riff structures without sacrificing the intensity that's at the core of the band's sound. Howard Jones also deserves a great deal of credit, stepping in on vocals for the departed Jesse Leach without missing a beat and somehow managing to raise the emotional stakes even higher than his predecessor. Howard's screams are more jarring, and his clean singing clearer, making him a perfect match for the band's unpredictable, wide-ranging sound. Throw in a pile-driving rhythm section, and you've got a band that's getting very good at combining power with polish.
www.itilce ... onsite.com