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Guitarist, producer, bassist, drummer… Adam Dutkiewicz does it all on Times Of Grace's debut album, Hymn Of A Broken Man. An album that sees him reunited with his former Killswitch Engage bandmate Jesse Leach.

It's an album born out of a dark time for the lighthearted Dutkiewicz we're used to seeing onstage with Killswitch Engage, and reflects another side to a man who has proved himself to be one of modern metal's brightest talents. We find out more about Adam's struggles that influenced the new album, his musical approach and guitar gear.

Guitarist: It's great to hear you and Jesse making music again together…

Adam: "It was just so natural – it felt great. Our friendship has remained tight for a number of years, and it's always cool to have that friendship when you're making music together. Like a family."

This album came out of a very difficult time for you when you had a very serious back problem – can you give us an overview of what happened?

"The record itself was a cathartic thing, it wasn't even just my back. It stemmed from that; for the two years we were working on the recording Jesse and I were hanging out and talking about the rough things we'd been through. Personal issues and things like that.

"But it all stemmed from the time I had to have emergency back surgery here in London. That's when I started writing the music and I'll be honest, most of the record was written from my hospital bed. I needed something to drive and motivate me – to pick me up out of the depression and anxiety I was going through. Thinking I wasn't going to be able to play in Killswitch Engage anymore – to travel and tour."

"I needed something to drive and motivate me – to pick me up out of the depression and anxiety I was going through. Thinking I wasn't going to be able to play in Killswitch Engage anymore – to travel and tour."

How is it now?

"I'm feeling pretty good. Travelling doesn't make it any easier but I can't complain – it's a heck of a lot better than it was that's for sure."

At that point in time when you were lying there in the hospital, you didn't know if you'd be able to walk again?

"Yes, that was the whole reason I had to have the emergency surgery. The doctors said, Listen if you don't do something about this right now your chances [aren't good]. At that point I couldn't stand up on my own so there was a chance of permanent damage. I thought, I better have the surgery then!"

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