Former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE vocalist Howard Jones and guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz have officially announced the debut album from their new project, BURN ETERNAL. The self-titled record will arrive February 26, 2027, through Metal Blade Records, marking the first full-length collaboration between the two musicians in nearly 14 years.
Alongside the announcement, BURN ETERNAL have released a lyric video for “Wounds I’ve Made,” the album’s first single.
The nine-track record reunites two musicians whose work together helped shape the sound of metalcore during the 2000s, particularly through their contributions to KILLSWITCH ENGAGE albums such as The End of Heartache and As Daylight Dies.
“Wounds I’ve Made” addresses regret and personal growth
The debut single explores the process of acknowledging past mistakes, accepting difficult changes, and moving forward from relationships and experiences that no longer serve a positive purpose.
Jones explained the meaning behind the song:
“‘Wounds I’ve Made’ is about both acknowledging mistakes and regrets of the past, while also constantly evolving and moving forward. Sometimes change hurts, but it’s necessary for self-growth and to avoid being stuck in the past. Some relationships aren’t meant to be.”
Although the track is only now receiving its official release, Dutkiewicz revealed that it was among the earliest compositions developed for the project.
“We are glad to finally release ‘Wounds I’ve Made.’ It’s crazy to think that this was one of the first songs I wrote for this project… six years ago! I really hope you guys dig it.”
The single introduces the musical direction of BURN ETERNAL, bringing together the songwriting partnership that previously defined much of Jones and Dutkiewicz’s work in KILLSWITCH ENGAGE.
A reunion years in the making
The origins of BURN ETERNAL can be traced to an informal meeting between the two musicians in the United Kingdom.
While KILLSWITCH ENGAGE were touring with IRON MAIDEN, Jones was also performing in the country. The longtime friends arranged to meet for dinner, during which Jones asked Dutkiewicz whether he had any guitar riffs available for a new collaboration.
That conversation eventually developed into a songwriting partnership, with the pair exchanging ideas, recording demos, and working across several studios.
The project initially developed without a record label agreement or a fixed release deadline, allowing both musicians to experiment without the pressures normally associated with an established band’s recording schedule.
Jones described the experience as:
“A longstanding itch, you finally got to scratch.”
He also explained that the absence of expectations made the collaboration particularly enjoyable.
Dutkiewicz noted that the years apart had changed their creative relationship, particularly Jones’ willingness to explore different approaches.
“Howard has changed a lot as a person since we last worked together. While writing Burn Eternal he was just like an open book, like, let’s try all these different ideas, it was really refreshing.”
The legacy of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
Jones and Dutkiewicz first established their working relationship during KILLSWITCH ENGAGE‘s rise to international prominence.
Both musicians had previously been involved in the New England metal and hardcore scene, with Jones performing in BLOOD HAS BEEN SHED and Dutkiewicz playing in AFTERSHOCK before helping establish KILLSWITCH ENGAGE.
Their collaboration produced several of the band’s most commercially successful recordings, including The End of Heartache (2004), which earned a Grammy nomination, and As Daylight Dies (2006), which achieved platinum certification.
Following his departure from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, Jones continued recording and performing with projects including DEVIL YOU KNOW, LIGHT THE TORCH, and SION, his collaboration with guitarist Jared Dines.
He also contributed guest vocals to recordings by BODY COUNT, CROBOT, and Dee Snider.
Dutkiewicz remained a central member of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE while continuing his production work with bands including UNDEROATH, PARKWAY DRIVE, and SHADOWS FALL.
His additional projects include TIMES OF GRACE and SERPENTINE DOMINION.
With BURN ETERNAL, the two musicians have returned to a collaborative environment that allows them to revisit their established chemistry while developing material outside their previous bands.
Burn Eternal Tracklist
- Wounds I’ve Made
- No Escape
- Blackheart
- To Bear the Cross
- Scared of Shadows
- Bitter Pill
- Learning to Let Go
- Born Again
- Fell Silent
The album artwork was created by Travis Smith, whose work has appeared on numerous metal releases.
Burn Eternal will be available in multiple vinyl editions worldwide, including exclusive variants through TalkShop Live and Metal Injection.
The self-titled debut arrives February 26, 2027, through Metal Blade Records. Preorders are available now, and the lyric video for “Wounds I’ve Made” has been released. Pre-order