About this interview
In a 2009 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, Jesse Leach discusses his return to heavy music after spending years away from the scene. Reflecting on his time with Killswitch Engage, he opens up about why he left the band, the struggles he faced on the road, and how his personal and artistic growth led him to form The Empire Shall Fall. Jesse describes how the band came together, from his collaboration with a 17-year-old guitar prodigy to working with jazz musicians who brought a unique dynamic to their sound. Unlike his previous projects, this band had a clear purpose—he wanted the music to challenge people, to make them think, and to deliver a message that wasn’t just about headbanging, but about waking up to the realities of the world.
Throughout the conversation, Jesse shares his thoughts on politics, media manipulation, and the dangers of blind trust in authority. He talks about the importance of questioning everything, from the food we eat to the way the government operates, and why he believes younger generations have become too distracted by social media and entertainment to see the bigger picture. Jesse also reflects on how his views have changed over the years, going from an idealistic young musician inspired by reggae and punk rock to someone who feels a growing sense of urgency about the state of the world. While he maintains his faith, he makes it clear that he’s not here to preach—his goal is to create art that sparks thought and encourages people to form their own opinions.
As the interview unfolds, Jesse talks about his many creative pursuits, including Times of Grace, his project with Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, and his work scoring films. He also touches on his frustrations with the modern music industry, the difficulty of making a living as an independent artist, and his desire to balance multiple projects without being tied down to full-time touring.