Fans of Killswitch Engage and Heaven Shall Burn have something to celebrate — two giants of modern metal have joined forces to pay tribute to a genre-defining classic. The new Numbered Days cover, featuring Jesse Leach (Killswitch Engage), is not only a musical gem, but a heartfelt symbol of friendship and mutual respect between bands.
Originally the opening track of Killswitch Engage’s breakthrough album Alive or Just Breathing (2002), Numbered Days is reimagined by Heaven Shall Burn as part of their upcoming record Heimat, set for release on June 27 via Century Media. The official visualizer — now available online — bridges the gap between metalcore’s roots and its current evolution.
Heaven Shall Burn shared the inspiration behind the collaboration: “Killswitch Engage are THE metalcore band! When we first heard Numbered Days, we were blown away — it was clear something new was happening. No other band has shaped this genre more or interpreted it better.”
Jesse Leach responded with heartfelt gratitude: “We’re honored. That song kicked off an album that changed our lives. Having Heaven Shall Burn cover it 23 years later is wild. I’m stoked to be part of reshaping the song and hearing their take!”
This Numbered Days cover is just a glimpse of what listeners can expect from Heimat — the highly anticipated follow-up to Of Truth and Sacrifice (2020), which debuted at No. 1 on the German album charts.
While the German word Heimat loosely translates to “home” or “homeland,” guitarist Maik Weichert explains the broader concept: “We don’t see ‘Heimat’ as an endpoint tied to populist ideology, but as a starting point for exploring identity and spiritual belonging — something that shapes our thoughts and actions.”
Produced at their own studio The Dude Ranch, Heimat was once again mixed and mastered by renowned producer Tue Madsen. The visual design, created by Eliran Kantor, centers around a dynamic triptych: a rearing stag (a classical, sometimes controversial symbol), flanked by a lynx and an owl — each embodying resistance, alertness, and symbolism amid chaos.
Due to vocalist Marcus Bischoff suffering a serious vocal cord infection, the band has announced that Britta Görtz (of HIRAES) will be stepping in for upcoming live shows.
Bischoff shared the news: “We have a plan! Britta will take over vocals for the next concerts — tomorrow in Kufstein and next weekend as well. Give her a warm welcome and make these shows truly special! Things are already looking better for me, too.”
Although Heaven Shall Burn may not frequently appear in faith-based metal media, Jesse Leach — particularly in his Times of Grace project — has long explored spiritual and introspective themes. His presence in this Numbered Days cover serves not only as a musical highlight but also as a reminder of the enduring emotional resonance of metalcore.
This collaboration is more than a nod to history — it’s a living testament to shared roots, artistic growth, and the power of metal to unite across borders and decades. With Heimat on the horizon, the story continues, louder than ever.
HEIMAT TRACK LISTING:
“Ad Arma”
“War Is The Father Of All”
“My Revocation Of Compliance“
“Confounder“
“Empowerment“
“A Whisper From Above”
“Imminence”
“Those Left Behind”
“Ten Days In May”
“Numbered Days” (Feat. Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage)
“Dora”
“A Silent Guard”
“Inter Arma”