Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach on Fighting Depression, Finding Purpose in Music: Rise Above, Ep 2
Вставка
- Опубліковано 25 кві 2018
- In Revolver's video series "Rise Above," artists open up about the personal and creative adversity they've faced and reveal how they turn such struggles into art. In Episode 2, Killswitch Engage and Times of Grace singer Jesse Leach opens up about his battles with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. See him recount the dark years when he didn't have the ability to discuss what was going on with him and the pivotal moment when he took to social media to publicly reveal his struggle - a transformative experience that deepened his connection to both his music and his fans.
He's seen rock bottom and he smashed his fist against it
This comment is not appreciated enough
One of my favorite lines of all time
“Just keep telling yourself, it’ll be alright!”
Saw them live in October and that line hits even harder live.
Depression is real, and it sucks. But, it is possible to overcome it. Godspeed.
You just learn to live with it.
Facts man
Jesse Leach, he gave me and my cousins free tickets last year around this time to go see them on the Killthrax tour and after the show he took us to the tour bus and I got to meet everyone in KSE at the time my cousin had been recovering from the hospital, but I could see then he was happy to have seen one of his favorite bands live and then hangout with them in person. Jesse didn't have to do that , but the fact that he gave him such an amazing experience before his passing is something I can never thank him enough for. Jesse Leach is an incredible human being and an amazing lyricist and singer. Thank You
Cool guy. Totally related to using cycling as way of dealing with low times. It is such a child-like sense of freedom and possibility.
I have found that music is a great way to take a break from anxiety, depression, and all sorts of other crap you have to deal with in life. For me, picking up a guitar and just playing helps me relieve myself from any kind of pain. It's my medicine to my sickness.
I'm in a huge depression right now , life is hard everyday . thank you for the video from a French fan .
Dragonlord 57 find purpose man. We need something to keep us moving forward and improving ourselves. Always keep fighting.
Stay strong buddy👍👍👍
Hope life has gotten a lot better
Damn. When your comment was posted I was gonna kill myself. I’m still here hope u are too
J'espère que tu vas mieux, de la part d'un autre fan français 🤘✌
I have struggled most of my life with this and i must say i have been down some dark roads.This may sound weird but when i finally had a huge mental breakdown it was horrific and i thought it would finish me off but ironically it had the complete reverse effect it woke me up to get help and i did and although its a day by day work im in such a better place these days...just opening up and talking about it really does help i urge you all who are struggling to just talk to someone that first step will change your life...you are NOT alone. i give crazy love to you Jesse for opening the door to so many out there who are stuck \m/ rock on bro! \m/ #mentalhealth
MrAdammassacre : I don't know you, but I'm glad you're still around & talking positive about life. I've also dealt with depression & anxiety since I was about 13. Same old story, started using drugs, alcohol, anything in high school and kept going like that for years. Fast forward to age 42, by then I'd been a functioning opiate addict for years, meaning I still worked, I paid my bills, lived a "regular life" but it was all a lie. I had lied to my wife about so much I couldn't cope anymore, I was in a lot of debt and the addiction was getting more intense because the drugs no longer covered up the darkness... so I got help.
Now I'm 50 and almost 9 years clean. Getting professional help saved my life but I knew it would start a process of taking responsibility that would end my career and it did. I ruined my career by using drugs. I had a lot of shit to work out with family, friends, the law, all the years of smoking, snorting coke, getting high, drinking and finally abusing oxy took a toll on my health. But I made it through and I'm rebuilding. Some think I'm crazy, they think I threw my life away by getting help, especially since I was over 40 when I hit that's wall, but I wanted to salvage the time I have left. I don't have the luxuries I once did, but now I can look at myself in the mirror. I'm not religious. I quit drugs without Jesus or AA or NA, but I still feel that every day is a blessing.
Thanks for reading and all the best to you in what I hope is a better, happier part of your life.
This band saved my life and gotten me though some dark times I will love this band and Jessie forever need new album asap
As a teenager and even now I have grappled with depression and anxiety. My family never wanted to listen and always said I was feeling sorry for myself or I was a nutcase. Music was my relief and my escape. Bands like Killswitch Engage, Hatebreed, and For Today helped me overcome my daily struggles and gave me strength and support when I needed it the most.
My Last Serenade is still one of my favorite songs.. I listen to it all the time. Fucking rocks.
Incarnate's lyrics are sometimes my thoughts.......this band saved me. Godspeed, Jesse. Hail KSE. Power of music is real.
I wrote my Junior year English paper final on Jesse's lyrics! love this man
He has a way with his words and the emotion he puts into his performance has always resonated with me. I appreciate his honesty. Depression is very real and there are so many different levels of it.
Both Jesse and Howards amazing Christian lyrics and the Killswitch instruments helped me at a dark time in my life and got me closer to God spiritually and motivate me physically.
same! kse has really opened my eyes even further
Do you think that Jesse and HHoward are Christians? Do they have Christian lyrics?
@@georgeantonioandrei8570 I think so yes, but everything in your life is interpreted through your eyes, so you can view the lyrics however you want to. but personally yessir i believe they at least have some sort of belief in the greater consciousness. mush love
Their lyrics are very spiritual but not overly Christian.
@@georgeantonioandrei8570 Well to be frank I don’t think so just knowing what people in Hollywood have to do to get in. But I’d like to think they are saved by the lord Jesus Christ. Usually you can tell by a person’s lifestyle and actions.
This was an amazing video. A lot of people don't have the experience that Jesse Leach had,not to say in a bad way.... Some people don't have anyone to talk to. Videos like these should be rotated, when a hero like Jesse can express this. It can motivate a lot of people.
Met jesse twice, excellent dude. Alive or just breathing got me through school and still helps today.
Huge inspiration. Love you Jesse!
Love you Jesse, we’ve been thru the same shit man! All the best for you and people dealin’ with it! ✊🏿
I first hear KSE on Uranium on Fuse back when I was 12 yo in 2002, and have been following them ever since. Now at 27 yo Jesse's lyrics have spoke to me more than ever and have literally saved my life. Thank you Jesse for inspiring me, given me strength at my weakest and for giving me hope. You've blessed millions of people around the world and I am truly grateful for you, my friend.
I was 14 when I saw them on Uranium or whatever shows were big back in those days. It changed my life, but not in a way that I could know until around 2013. In 2013, when I first heard Times of Grace and Jesse returned to KsE, it started a new journey I never could have imagined. I think it unlocked the key toward me fulfilling my purpose. Jesse is an archetype of something we don't know, but he himself can't see it, or won't, because he's not supposed to. He's just a guy that is all light and when he feels dark inside.
I was 12 too when AOJB came out
So much respect for this guy, he's one of the realest ones out there in the music scene.
Jesse you are truly an inspiration.
Jesse is as real as it gets. I live through his lyrics everyday of my life. No one is as true and inspirational as Jesse. Hope you get well soon and get back on tour!! Much love and respect!!
Is it believable how relaxing his voice is ? I can just listen to him talking for hours !
Jesse inspires me so much on many levels OUTSIDE his music , his interviews , his Instagram posts he‘s awesome ! I wish he‘d write a book or sth
That's why Jesse will always be the best frontman of Killswitch Engage.
You helped me too with your music and lyrics it's insane.
Thanks for everything.
YES!!! Thank you Jesse!
Embrace the journey is one of the songs that get me through the day.
I'm loving this new series.
Powerful words. My favorite band.
This is why this guy is a top notch human being. Depression humbles people, and judging by how kind and compassionate this dude is, it's obvious that he's seen the darkest of days. "I've seen rock bottom, and I've smashed my fists against it, just keep telling yourself it'll be alright" - KsE - Stength of The Mind
I couldn't be happier for you man. Amazing to see the strength and power of honesty. This video will be the staple in peoples lives that are hanging by a thread and bring them back in. Dude im so proud of you. I mean im pretty much dead right now because of my own shit . but I just got up and smiled and screamed " FUCK YEAH " ! my fiancé asked me what happened what's the good news? " I just smiled and said hes gonna be okay , as I was walking out to play guitar. she said " wait , who's gonna be okay ? .. Jesse , its all good hes an old friend , just got some good news that's all. she was happy to see me smile. sorry for epic novel of a comment . I realize this is not the platform to put so much out there but I have no way of expressing myself so forgive the comment whose who took up a lot of space on a page . its just vital to let you guys know what you have done for us , your fans , your supports , your unknown families that proudly walk through hell with you. You , Corey Taylor , Rob Flynn, Jason from blue October, all of you giung out of your way to get these words of hope and love out to people who believe that can't heal. that's all, just know we are grateful. We are lucky to have you here in this world. never forget that . Thank You.
Respectfully .
Michael Santucci . p.s. This made my day
I feel this every single day and I've lost friends because it. I've learned to love myself even going through this with no friends or support from family. I'm still here moving forward. Thanks for the video brother, you have my love and support.
Massive respect for Jesse. His lyrics have been speaking to me ever since the Alive or Just Breathing Days, and i'm glad he's such a positive figure and had no idea he was dealing with such things.
Takes a lot of strength to open up and let people know what's up.
I love this man and his music does something for me than nobody else's does. Thanks Jessie, it was great to meet you on yhe ToG tour in Atlanta. I could tell you were a little nervous but you were there for us fans!
I totally feel his pain. There cd before last was an eye opener for me and got me through some rough times
yup. same here.. thank God for music. and thank you Jesse for sharing your testimony :')
this spoke to me so much, thank you jesse you are an amazing person
Thank you Jesse, for all !
Jesse is one of my inspiration, I really look up to him and have go through the same with him
F'n awesome!! Thank you.
So much love and respect for this dude 🤘🏼
I appreciate his candor. Courageous. Makes me feel like I can power through some of my crap
This mans struggles have helped me so much thru my struggles !
I can’t express how much of an inspiration that you’ve been to me Jesse. Please do not stop doing what you do!
Thank You Jesse. .
You Are Awesome An Amazing Guy. .Be Strong. .Love You
And God Bless You
Your Beautiful Heart and Soul ♥ ♥ ♥
Jesse your lyrics helped me a lot and for sure so many other people!!!much respect for you and your honesty
Thank you Jesse.
Thank, Jesse! Your music is my Inspiration for the life! #StrengthoftheMind
Wonderful for Jesse to shed light on his problems. Hopefully it will inspire others and encourage them to find an outlet or seek help and regain enjoyment of lives. I have long suffered, and slowly learned to heal many of the wounds. Peace
My favorite lyricist. I relate to a lot that he is saying. As a song writer, our styles are very similar.
I just simple love that dude, and i knew it since the alive or just breathing record. This dude is in and outside the music a guy to admire. To all that people that goes trough this, i wish you strength, brothers and sisters
There's times I've been off kilter many times honestly been at my lowest.and listing to u guys have always helped me pull through the damn lyrics the truth the emotion the empowering support and equality.kse has done more for me then they will ever know.
Thank you Jesse you're a true hero man don't ever doubt yourself influence into my band and myself plenty I suffer from depression myself and anxiety maybe one day hopefully we'll meet each other and we'll help each other through it
Jesse just had throat surgery today, hoping the best and fast and full recovery! His lyrics and music has helped me through the darkest times in my life, I’m forever grateful
Love this man!
Absolutely love this so positive in a negative way
Thanks to Jesse he helped me battle depression and anxiety with his message. I’m so happy KSE came into my life, love them. Thank you KSE and Jesse Leach.
I totally get where Jesse was coming from. I met him while he was in seamless years back in Providence, RI at the living room(rip). I have seen so many good shows there. I suffer from anxiety and depression and I know how difficult it can be. Everything we go through shapes us as time goes on. I thank Jesse for his positive lyrics at the end of the day. It's saved me in ways you can't even imagine. We are people and together we help one another. Even leaders in this world need support. Emotion is real and as men we are taught to bottle it up and stop acting like a baby. The real truth is, we can't move on and grow unless we work through our problems and speak about it. I've had the worst year of my life and almost decided to do something that would have landed me in jail.
I instead turned to forgiveness and letting go of my past feelings. Thank you Jesse and Killswitch for being a detrimental part of my life.
Getting up and going is honestly one of the hardest things to do.
But doing it is sincerely rewarding. As hard as life can drag you down, you have to keep moving forward.
Bless Jesse Leach x
I also have chronic depression. It absolutely sucks. Ive contemplated suicide many times, but theres always a way out. There are peaks and valleys to this shit
This guy is amazing! God bless you Jesse!
I've struggled with depression when I lost my mother and I was in an abusive relationship with my stepdad. I've attempted suicide many times and every morning when I'm in bed, I wake up in the pool of my own blood. I nearly tried to hang myself and I've found a way to overcome it. I'm at a better place with my Grandmother and all of my other suppportive family, I found metal and Punk Rock. I'm glad my depression is gone and I'm more thankful for the better life I have right now. Special thanks to Jesse Leach and Killswitch Engage.
I don't listen to this band but this story is inspiring and heartfull. I personally went through pure hell of anxiety and depression and I tought that I will never get over it. After one year of suffering I slowly found out that this is what I needed to get clean from the inside, and nowadays I can't thank enough to myself that I had to lose my mind to get together and take responsibilities for my life. My point is, no metter how hard it is, it CAN and WILL get better, but in the meanwhile you have to be good to yourself and ask for any help possible that will loosen up the process of self-healing.
This dude is amazing. Such a cool dude
I listened to alive or breathing in middle school when it came out, always loved it. In 2011 some serious shit went down in my personal life, and I can attest that THAT album alone, was my saving grace for a period of many many months. It was the only thing I could listen to that helped ease my pain and also let me get out the displaced anger. Many suicidal moments were thwarted by remembering I could put on that cd and go to another place than the hell I was feeling. If I recall correctly Jesse's grandmother had passed or was passing during the writing of that record, which lent alot of the spirit of that album to it.
I’m finally starting to beat depression and anxiety everyone just keep moving forward and follow a goal you love god bless
Their music has gotten me through some rough shit. When friends wasn't there, KSE was.
I've seen rock bottom and I've smashed my fists against it.
Best lyrics ever.
It is something I battle every day. I get tired of being told since I’m a man I must just suck it up and deal with it. That’s counterproductive and makes me feel worse than before. I too must find my purpose, my life, my fight again.
Been there, dealing with it for years!
This is why jesse is awesome, and in my opinion, the better KSE singer. A deeper connection with the fans in a more human and relatable context
Been there brother take a lot guts to get it out dig your bravery
Love you Jesse .
You are a amazing person jesse!
Talking about it is key. There is so much support out there if you just look for it. For years I tried to manage the signs and symptoms on my own. To be honest, I didn't even really know what I was managing. I just knew, as Jesse stated, that I was fucked up. However, after having decided to work through it, I realized that I could identify with people and experiment with what helped and what didn't. I am SO much better now. You DON'T have to be alone if you don't want to :-)
I love this man
Actually why they are one of my favorite bands. He is real and I love he doesn’t try to hide from it and just puts it all out for everyone! One love
My anxiety is outta control. I feel alot better know that my favorite vocalist has it too
🎶Breathe me in (I'm 4ever),
Deep within (I'm eternal)🎶I luv dat song: The Element Of One🔥
I listened to Killswitch all throughout high school. They were one of my favourites, but as times got tougher I stopped taking care of myself and stopped listening to their music. Years later I now feel pulled to Christianity, and I showed my friend a Killswitch song. To my absolute shock, the lyrics were totally Christian and blew me away. I've been listening non-stop and my love for them is even greater now. My friends, trust in the Lord for he is good. God bless ❤️
Same here. Suffering from GAD since 2k11 and i am used to it
Saw Killswitch play in two different tours and both times they fucking killed it!
Realist dude out there ,alive or just breathing will always be a masterpiece.👏🏼
Killswitch carried me on both deployments
Glad yaback broskie
Jesse our king is always with us everyday stay strong brotha. You guys fucking rocked Denver in November 2017 with breaking Benjamin stole the show for sure 💯
Respect my brother
This helped me
Those first words from Jesse where great.
Ur now a roll model for me cuz of this
Love it ❤️
Before covid I lost a 7 year relationship it got me depressed i wouldn't talk to my parents for long conversations for weeks then i lost my Dad due to a heart attack, what made it worse he didnt realise he was developing heart disease and on day he died my last words, i asked him "did he want anything" right now im helping myself to get fitter and healthier again mentally better. Im going to the gym, play football (soccer), seeing Iron Maiden around the world but i gonna try attempt to play Pokemon competitively.
Another thing with anxiety that feeling of when your hearts pounding almost out of your own chest and out of control is not a feeling I wish a-pond anyone😶
A modern day hero!!
Stay strong. Mental illness sucks indeed. Love listening to KSE to calm my thoughts.
Love You Jesse❤Get Better Dude
I struggled with the same 😣I have had anxiety for so long no matter what it’s not going away. But I feel it will get better some day but for now I live with it but in the end it will not and never conquer me and my goals in life my will will not allow it to happen
Jessie and Howard need to do an album together somehow. Their voices are so powerful.
Anyone here after "Atonement"? It changed my life. I'm getting a full sleeve tattooed of album art soon
Trippy awesome album but AOJB is still their best album to me
I absolutely would trade in all my anxiety and depression that I have had/will have for normalcy. Happily. Give me the 9-5 cubicle all day over not being able to walk out my door since November
“In due time”
The empire shall fall is the most underrated band.