Killswitch Engage – Wind Creek Event Center – Bethlehem, PA – 6/13/2026

With Special Guests: Machine Head, Iron Reagan and Havok

 

Review & Photos by Lori Schneider (IG: @LoriSchneiderPhotography)

 

The atmosphere of the night was exactly what metal fans craved – an electrifying mix of crushing riffs, pounding drums, roaring vocals, and a sea of raised fists and a lot of headbanging. The crowd energy was relentless, with mosh pits erupting during the heavier tracks while voices joined together for melodic choruses. Strobing lights, thunderous bass, and the camaraderie of the metal community created an intense yet welcoming environment where longtime fans and newcomers alike shared in the experience.

 

Metalcore veterans Killswitch Engage delivered a fiery performance at the Wind Creek Event Center proving once again why they remain one of the genre’s most respected live acts. Killswitch Engage is one of the most influential bands in modern metalcore. Formed in 1999 in Westfield, Massachusetts, they helped define the metalcore sound by blending aggressive riffs and screaming vocals with melodic choruses and emotional lyrics. 

 

Frontman Jesse Leach commanded the stage with his trademark intensity, effortlessly shifting between ferocious screams and soaring clean vocals. His crowd interaction kept the fans wanting more. The band tore through a set packed with fan favorites and new material, delivering tight musicianship and infectious energy throughout the night. Guitarists Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel kept the crowd engaged with crushing riffs and blistering solos. Mike D’Antonio provided the thunderous bass and Justin Foley the pounding drums. 

 

The audience responded enthusiastically soaking in the hardcore energy, creating energetic circle pits during the band’s heavier moments. Combined with powerful production, excellent sound quality, and a passionate crowd, Killswitch Engage delivered a memorable night of metal that left Bethlehem buzzing long after the final notes faded.

 

The setlist included –

 

In Due Time

This Is Absolution

Fixation on the Darkness

Aftermath

Alone I Stand

The End of Heartache

Unleashed

Hate by Design

Know Your Enemy

Forever Aligned

The Signal Fire

I Believe

Daylight Dies

Rose of Sharyn

This Fire

My Curse

My Last Serenade

 

Their ninth studio album, This Consequence, was released in February 2025. The record continues the band’s signature mix of crushing heaviness and memorable melodies while addressing themes of division, conflict, and personal responsibility. Killswitch Engage can be found online at www.killswitchengage.com, on Facebook and on Instagram @killswitchengage.

 

 

The supporting lineup made this show feel more like a mini metal festival rather than a typical concert. The bill featured Machine Head, Iron Reagan, and Havok.

 

Havok

 

Opening the evening, Havok delivered a fast-paced thrash metal assault filled with razor-sharp riffs, blistering solos, and relentless drumming. Their thrash influences were on full display, and they wasted no time getting the crowd moving. Despite an early set, fans responded immediately with the first circle pits of the night, setting the tone for the chaos to come. Their technical musicianship and raw energy made them a standout opener.

 

Iron Reagan

 

Iron Reagan brought a different flavor to the lineup with their crossover thrash approach, blending hardcore punk aggression with classic thrash intensity. Songs came rapid-fire, rarely giving the audience a chance to catch its breath. The band’s humor and no-nonsense stage presence connected well with the crowd, while their short, explosive songs kept the energy level high throughout the set. Fans of old-school crossover thrash were rewarded with one of the most energetic performances of the evening.

 

Machine Head

 

By the time Machine Head took the stage, the venue was fully energized. Their set felt like a co-headlining performance rather than a support slot, featuring crushing grooves, massive guitar tones, and commanding vocals from frontman Robb Flynn. The band’s heavier moments generated some of the largest pits of the night, while their melodic passages gave the crowd opportunities to sing along. Machine Head’s veteran stage presence and powerful sound created an arena-level experience that perfectly bridged the gap between the thrash-heavy openers and Killswitch Engage’s metalcore attack.

 

Overall Lineup Impression

 

All I can say is WOW!! What made this concert special was the variety. Havok delivered traditional thrash precision, Iron Reagan supplied punk-fueled crossover chaos, Machine Head brought groove-metal power and experience, and Killswitch Engage closed the night with their signature blend of melody and aggression. The result was a celebration of modern and classic heavy metal that kept the audience engaged from the first riff to the final song. Many fans left feeling they had witnessed four bands operating near the top of their game, making this show one of the strongest metal tours to pass through the Lehigh Valley this year.