The Westield metal band refused to reveal the reason for the split.
Killswitch Engage, from left, Justin Foley, Joel Stroetzel, Howard Jones, Adam Dutkiewicz and Mike D'AntonioHoward Jones will no longer be the voice of Westfield metal heroes Killswitch Engage.
The band issued a statement through its label, Roadrunner Records, that Jones was no longer with Killswitch Engage and the hunt for his replacement was underway. Band members refused to reveal the reason behind the split.
"We have decided to continue on without Howard Jones as the singer of Killswitch Engage. We love Howard and are thankful for the nine years that we've had him in the band," the statement read. "Out of respect for everyone involved, we will not be discussing the specific reasons behind this decision. Howard is a part of our family and always will be, and we wish him well."
The statement was released by bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel and drummer Justin Foley. D'Antonio, Dutkiewicz and Stroetzel have been with Killswitch Engage since its inception in 1999. Foley joined in 2003.
Jones joined Killswitch Engage after the departure of original lead singer Jesse Leach in 2002. Previously, he was a member of Blood Has Been Shed. With Jones, the band has racked up two gold records and been nominated for a Grammy Award.
Band members made it clear that Killswitch Engage will move forward and record again.
"(Howard Jones) has left big shoes to fill, so we certainly have our work cut out for us to find the next singer of Killswitch, something we plan on making priority #1 going forward," members said in their joint statement. "Most importantly, thanks to all of you for all the support throughout the years and for sticking by us for all this time. We really do appreciate it and we very much look forward to having a new record for all of you in the not too distant future that we can all be proud of."