KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Jesse Leach said he uses his stage presence to promote love, acceptance and compassion, arguing that powerful interests benefit from social and political division. He described dialogue with people who hold different views as preferable to shunning them, saying he is willing to reconsider his own beliefs where doing so serves a wider good.

Speaking to Loud & Clear With Belgian Jasper, Leach said he makes compassion the focus of his pre-show prayer and meditation, hoping audiences leave with a positive message. He also rejected the idea that he is addicted to outrage, while saying both fixation on anger and avoiding it can be unhealthy; in his view, fear lies beneath anger and hatred, and understanding that can encourage empathy.