Hate by Design
| "Hate by Design" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Killswitch Engage | |
| from the album Incarnate | |
| Released | January 29, 2016 |
| Genre | Melodic metalcore |
| Length | 3:59 |
| Label | Roadrunner Records |
| Songwriter | Killswitch Engage |
| Producer | Adam Dutkiewicz |
"Hate by Design" is a song by American metalcore band Killswitch Engage. It was released as the second single from their seventh album, Incarnate on January 29, 2016.[1] The song was accompanied with an official back and white music video on its release.[2] It reached number 22 on U.S. Mainstream Rock chart.[3]
Background
The lyrics see Jesse Leach delve into personal philosophy of preaching acceptance.[2] It also critiques societal flaws, highlighting the prevalence of bigotry and ignorance.[4]
During an interview with Metal Hammer Leach commented on the song stating "If you pay attention to what’s going on in the world, you’re going to get overwhelmed. I’m affected by it. I allowed myself to be affected by it by paying attention and watching the news, and the terrible stuff they put on. This song was my reaction to that."[5]
Reception
Loudwire wrote "Hate by Design" sees Killswitch Engage volley between playful rests at the start, heaping the tension on the listener before finally tearing into the verse."[2] Greg Kennelty of Metal Injection commented song on the song stating "it feels like a killer callback to the older Killswitch Engage sound. Not to mention I absolutely cannot get the chorus out of my head."[6]
In a 2018 Poll by Revolver Magazine "Hate By Design was voted Killswitch Engage’s 4th greatest song. The publication added the song is an "compelling combination of message and melody."[7] Additionally Classic Rock history dubbed it the bands 10th greatest song calling it the "standout track on Incarnate."[4]
Charts
| Chart (2016) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[8] | 22 |
| US Hard Rock Digital (Billboard)[8] | 6 |
| US Rock Digital Songs (Billboard)[8] | 40 |
References
- ^ Carter, Caitlin. "Killswitch Engage premiere new song 'Hate By Design' on Octane". SiriusXM. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
- ^ a b c "Killswitch Engage Release Video for 'Hate By Design'". Loudwire. 2016-01-29. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
- ^ "Killswitch Engage catches first top-10 hit with 'honey sweet' single 'I Believe' – 98KUPD – Arizona's Real Rock". 98KUPD - Arizona's Real Rock. 2025-06-09. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
- ^ a b Zeiler, Millie (2024-03-27). "Top 10 Killswitch Engage Songs". ClassicRockHistory.com. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
- ^ Leachpublished, Jesse (2016-03-09). "Jesse Leach's track-by-track to Killswitch Engage's new album". Louder. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
- ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE New Song "Hate By Design" Is Entirely Too Heavy And Catchy". Metal Injection. 2016-01-29. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
- ^ Staff, Revolver. "Fan Poll: 5 Best Killswitch Engage Songs". Revolver. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
- ^ a b c "Killswitch Engage | Biography, Music & News | Billboard". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2026-01-04. Retrieved 2026-02-16.