Metalcore giants Killswitch Engage are now streaming “Blood Upon The Ashes,” a previously unreleased B-side from their latest album, This Consequence. This track is featured on The Dogs of Hope, a new compilation aimed at raising crucial funds for the Randolph County Animal Shelter in rural Alabama, a privately run, no-kill facility that operates without public funding.
The compilation features a diverse lineup of artists, including Walter Schreifels, Alex Skolnick, Snapcase, Jeromes Dream, Death Ray Vision, Orange 9mm, Deadguy, Lybica, Roman Candle, Drought, Enforced, and Taken, in addition to Killswitch Engage.
The Dogs of Hope:
- “Pigs On The Wing (Part 1)” – Walter Schreifels (Pink Floyd cover)
- “Disruption” – Alex Skolnick
- “Blood Upon The Ashes” – Killswitch Engage
- “Back To Square One” – Snapcase (Zero Tolerance cover)
- “The Seventeen Downton” – Jeromes Dream
- “Only Wolves Remains” – Death Ray Vision
- “Pretend I’m Human” – Orange 9mm (2025)
- “Makeshift Black Metal Smasher” – Deadguy
- “Phaser” – Lybica
- “How To Be Considered When You’re Not In The Room” – Roman Candle
- “Abattoir” – Drought
- “Radiation Sickness” – Enforced
- “D4” – Taken
- “Pigs On The Wing (Part 2)” – Walter Schreifels (Pink Floyd cover)
Jesse Leach, vocalist for Killswitch Engage, described the meaning behind their contribution: “‘Blood Upon The Ashes‘ is a song about struggle, sacrifice, and redemption. The lyrics read a bit like a story that’s inspired by what we go through in the human experience. I was picturing a war-torn city and people coming together to rebuild it—while the ‘blood’ signifies the sacrifice people make for each other in times of need. As much as it’s based on humanity and everything people are going through in a world riddled with war, it’s also a post apocalyptic story.”
Bassist Mike D’Antonio revealed his personal attachment to the track, noting it was almost included on This Consequence: “For me, ‘Blood Upon The Ashes‘ is ‘the one that got away.’ Although I was fighting hard for it, this track didn’t get the votes to be included in the final, 10-song This Consequence record. So close. Alas, one of my favorite songs is now a b-side. Have no fear, however, The Dogs Of Hope animal shelter benefit is the perfect place for it to live and regain new life. I’m really excited for people to hear it ‘cus every time I do, there’s regret for not including it on the album. Enjoy.”
In separate news, Killswitch Engage has also announced their highly anticipated return to the UK and mainland Europe for their first headline tour in six years. The tour supports their recently released album, This Consequence, which arrived in February 2025 via Metal Blade Records.
This extensive 25-date tour will be split into two legs, running from September to December 2025. The UK and Irish dates will feature a powerful lineup of support from Hatebreed, Fit For An Autopsy, and Decapitated. For the mainland European leg, Fit For An Autopsy, Decapitated, and Employed To Serve will provide support.
Killswitch Engage 2025 UK & European Tour Dates:
Leg 1 (UK/IRE with Hatebreed, Fit For An Autopsy, Decapitated):
- Mon, Sep 29 – POR – LISBON LAV
- Wed, Oct 1 – SPA – MADRID La Riviera
- Thu, Oct 2 – SPA – BARCELONA Razzmatazz
- Sat, Oct 4 – ITA – MILAN Fabrique
- Sun, Oct 5 – SWI – ZURICH Halle 622
- Mon, Oct 6 – FRA – PARIS Bataclan
- Wed, Oct 8 – UK – WOLVERHAMPTON Civic Hall
- Thu, Oct 9 – UK – MANCHESTER Manchester Academy
- Sat, Oct 11 – UK – NEWCASTLE NX
- Sun, Oct 12 – UK – CARDIFF Depot
- Mon, Oct 13 – UK – LEEDS O2 Academy Leeds
- Wed, Oct 15 – SCO – GLASGOW O2 Academy
- Fri, Oct 17 – UK – LONDON OVO Wembley Arena
- Sun, Oct 19 – UK – BELFAST Telegraph Building
- Mon, Oct 20 – IRE – DUBLIN National Stadium
Leg 2 (EU with Fit For An Autopsy, Decapitated, Employed To Serve):
- Thu, Nov 20 – GER – COLOGNE Palladium
- Fri, Nov 21 – GER – LUDWIGSBURG MHP Arena
- Sat, Nov 22 – GER – BERLIN Columbiahalle
- Mon, Nov 24 – CZE – PRAGUE SasaZu
- Tue, Nov 25 – GER – LEIPZIG Haus Auensee
- Thu, Nov 27 – GER – HAMBURG Sporthalle
- Fri, Nov 28 – DEN – COPENHAGEN Amager Bio
- Sat, Nov 29 – SWE – STOCKHOLM Fallan
- Mon, Dec 1 – NOR – OSLO Sentrum Scene
- Wed, Dec 3 – FIN – HELSINKI House of Culture
