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Ice Nine Kills
Ice Nine Kills
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Ice Nine Kills is an American heavy metal band from Boston, Massachusetts. The band's music is primarily described as horror-themed metalcore, but incorporates many other musical styles. It was originally a ska punk band called Ice Nine, formed in 2000 by high school friends Spencer Charnas and Jeremy Schwartz, before adopting a metalcore style in 2010. Charnas is currently the only remaining founding member. The band is signed to Fearless Records.

Key Information

Ice Nine Kills has released three EPs along with six full-length studio albums: Last Chance to Make Amends, Safe Is Just a Shadow, The Predator Becomes the Prey, Every Trick in the Book, which peaked at number 122 on the US Billboard 200; The Silver Scream, which peaked at number 29;[2] and their latest, The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood which peaked at number 18. Their band name is derived from the fictional substance ice-nine from the 1963 novel Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut.[3]

In 2025, Jeff Mezydlo of Yardbarker included the band in his list of "the greatest metal acts that formed in the 2000s".[4] In 2023, Jake Richardson of Loudwire included Spencer Charnas in his list of the "10 Best Clean Singers in Metalcore".[5]

History

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2000–2009: Formation and Last Chance to Make Amends

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Ice Nine Kills was founded in 2000 under the name Ice Nine by high school friends Spencer Charnas and Jeremy Schwartz. They later recruited drummer Grant Newsted in 2003 and swapped out then-bassist Patrick Morse for Hobie Boeschenstein in 2004.[6] In 2002, they recorded a demo, which would eventually be released in 2009 entitled The Pop-Punk-Ska Years.[3] They changed their name to Ice Nine Kills just before releasing their debut independent album Last Chance to Make Amends on April 20, 2006.[7]

The following year on November 20, 2007, Ice Nine Kills released their EP The Burning through Red Blue Records.[8] The band then set out on several national tours in support of the EP, including opening slots on tours with I See Stars and Eyes Set to Kill among others.[9] By 2008, the group had been invited to open for well-known acts such as As I Lay Dying, A Day to Remember, Thursday, Paramore and a one-off performance on the Taste of Chaos 2009 tour.[10] That same year, Ice Nine Kills released two acoustic tracks ("The Simple Act of Giving Up" and "Lifetime in a Week") on an EP titled 2 Song Acoustic.[11]

In mid-2009, Schwartz left the band after struggling with life on the road, leaving Charnas as the only original member.[12] Charnas then recruited former members of the Rochester-based post-hardcore band Remember Tomorrow which had recently disbanded[13] and stopped playing rhythm guitar. This shifted Ice Nine Kills' sound into more of an experimental metalcore sound to which Ferret Music took notice. The label signed the band in the spring of 2009 and, after their appearance on Warped Tour 2009, the band began writing and recording their next record.[10]

2010–2013: Safe Is Just a Shadow and The Predator

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Former guitarist Justin Morrow (left) and deceased bassist Shane Bisnett (right) performing live in 2011

Ice Nine Kills released their second full-length album Safe Is Just a Shadow on July 12, 2010.[14] Vocalist Dave Sieling, who has since left the band, contributed clean vocals along with Spencer Charnas. The album received praise from heavy metal magazine, Revolver in the 2010 Hottest Chicks in Rock Issue and subsequently the band was invited to attend the Revolver Golden Gods awards in Los Angeles CA on April 20, 2010.[15][16] The band supported Safe Is Just a Shadow with a two-week appearance on Warped Tour 2010,[17] and a supporting slot with Michigan-based nu metal band Taproot. The band performed on a headlining tour in the summer of 2011 as well as a performance at the Darien Lake NY stop of Warped Tour 2011 on the Dzambo Stage.[18][better source needed] The band released a music video inspired by the film Inglourious Basterds for their song "The People Under the Stairs".

On May 12, 2012, it was announced that the band would be the opening act for the 2012 edition of The All Stars Tour featuring Suicide Silence, The Word Alive, Dance Gavin Dance, I See Stars, and Attila.[19] On November 22, 2012, they launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to fund their new EP. On December 22 the band announced that they had raised over $21,000 for their Kickstarter campaign and that their new EP The Predator would be released on January 15, 2013. To celebrate this announcement they released a second single from the EP entitled "What I Never Learned In Study Hall" featuring guest vocals from Tyler Carter vocalist of Issues.[20] The acoustic version of the song was released on January 8 on the Take Action compilation volume 11 via Hopeless Records.

Logo for Ice Nine Kills

The band's second EP entitled The Predator was released on January 15, 2013, and debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.[21]

On April 26, 2013, the band released a stand-alone single called "The Product of Hate", the song was released as a fundraising way to help the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.[22]

On July 9, 2013, the band released the official video for the song "The Coffin Is Moving".[23]

On November 4, 2013, the band released a new single titled, "Connect the Cuts".[24]

2014–2015: The Predator Becomes the Prey

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On January 8, 2014, the band released the second single from their forthcoming album, "The Power in Belief".[25] Ice Nine Kills released their third studio album The Predator Becomes the Prey on January 21 through the newly created Outerloop Records, an imprint of Fearless Records.[26][27] The album marks the band's first entrance into the Billboard Top 200 charts landing at No. 153.[27][28] The album also debuted at No. 3 on the top heatseeker's chart, No. 38 on the independent label chart, and No. 13 on the Hard Rock charts.[29]

On February 26, 2014, it was revealed that Ice Nine Kills would be performing on the Monster Energy Stage for the entire Warped Tour 2014.[30]

On February 27, 2014, Ice Nine Kills Released a music video for "Let's Bury the Hatchet... In Your Head".[31] On February 6, 2015, Ice Nine Kills released a music video for "The Fastest Way to a Girl's Heart Is Through Her Ribcage".[32] On February 19, 2015, Ice Nine Kills released a new song called "Me Myself & Hyde" from their new album scheduled for fall of 2015.[33] From April 30 – May 22, Ice Nine Kills Headlined the IX Lives Tour with Get Scared, Upon This Dawning, Chasing Safety, and Brightwell. On June 22, 2015, Ice Nine Kills released a music video for their version of "Animals" by Maroon 5 on Fearless Records for Punk Goes Pop Vol. 6.[34]

2015–2018: Every Trick in the Book

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On September 17, 2015, the band signed to Fearless Records. The band released their album Every Trick in the Book on December 4, 2015.[35] The lead single and music video, "Bloodbath & Beyond" was released on September 25.[36] The second single, "Communion of the Cursed", was released on October 22. The music video was a 'shortened remake' of The Exorcist.[37]

Alongside other newly signed Fearless Records artist Wage War and The White Noise, the band headlined on the "Fresh Faces Tour" from October 24 – November 29, 2016.[38]

Ice Nine Kills released a re-recorded version of their 2010 album Safe Is Just a Shadow on January 6, 2017.[39] Vocalist Spencer Charnas described the reasoning, stating, "With the evolution of our skills as musicians, and the original producer, Steve Sopchak, having established himself at the top of his craft, we felt this was a perfect time to re-record the album and give it that extra attention that it always deserved."[39]

In March 2017, they released a music video for "The Nature of the Beast" inspired by the book Animal Farm.[40] Additionally, the band was featured on the Fearless Punk Goes Pop series Punk Goes Pop 7 covering "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" originally by Zayn and Taylor Swift on July 14, 2017.[41] Afterwards, the band toured with Motionless in White and Chelsea Grin, while working on their upcoming studio album.[42][43]

On June 14, 2018, drummer Conor Sullivan announced that he was leaving the band to pursue different musical projects. He was replaced by Affiance drummer Patrick Galante.[44]

2018–present: The Silver Scream series

[edit]

On June 20, 2018, Ice Nine Kills released "The American Nightmare", the first single from their fifth studio album The Silver Scream.[45] It was accompanied by a music video inspired by the film A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).[46] The Silver Scream was released on October 5, 2018, and marked the band's highest chart debut to date. The album scanned almost 19,000 copies in its first week, landing the band their first top 10 records on the billboard top album chart.[47] It features thirteen songs inspired by thirteen separate horror films.[48]

In an interview with Wall of Sound on September 24, 2018, Spencer Charnas revealed that the band collaborated with Fenix TX member Will Salazar and two Less Than Jake members Peter "JR" Wasilewski and Buddy Schaub on the song "It is the End" which is inspired by the 2017 film adaptation of Stephen King's 1986 epic supernatural horror novel It. Wasilewski and Schaub provided the brass instrument section of the song to give it a "sinister, carnival and circus vibe".[49]

Ice Nine Kills performing in 2018

On January 1, 2019, former bassist Shane Bisnett died at age 31. Frontman Spencer Charnas revealed the news via Instagram sharing a video and anecdotal story about his former bandmate who recorded bass on the band's 2010 album Safe Is Just a Shadow.[50] Lead guitarist Justin DeBlieck released a tribute song named "Sunrise" under the moniker Fallbrook.[51]

On March 23, 2019, Justin Morrow left the band to join Motionless in White, with Joe Occhiuti being announced as his replacement.[52] Justin DeBlieck was also not present on the first two tours of 2019 while he was producing the new Motionless in White album, Disguise.

On September 13, 2019, the band released an acoustic rendition of their hit song, "Savages".[53] On September 24, the band released their final music video for the Silver Scream completing the storyline they had started with "The American Nightmare" with the release of a music video for the final track on the album, "It is the End".[54]

On October 4, 2019, the band released the acoustic version for their song, "Stabbing in the Dark" featuring Matt Heafy of Trivium. The band's reissue of The Silver Scream, dubbed the "Final Cut", was released on October 25. The reissue featured the band covering Michael Jackson's hit song, "Thriller" and a song about the Scream horror series.[55][56]

On May 9, 2020, the band recorded a parody version of "Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne entitled "Jason's Mom", inspired by Friday the 13th (1980), in celebration for the day of the film's 40th anniversary.[57] The song was released a year later on May 7, 2021.[58]

On June 24, 2020, the band posted on their socials a link to a maze game to "unlock the secret". The landing page of the link states they will be releasing Undead & Unplugged: Live From the Overlook Hotel on June 26, 2020.[59][60]

On October 30, 2020, the band released I Heard They KILL Live!!, a live album recorded at the Worcester Palladium. The release also had an accompanying The Silver Stream livestream. The Silver Stream mixed live footage from the 19-track set with a self-produced horror movie framing device, featuring the band members and Bill Moseley. The horror movie aspect of The Silver Scream was helmed by Spencer Charnas and director Myles Erfurth of Stained Glass Eye Entertainment.[61]

The band also announced Inked in Blood, a tie-in graphic novel to The Silver Scream planned for release on April 21, 2021.[62] The graphic novel was written by Steve Foxe and illustrated by Giorga Sposito & Andres Esparza.[63]

The band released a cover and music video of the Elvis Presley song "Can't Help Falling in Love" on February 9, 2021, to the Fearless Records YouTube channel.[64][65] The title of the new album was listed in the credits as The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood.[66][67] On the ninth of each month leading up to the album's release, a new single and accompanying video was released to promote the album.[68] On July 9, 2021, the band released the lead single from the album "Hip to Be Scared", inspired by American Psycho.[66][67] The single features Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix, and was released along with an accompanying music video.[66][67] On August 3, 2021, the band released a teaser video featuring the album's track listing, leading fans to predict and speculate the horror/thriller movies that inspired the songs on the album.[68] On August 9, 2021, the band released the second single "Assault & Batteries", inspired by Child's Play.[69] On September 9, 2021, the band released the third single "Rainy Day", inspired by Resident Evil.[70] On October 9, 2021, the band released the fourth single "Funeral Derangements", inspired by Pet Sematary.[71] The album was released on October 15, 2021.[67] Four months after the album had released, the band released the fifth single from the record, "Take Your Pick" featuring George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher, taking cinematic inspiration from My Bloody Valentine and being released on February 14, 2022, for Valentine's Day alongside an animated music video.[72][73]

On March 31, 2022, the band released a new song, "Hunting Season", taken from The Fall Of Troi expansion of the video game, PUBG: New State.[74]

In August 2022, the band hosted its first Silver Scream Con, a horror convention featuring celebrity guests and a performance from the band.[75]

In 2023, the band was featured on the Bayside single "How to Ruin Everything (Patience)" off Bayside's The Blue EP.[76]

On October 17, 2023, the band released a new song, "Meat & Greet", taken from the new release of Welcome to Horrorwood: Under Fire, taking cinematic inspiration from The Silence of The Lambs.[77][78]

In July 2024, Ice Nine Kills released a cover of "Walking on Sunshine", originally by Katrina and the Waves. The cover was done in collaboration with Reel Big Fish.[79]

In September 2024, during Silver Scream Con III, the band announced a forthcoming single, "A Work of Art", to be included in Terrifier 3, and a music video also featuring Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down, to be released at the film premiere.[80] The song was released on October 10, with a 15-minute long music video releasing the following day.[81] On October 12, drummer Patrick Galante announced that he parted ways with the band.[82]

In April 2025, it was announced that Spencer Charnas had co-written a script with Paul Soter for a horror movie called "The Slashin' of the Christ". The film is set to be produced by Greg Nicotero, Brian Witten, and Chris Nilsson.[83]

The band played their Silver-Scream-A-Thon in Spring of 2025. They played two venues per city, each night a different album, either The Silver Scream I or Welcome To Horrorwood: The Silver Scream 2. Spencer and Joe discussed the shows in a cover story with Valentino Petrarca from The Aquarian.[84]

On May 24, 2025, the band promoted a Memorial Day sale for Ice Nine Kills merchandise on Instagram. The post included an image which some fans and Metal Injection disapprovingly identified as AI-generated art, the latter referring to the imagery as "slop".[85][86] The following day, the band issued a sarcastic response pledging to "get to the bottom of this horrific headline-making crime against Redditors", which also included another purportedly AI-generated promotional image. This prompted further criticism from fans and multiple metal magazines.[87][88][89] In July 2025, it was announced that their next single would be titled "The Great Unknown". It was released on July 9.[90]

In September 2025, WWE wrestler Rhea Ripley, a long-time fan of the band, made a guest appearance with Ice Nine Kills during their set at Silver Scream Con 4 in Worcester, Massachusetts. She appeared on stage during the performance of "A Work of Art," participating in a staged sequence with Art the Clown.[91] Also during Silver Scream Con 4, it was announced that Matthew Lillard was working with Ice Nine Kills via his liquor company "Find Familiar Spirits" on a new bourbon for their "Macabre Spirits" line called "Horrorwood Reserve'. It was released on October 9, alongside a new single titled "The Laugh Track", which also had Matthew Lillard's debut in the "INK cinematic universe".[92][93]

In October 2025, Ice Nine Kills embarked on their "A Work of Art Tour 2025", ending with a headline show at the OVO Wembley Arena on 12th December 2025. During the encore, a video was played teasing a collaboration between Ice Nine Kills & Scream 7.

In February 2026, it was announced that Ice Nine Kills had composed an original song for Scream 7, entitled "Twisting the Knife", which also features guest vocals from Mckenna Grace (who also stars in the film).[94]

Musical style

[edit]

The group originally played a style of ska punk[3] influenced by alternative rock and pop-punk.[95] Since 2010 the band's style has been primarily described as metalcore[96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105] or melodic metalcore,[106][107][108] but also as post-hardcore,[109][110] heavy metal,[111] symphonic metal,[112][113] melodic hardcore,[3] and horror punk.[111] Ice Nine Kills has described itself as "theatricore".[114]

Some Ice Nine Kills' songs have also been categorized under a variety of genres outside their primary sound, including hard rock,[115] post-metalcore,[116] emo pop,[117] psychobilly,[105] pop-punk,[118] hardcore punk,[118] deathcore,[117] death metal,[119][120] symphonic death metal,[118] technical death metal,[105] industrial metal,[119] and Neue Deutsche Härte.[119]

Band members

[edit]

Official Member Timeline

Touring Musician Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Accolades

[edit]
Nominated work Year Award Result
Ice Nine Kills 2017 Alternative Press Music Awards - Best Breakthrough Band[123] Nominated
Ice Nine Kills 2023 Rock Sound Awards 2023 - Best Live Act [124] Won
Ice Nine Kills 2024 Heavy Music Awards Awards 2024 - Best International Live Artist [125] Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ice Nine Kills is an American heavy metal band from , , formed in 2000 by vocalist Spencer Charnas as a high school project that evolved into a full-time endeavor blending , hardcore, and punk with theatrical horror narratives. The band, signed to , is best known for its concept albums inspired by horror films and , featuring elaborate , graphic novels, and live shows that immerse audiences in cinematic . Current members include Charnas on vocals, Dan Sugarman on lead guitar, Ricky Armellino on guitar and vocals, Joe Occhiuti on bass and vocals, and Mike Cortada on drums. The band's breakthrough came with the 2015 album Every Trick in the Book, which drew from literary horror classics and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hard Rock chart, marking their shift toward a signature style of narrative-driven metal. This was followed by The Silver Scream in 2018, a horror movie-themed release that peaked at No. 2 on the Hard Rock Albums chart and featured collaborations with genre icons like Papa Roach's Jacoby Shaddix. The 2021 sequel, The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood, expanded the universe with guest appearances from actors such as Tony Todd and Ari Lehman, solidifying their cross-media empire that includes fan conventions, merchandise lines like Pretty Evil cosmetics, and short films. Ice Nine Kills has toured extensively with major acts including Metallica, Slipknot, and , earning acclaim for their high-energy performances and innovative fusion of extreme music with pop culture horror. As of 2025, the band remains active, releasing singles like "The Laugh Track" and "A Work of Art" (inspired by ), while headlining tours such as the Tour across U.S. arenas and amphitheaters from August to September. Their commitment to authenticity—eschewing trends in favor of personal influences from punk, Broadway, and slasher films—has propelled them to global streaming success and a dedicated fanbase.

History

2000–2009: Formation and early releases

Ice Nine Kills was formed in 2000 in , , by high school friends Spencer Charnas and Jeremy Schwartz, initially under the name as a ska-punk cover band that gradually shifted to writing original material. Charnas handled lead vocals and keyboards from the outset, while Schwartz contributed guitars and backing vocals; the early lineup also featured rotating members including bassist Hobie Boeschenstein, drummer Grant Newsted, and guitarist Andrew Justin Smith, who departed by 2004. Over the decade, the band experienced frequent lineup changes, with several musicians like bassist Dave Marvuglio and drummer Dave Sieling joining briefly before leaving by 2009, leaving Charnas as the sole constant. These shifts occurred amid local performances in the area, where the band built a grassroots following through shows at small venues and tours supporting acts like . The band changed its name to Ice Nine Kills shortly before releasing their debut studio album, Last Chance to Make Amends, on April 20, 2006, via a self-release on CD. The 10-track album, produced with an emphasis on pop-punk and post-hardcore elements, featured highlights like the energetic opener "Last Words" and the introspective "Build a Bridge and Jump Off It," showcasing Charnas's melodic vocals alongside Schwartz's guitar riffs. Initial reception praised its potential as a debut, with reviewers noting its catchy hooks and emotional lyrics, though some critiqued the production's rawness; it earned a 2.5 out of 5 from Sputnikmusic for blending emo influences effectively in tracks like "I Do and I Don't." In 2007, Ice Nine Kills signed with independent label Red Blue Records and released their first EP, The Burning, on November 20, marking a thematic and sonic pivot toward heavier sounds while retaining melodic elements. Recorded in Charnas's basement, the seven-track EP included standouts such as "" and "Dead Is the New Black," which highlighted aggressive breakdowns and horror-tinged lyrics foreshadowing the band's later style. Critics responded positively to this evolution, with awarding 3.5 out of 5 for its improved intensity and cohesion compared to the debut, and users averaging 3.0 for its post-hardcore energy. The band's final release of the decade, the 2 Song Acoustic EP, arrived on , 2009, as a self-released digital offering that demonstrated vocal versatility through stripped-down renditions of "The Simple Act of Giving Up" and "A Lifetime in a Week." Primarily featuring Charnas's and vocals, the EP provided a contrast to the growing heaviness, emphasizing lyrical introspection amid ongoing lineup instability, including departure later that year. This period laid the groundwork for the band's transition to a more defined identity in subsequent years.

2010–2013: Safe Is Just a Shadow and The Predator

In 2010, Ice Nine Kills released their second studio album, Safe Is Just a Shadow, on July 12 through Red Blue Records. The record marked a shift toward a heavier, more structured metalcore sound, featuring aggressive riffs, melodic choruses, and dynamic breakdowns across its 10 tracks, including "Proximity Mines in the Complex," "Buildings Burn, People Die," and "The Greatest Story Ever Told." Lyrically, the album delved into emotional themes of personal turmoil, loss, and introspection, drawing from frontman Spencer Charnas's experiences to create a raw, confessional tone that resonated with fans of the genre. Critics praised its songwriting and production for elevating the band above typical metalcore peers, with positive reviews from Revolver Magazine and Alternative Press highlighting its intensity and accessibility. The album's creation followed significant lineup adjustments after the band's lineup overhaul, with Charnas remaining the sole constant as he assembled a new core group including lead guitarist and vocalist Justin DeBlieck, rhythm guitarist Justin Morrow, bassist and backing vocalist Shane Bisnett, and drummer Conor Sullivan. These changes brought fresh energy and technical proficiency, enabling the band to refine their foundation with tighter compositions and dual vocal layers that blended screams and clean singing. To promote Safe Is Just a Shadow, Ice Nine Kills embarked on early national tours, including a slot on the Warped Tour in 2010, where they performed select dates and gained exposure to larger audiences through high-energy sets featuring album tracks. By 2013, the band had evolved further, releasing their third EP, The Predator, on January 15 as a self-released effort limited to 2,500 copies. Produced by Charnas and the band, the five-track EP introduced stronger horror-inspired elements into their sound, blending aggression with thematic nods to suspense and the , as heard in songs like "The Coffin Is Moving" and "What I Never Learned in ." The , "The Coffin Is Moving," was accompanied by an official that emphasized gothic visuals and narrative storytelling, signaling the band's growing interest in conceptual horror motifs that would define later works. Additional promotion included appearances on the Vans Warped Tour in 2013 and the All Stars Tour, where performances of EP material helped solidify a dedicated fanbase through intense live shows and merchandise tie-ins.

2014–2017: The Predator Becomes the Prey and Every Trick in the Book

In late 2013, Ice Nine Kills signed with as the label's inaugural act through its partnership with Outerloop Management, marking their transition to a major label. The band's third studio album, , followed on January 21, 2014, produced by Steve Sopchak at The Square Studio in . Expanding on tracks from their prior EP The Predator, the album featured 10 songs blending aggression with melodic elements, including guest vocals from of Issues on "What I Never Learned in ." Key tracks like "The Power in Belief" and "Me, Myself & Hyde" showcased the band's evolving cinematic flair, while the full tracklist encompassed: "The Power in Belief," "Let's Bury the Hatchet...In Your Head," "The Coffin Is Moving," "The Fastest Way to a Girl's Heart Is Through Her Ribcage," "The Product of Hate," "Me, Myself & Hyde," "Kiss the Girl Goodnight," "What I Never Learned in " (feat. ), "So Long Steven Long," and "Alice." It debuted at No. 153 on the , signifying their first entry on the chart. Building on this momentum, Ice Nine Kills released their fourth studio album, , on December 4, 2015, via . The drew inspiration from classic literature, with each of its 10 tracks adapting a renowned work into horror-infused narratives. Notable examples include "The Plot Sickens," based on Edgar Allan Poe's "," depicting themes of revenge and entombment through aggressive riffs and theatrical vocals; "Bloodbath & Beyond," reimagining Bram Stoker's with vampiric seduction and symphonic undertones; and "Hell in the Hallways," channeling Stephen King's The Shining to explore isolation and madness. The full tracklist comprised: "The Nature of the Beast" ( by ), "Communion of the Cursed" ( by ), "Bloodbath & Beyond" (), "The Plot Sickens" (""), "Star-Crossed Enemies" ( by ), "The People in the Attic" (The Diary of a Young Girl by ), "Alice" ( by ), "Tess-Timony" ( by ), and "Hell in the Hallways" (The Shining). To promote the literary themes, the band produced elaborate music videos, such as the one for "The Nature of the Beast," featuring farmyard rebellion visuals, and "Communion of the Cursed," incorporating demonic possession aesthetics. The album peaked at No. 122 on the , selling over 7,300 copies in its debut week. During this period, Ice Nine Kills expanded their live presence with headline tours emphasizing their growing theatricality. In 2016, they launched The Hell in the Hallways Tour, named after the album's closing track, supported by acts like and others, performing across to showcase Every Trick in the Book material. They also joined larger packages, including supporting on select dates, which helped solidify their reputation in the scene. By 2017, the band headlined the Every Trick in the Book Tour Part II, playing the album in full, further honing their horror-concept performances that foreshadowed deeper cinematic explorations. Lineup adjustments during 2014–2017 contributed to a more stable core. Bassist Steve Sopchak, who produced , departed after its release, with Joe Occhiuti joining in 2015 to handle bass and backing vocals for and beyond. Guitarist Dan Sugarman was added as a second for live duties around the same time, enhancing the band's stage energy without disrupting the creative nucleus of vocalist Spencer Charnas, guitarist Justin Maurer, and drummer Conor Sullivan. These shifts, following earlier departures of founding members, fostered continuity that persisted into subsequent years.

2018–2021: The Silver Scream

In 2018, Ice Nine Kills released their fifth studio album, , on October 5 through . The record marked a pivotal shift in the band's conceptual approach, launching a horror movie-themed series where each of the 13 tracks draws inspiration from a classic film, blending with cinematic storytelling and sound effects sampled from the source material. For instance, "The American Nightmare" pays homage to , featuring motifs in a dreamlike slasher narrative. Guest vocalists enhanced several tracks, including of on "," which references . Produced by , the album debuted at No. 29 on the and No. 2 on the Hard Rock Albums chart, representing the band's commercial breakthrough. To promote The Silver Scream, Ice Nine Kills released several singles accompanied by thematic music videos that recreated scenes from the inspiring films. "The American Nightmare," unveiled in June 2018, is based on and features a narrative video depicting Freddy Krueger's pursuit of the protagonist in a dreamlike slasher sequence. Similarly, "Stabbing in the Dark," released in October 2018, draws from Halloween, with its video showcasing Michael Myers stalking victims in a suburban setting, complete with practical effects and period-accurate costumes. These visuals extended the album's immersive horror aesthetic, encouraging fans to engage with the referenced movies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the band issued two EPs extending the Silver Scream era. I Heard They Kill Live!!, a 19-track live album released on October 30, 2020, captures performances from their annual "Thanxkilling" hometown show in Worcester, Massachusetts, in November 2019, highlighting fan favorites like "Savages" and "The Nature of the Beast" with crowd energy intact. Undead & Unplugged: Live from the Overlook Hotel, an acoustic EP dropped on June 26, 2020, was recorded in a session inspired by The Shining's fictional hotel, featuring stripped-down renditions of tracks such as "Enjoy Your Slay" and "Savages" to evoke a haunting, intimate atmosphere. The band supported through extensive touring, including the 2019 Tribute Beyond the Silver Scream Tour, which emphasized full album playthroughs enhanced by elaborate , , and changes mirroring the horror themes—such as Freddy Krueger gloves and masks—to create immersive live experiences. Additional outings, like the summer headline run with Toothgrinder and , further solidified their reputation for theatrical metal performances. In October 2021, the band released the sequel The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood via Fearless Records, continuing the horror-themed narrative in a fictional town of Horrorwood, with tracks inspired by films like Psycho ("The Shower Scene"). Guest appearances included Jacoby Shaddix on "Hip to Be Scared" (American Psycho), George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher on "Take Your Pick," and others. The album debuted at No. 18 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Hard Rock Albums chart.

2022–present: The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood and recent activities

Promotion for The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood extended into 2022 with , live performances, and tie-in events immersing fans in the Horrorwood lore. In 2024, Ice Nine Kills released the live EP Live in Riverside on April 30, recorded during their August 29, 2023, performance at Riverside Municipal Auditorium in as part of the Fear the Premiere Tour. The five-track collection features high-energy renditions of Horrorwood staples like "Hip to Be Scared," "Funeral Derangements," and "The Shower Scene," alongside classics such as "The American Nightmare" and "Welcome to Horrorwood," capturing the band's elaborate stage production with horror props and costumes. In 2024, the band also released the single "A Work of Art" on October 11, featuring Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down and inspired by Terrifier 3. Building on the Horrorwood saga, Ice Nine Kills issued two singles in 2025: "The Great Unknown" on July 9, introducing sci-fi elements to the ongoing narrative, and "The Laugh Track" on October 9, a homage to Tim Burton's 1989 Batman featuring the Joker, complete with a two-part music video starring Matthew Lillard. These releases signal the band's continued evolution of their concept album series. Throughout 2025, Ice Nine Kills embarked on multiple tour legs, including the US-based Hell of a Summer Tour from August to September and a European headline run in November and December, performing at venues like Alcatraz in Milan and OVO Hydro in Glasgow. Frontman Spencer Charnas confirmed in May 2025 that the band is actively writing their seventh studio album, with a potential release targeted for early 2026 and additional singles planned.

Artistry

Musical style and influences

Ice Nine Kills' music is primarily rooted in , characterized by aggressive riffs, breakdowns, and a blend of melodic and heavy elements that evolved significantly over their career. Initially drawing from , , and influences in their early releases around 2006, the band's sound shifted toward a heavier style by 2007, incorporating intense screamed vocals and dynamic guitar work. This progression continued into the , with albums like (2014) emphasizing , marking a departure from their origins toward more theatrical and layered compositions. Later works, such as (2015), further integrated sensibilities with heavier breakdowns and electronic elements, solidifying their position within the subgenre. The band's instrumentation features dual guitars that deliver chugging rhythms and melodic solos, complemented by keyboards and electronic synths that add atmospheric depth, particularly from their onward releases. Frontman Spencer Charnas employs a versatile vocal approach, alternating between clean, melodic singing in choruses and harsh, screamed deliveries in verses and breakdowns, which enhances the emotional intensity of their tracks. Symphonic elements, including orchestral arrangements, became prominent starting around , with strings and brass sections contributing to a cinematic quality that elevates their foundation. Ice Nine Kills draws inspiration from a diverse array of bands and artists, blending heavy metal, punk, and influences. Early punk and acts like Goldfinger, , , and Blink-182 shaped their melodic and energetic style during high school years, while '90s grunge bands such as Nirvana, , and influenced Charnas's songwriting and vocal delivery. Heavier metal influences include As I Lay Dying, , Metallica, Slipknot, , and Korn, which informed their adoption of breakdowns, theatrical production, and aggressive riffs. Additionally, Broadway musicals like and Phantom of the Opera impacted their dramatic structuring, and scores, notably John Carpenter's works such as the Halloween theme, inspired melodic motifs and atmospheric tension in their compositions. In production, particularly for the Silver Scream series, the band employs layered techniques such as orchestral homages to film scores and integrated sound effects to create immersive soundscapes. For instance, tracks incorporate specific audio cues like clown horns and thematic motifs from movies, blended with symphonic brass and strings to heighten drama. This approach, developed collaboratively with producers, starts from Charnas's initial guitar and melody ideas, evolving through refinements that emphasize cinematic orchestration over their earlier, more straightforward mixes.

Lyrical themes and horror concept

Ice Nine Kills' lyrics have long centered on horror-inspired narratives, evolving from explorations of personal struggles in their early releases to elaborate adaptations of literary and cinematic horror tales beginning in the mid-2010s. In like Last Chance to Make Amends (2006) and Safe Is Just a Shadow (2010), frontman Spencer Charnas drew from introspective themes of emotional turmoil, relationships, and self-doubt, occasionally incorporating subtle horror references. This approach reflected the band's initial and roots, where horror served as a metaphorical lens for real-life vulnerabilities rather than a dominant framework. From 2015 onward, the band's songwriting shifted decisively toward structured horror concepts, with marking a pivotal turn to full storytelling based on literary sources. Each track adapts classic tales, including Stephen King's Carrie (bullying and revenge in "Hell in the Hallways"), Bram Stoker's Dracula (vampiric seduction in "Bloodbath & Beyond"), and William Peter Blatty's (demonic possession in "Communion of the Cursed"), creating a cohesive anthology that exposes listeners to these narratives through aggressive delivery. Charnas emphasized the educational intent, aiming to "pay homage to the stories that inspired us" while weaving interconnected motifs of tragedy, survival, and moral duality across the record. The Silver Scream series further refined this horror-centric evolution, transforming individual songs into a unified cinematic universe with explicit film homages and overarching plots. Released in 2018, The Silver Scream dedicates tracks to iconic movies, such as IT (clown terror in "It Is the End," featuring guest vocals evoking Pennywise) and Jaws (aquatic dread in "Rocking the Boat," mimicking John Williams' score), with lyrics adopting character viewpoints to build tension-filled arcs from setup to climax. Its 2021 sequel, The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood, expands into meta-horror by framing Charnas as a suspect in a murder investigation—drawing from Scream-style satire—while incorporating character-driven voices, such as a masked killer named Silence, to blend guilt, artifice, and fan interactivity through events like Silver Scream Con. Multimedia elements, including interconnected music videos with horror icons like Bill Moseley and a companion novel narrated by Tony Todd, deepen the immersion, turning albums into transmedia experiences that satirize horror tropes while engaging audiences in the band's fictional lore. Charnas has noted this progression allows the band to "make it part of our own universe," evolving from homage to original, self-referential storytelling. As of 2025, the band continues this approach with singles like "The Laugh Track" (inspired by Joker) and "A Work of Art" (based on Terrifier 3), maintaining their horror-themed narrative style.

Band members

Current members

The core lineup of Ice Nine Kills has remained stable since 2019, with a change in , providing a consistent foundation for their horror-themed sound. Spencer Charnas serves as the band's and since its formation in 2000; as , he is the primary songwriter responsible for crafting the narrative-driven lyrics and compositions that define the group's . Dan Sugarman has been the lead since 2000, with intermittent breaks due to health issues, and is recognized for his intricate riff work and guitar solos that enhance the band's heavy, cinematic arrangements. Ricky Armellino joined as and in 2019, bringing melodic guitar layers and vocal harmonies that have enriched the band's dynamic song structures in subsequent releases. Joe Occhiuti has been the bassist and backing vocalist since 2019, contributing to the rhythmic drive and providing layered vocals in choruses to support Charnas's theatrical delivery. Mike Cortada took over as drummer in 2024 following Patrick Galante's departure, delivering the technical percussion and live energy essential to the band's high-octane performances.

Former members

Ice Nine Kills underwent frequent lineup changes during its formative years and through the mid-2010s, with several key members contributing to the band's evolution from and roots toward its signature horror-themed sound before departing for personal or creative reasons. Jeremy Schwartz, a co-founder alongside Spencer Charnas, served as and from the band's inception in 2000 until 2009, helping shape its initial and influences on early releases like the demo and the EP The Red Orchestra. His exit marked a pivotal shift, leaving Charnas as the sole original member and prompting a reconfiguration toward heavier elements. Shane Bisnett joined as bassist and clean vocalist in 2009, contributing melodic elements to the band's second studio album, Safe Is Just a Shadow (2010), during his tenure until 2011, who died on January 1, 2019. His departure coincided with further lineup flux, as the band sought to refine its sound amid growing touring demands. Conor Sullivan provided drums from 2009 to 2018, anchoring the rhythm section through albums like The Predator (2013) and Every Trick in the Book (2015), which incorporated more theatrical and narrative-driven compositions. Sullivan left in June 2018 to pursue other musical interests and projects, influencing a brief period of stability as the band prepared for The Silver Scream. Justin Deblieck, known as JD, handled guitar, co-lead vocals, keyboards, and songwriting duties from 2009 to 2021, playing a central role in the band's creative direction on releases including (2014) and (2018). His contributions emphasized the horror-concept integration and production polish that defined the group's mid-period output; he departed to focus on producing and engineering for other artists. Justin Morrow took on bass and backing vocals from 2013 to 2019, supporting the band's transition to a more cinematic style on and early work for . Morrow's mutual departure in March 2019 allowed him to join , reflecting creative pursuits beyond Ice Nine Kills and contributing to the lineup's stabilization around its core post-2019 roster. These changes, often driven by creative differences or individual career goals, facilitated the band's refinement of its horror narrative approach while paving the way for a more consistent current lineup.

Discography

Studio albums

Ice Nine Kills has released six studio albums, beginning with independent efforts and progressing to major label releases through . Their early work established a foundation in , while later albums incorporated conceptual themes drawn from and horror films, achieving increasing commercial success on the .
Album TitleRelease DateLabelTracksPeak Chart Positions
Last Chance to Make AmendsApril 20, 2006Self-released10Did not chart
Safe Is Just a ShadowJuly 12, 2010Red Blue Records11Did not chart
January 21, 201411No. 153 ()
December 4, 201510No. 122 ()
October 5, 201813No. 29 (), No. 2 ( Albums)
October 15, 202114No. 18 (), No. 1 ( Albums)
The debut , Last Chance to Make Amends, was an independent release that showcased the band's initial and sound, distributed primarily through digital platforms and limited physical copies. It received modest attention within underground scenes but did not achieve notable commercial metrics. Safe Is Just a Shadow marked a shift toward heavier elements, released via the indie label Red Blue Records. The gained moderate traction among fans for its aggressive riffs and breakdowns, though it remained outside mainstream charts and sold primarily through independent channels. A re-recorded version was issued in 2017 to refine production quality. With , Ice Nine Kills signed to , debuting on the at No. 153. The album expanded the band's lineup and sound, incorporating orchestral elements and thematic storytelling about pursuit and revenge, selling approximately 2,000 copies in its first week. built on the prior album's momentum, peaking at No. 122 on the . Conceptually inspired by classic literature—such as tracks referencing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and —it featured polished production and guest appearances, solidifying the band's reputation for narrative-driven . The Silver Scream represented a commercial breakthrough, debuting at No. 29 on the Billboard 200 with nearly 19,000 units in its first week and reaching No. 2 on the Hard Rock Albums chart. The album's horror movie-inspired themes, drawing from films like The Shining and American Psycho, were supported by elaborate music videos that enhanced its cinematic appeal. The sequel, The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood, achieved the band's highest chart performance to date, entering at No. 18 on the Billboard 200 with 25,000 equivalent units and topping the Hard Rock Albums chart. Continuing the horror film motif with references to movies like American Psycho and Child's Play, it included guest vocals from artists such as Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach and George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher of Cannibal Corpse, amplifying its crossover impact.

Extended plays

Ice Nine Kills has released five extended plays throughout their career, showcasing experimental formats such as acoustic renditions and thematic horror explorations that complement their evolving metalcore sound. These EPs often served as bridges between full-length albums, highlighting the band's versatility in production and performance styles. The band's debut EP, The Burning, marked an early transition toward a heavier metalcore aesthetic following their initial post-hardcore influences. Released on November 20, 2007, through Red Blue Records, it features five tracks recorded in a raw, basement-style session that emphasized aggressive riffs and emotional intensity. The tracklist includes "The Greatest Story Ever Told," "In Throws of a Moral Quandary," "Dead Is the New Black," "You Scratched My Anchor," and "Build Your Own Disaster," clocking in at approximately 20 minutes total. In 2009, Ice Nine Kills issued 2 Song Acoustic, a promotional release offering stripped-down versions of select material to engage fans during a transitional period. Self-released on January 13, , the EP contains two acoustic tracks: "The Simple Act of Giving Up" and "A Lifetime in a Week," totaling about seven minutes. This intimate format highlighted vocalist Spencer Charnas's without the band's typical heavy instrumentation, serving as a brief detour before their next studio efforts. The Predator, released independently on January 15, 2013, introduced horror-themed elements that would become central to the band's identity, with five tracks blending aggression and narrative storytelling. The EP, featuring songs like "The Coffin Is Moving," "Connect the Cuts," "The Power in Belief," "What I Never Learned in ," and "Jonathan," debuted at No. 9 on the Heatseekers chart and No. 38 on the Independent Albums chart in its first week. Running 18 minutes, it previewed the cinematic style later expanded in their album . During the , Ice Nine Kills released Undead & Unplugged: Live From the Overlook Hotel on June 26, 2020, via , capturing acoustic performances of horror-inspired tracks in a unique live setting. Recorded at a replica of the Overlook Hotel from The Shining, the five-track EP includes unplugged versions of "Savages," "," "A Grave Mistake," "Love Bites," and "Enjoy Your Slay," spanning 17 minutes and emphasizing thematic immersion over high-energy production. This release tied into the promotional cycle for , offering fans a subdued yet atmospheric horror experience. In 2024, Ice Nine Kills issued Live in Riverside, a live EP recorded at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium in , on August 29, 2023, as part of the Fear the Premiere Tour supporting 2: Welcome to Horrorwood. Released on April 30, 2024, the high-fidelity recording includes five tracks exclusively from the Silver Scream series: "Hip to Be Scared," "Funeral Derangements," "The American Nightmare," "The Shower Scene," and "Welcome to Horrorwood." These selections focus on the sequel album's cinematic storytelling, with Spencer Charnas' dynamic vocals and the band's synchronized theatrics preserved in crisp audio that conveys the intensity of the venue's atmosphere.

Live albums

Ice Nine Kills has released live recordings that capture the band's signature theatricality and high-energy performances during tours. Their first full-length live album, I Heard They KILL Live!!, was recorded at the in , on November 30, 2019, during the Octane Accelerator Tour. Released on October 30, 2020, through , the album features 19 tracks drawn from across the band's career, including early staples like "Me, Myself & Hyde" and horror-concept songs from such as "Stabbing in the Dark" and "Thank God It's Friday." The setlist emphasizes the group's evolution, blending aggressive riffs, guest appearances like Randy Strohmeyer on "The Jig Is Up," and crowd-rousing covers such as "Thriller," all amid their elaborate stage production with costumes and props. This recording highlights the immersive live experience that has become central to Ice Nine Kills' appeal, with the audience's enthusiasm amplifying the horror-themed narratives. Following the success of their initial live effort, Ice Nine Kills released I Heard They KILL Live 2 on June 6, 2025, captured during the Trinity of Terror Tour on November 17, 2022, at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in . Issued via , the album comprises live renditions of tracks primarily from The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood, such as "Funeral Derangements," "Wurst Vacation," "Hip to Be Scared," and "IT Is the End," presented in a full-set format that echoes the elaborate production of their shows. This sequel builds on the original by emphasizing post-pandemic touring energy and refined horror visuals, providing fans with another immersive document of the band's stage prowess.

Singles

Ice Nine Kills has released several promotional singles throughout their career, often tied to their concept albums and accompanied by thematic s that align with their horror-inspired aesthetic. These tracks have garnered significant attention on rock radio and streaming platforms, contributing to the band's growing commercial success. One of the band's early singles, "The Coffin Is Moving," was released in 2013 as part of the promotional cycle for their EP The Predator. The track features aggressive riffs and was accompanied by an official directed by Orie McGinness, emphasizing the band's evolving horror themes. In 2018, "Stabbing in the Dark" served as a from the album , inspired by the Halloween film franchise. The song, featuring guest vocals from Converge's in its acoustic version but primarily known in its original form, topped the Mainstream Rock chart and helped propel the album to No. 29 on the 200. Its official , released in October 2018, includes cinematic elements paying homage to the source material. "A Grave Mistake," another single from released in September 2018, draws inspiration from the 1994 film . The official , directed by Max Moore, depicts a narrative of revenge and supernatural elements, starring frontman Spencer Charnas. The track debuted at No. 3 on Billboard's Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, peaked at No. 9 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, and was certified Gold by the RIAA in June 2025 after surpassing 500,000 units. In October 2024, Ice Nine Kills released "A Work of Art" featuring Shavo of System of a Down, inspired by the Terrifier film franchise. The single, accompanied by an official music video tied to Terrifier 3, continues the band's horror narrative with brutal riffs and cinematic visuals. Extending the Horrorwood storyline in 2025, Ice Nine Kills released "The Great Unknown" on July 9 as a standalone single with ties to The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood. The track, influenced by The Matrix, features an official music video that explores themes of reality and escape. It quickly amassed over 7 million streams on Spotify within months of release. Later that year, on October 9, 2025, the band issued "The Laugh Track," another extension of the Horrorwood narrative, featuring actor in its two-part official directed by Sean Bearden. The single, inspired by Tim Burton's 1989 Batman and the Joker, debuted strongly on rock charts and exceeded 4.7 million streams by late 2025, marking a peak in the band's streaming performance for non-album releases.

Accolades

Awards and nominations

Ice Nine Kills has received recognition primarily through genre-specific awards in the rock and metal community, with a notable win in live performance categories. In 2017, the band received a nomination for Best Breakthrough Band at the Alternative Press Music Awards. In 2023, the band won the Best Live Act award at the Rock Sound Awards, honoring their elaborate horror-themed stage productions and high-energy shows, including support slots for Metallica and a return to Download Festival. In 2024, Ice Nine Kills was nominated for Best International Live Artist at the Heavy Music Awards. The band's foray into with Ice Nine Kills Presents: Welcome to Horrorwood (2024) earned multiple accolades at the Horrorhound Film Festival, including wins for Best Sound Design, Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography, alongside nominations for Best Feature and Judges' Choice. While Ice Nine Kills has not received major industry honors such as Grammy nominations, their fan-driven success has led to certifications like RIAA Gold for the single "A Grave Mistake" in 2025, reflecting commercial impact tied to their horror-concept albums.

Tours and commercial achievements

Ice Nine Kills embarked on the 2017 co-headlining tour with , , and , a significant outing that supported the band's album and helped build their live reputation through high-energy performances across . The band's 2019 Silver Scream Summer Tour promoted their horror-concept album The Silver Scream, featuring immersive stage setups with thematic props and costumes drawn from classic films, drawing enthusiastic crowds at venues like The Machine Shop in Flint, Michigan. From 2022 to 2023, Ice Nine Kills co-headlined the expansive Trinity of Terror Tour with Motionless in White and Black Veil Brides, a multi-leg production that spanned arenas and theaters, showcasing tracks from The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood amid elaborate horror reenactments and special effects. In 2025, the group launched the U.S. Tour and The Silver Scream-A-Thon spring run, followed by a European leg with Creeper, The Devil Wears Prada, and TX2; these outings emphasized the band's signature theatrical elements, including detailed set designs, actor cameos, and interactive horror vignettes to support new singles. Ice Nine Kills has also shone at major festivals, delivering a memorable set at in , , in 2023, complete with crowd-engaging theatrics. Commercially, Ice Nine Kills reached new heights with The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood, which debuted at No. 18 on the after moving 25,000 equivalent album units in its first week, including 19,000 pure sales, and topped the Albums chart. The band's single "A Grave Mistake" from earned RIAA Gold certification in 2025 after over 100 million streams. Post-2018 breakthroughs led to consistent arena sell-outs, including the 2022 Tsongas Center show in their home state of and multiple 2023 dates on the Trinity of Terror Tour, such as Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Their catalog has generated over 1.2 billion Spotify streams as of late 2025, fueling multiple No. 1 debuts on Billboard's Top Rock Albums and Alternative Albums charts.

References

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