Ice Nine Kills

The Horrifying Rise of Ice Nine Kills: Where Metal Meets the Macabre

In the realm where metalcore meets horror cinema, one band stands tall with blood-splattered microphones and a penchant for the theatrical—Ice Nine Kills. If you've ever wondered what it would sound like if your favorite slasher films were transformed into aggressive yet melodic metal anthems, look no further than this Boston-born phenomenon.

From Humble Beginnings to Horror Royalty

Ice Nine Kills didn't always wear the crown of horror metal royalty. Formed in 2000 by high school friends Spencer Charnas and Jeremy Schwartz, the band began under the simpler moniker "Ice Nine." What might surprise newer fans is that their earliest recordings, like "The Pop-Punk Ska Years" demo, showcased a sound worlds away from their current identity.

By 2006, the newly renamed Ice Nine Kills released their debut studio album, "Last Chance to Make Amends," but it wasn't until the 2007 EP "The Burning" that their transformation began taking shape. The band's evolution from pop-punk roots to metalcore maestros was fully realized with 2010's "Safe Is Just a Shadow," earning them their first appearance on the coveted Warped Tour stage.

Charting New Territories

The band's commercial breakthrough came in 2014 with "The Predator Becomes the Prey," which earned them a spot on the Billboard Top 200. This achievement marked a turning point, proving that their unique blend of horror themes and metalcore could resonate with a wider audience.

But it was their concept albums that truly cemented their legacy. "Every Trick in the Book" (2015) drew inspiration from classic literature, demonstrating the band's storytelling prowess and literary intelligence alongside their musical talents.

The Silver Scream Phenomenon

If there's one project that defines Ice Nine Kills in the modern metal landscape, it's "The Silver Scream" series. The 2018 album and its 2021 sequel, "The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood," transformed iconic horror films into blistering metal anthems.

From "A Grave Mistake" to "Hip to Be Scared" (featuring Jacoby Shaddix) and "Meat & Greet" (inspired by "Silence of the Lambs"), each track serves as both a homage to cinema classics and a showcase of the band's technical and compositional abilities.

The Theatrical Experience

What separates Ice Nine Kills from their contemporaries isn't just their horror-infused lyrics and themes—it's their commitment to the theatrical experience. Their performances are more than concerts; they're immersive horror events where music, storytelling, and visual elements collide.

This dedication to creating a complete artistic vision has earned them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim that continues to grow with each release.

Looking Ahead: The Silver Scream-A-Thon

For fans eager to experience the band's evolution firsthand, 2025 brings "The Silver Scream-A-Thon" tour—an ambitious series of shows where Ice Nine Kills will perform both "The Silver Scream" albums in their entirety across two nights in each city. This tour follows their participation in Metallica's prestigious "M72" world tour, further cementing their status in the metal world.

The Complete Discography

For those looking to dive into the band's catalog, Ice Nine Kills boasts an impressive discography spanning six studio albums:

• "Last Chance to Make Amends" (2006)

• "Safe Is Just a Shadow" (2010)

• "The Predator Becomes the Prey" (2014)

• "Every Trick in the Book" (2015)

• "The Silver Scream" (2018)

• "The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood" (2021)

Their collection also includes five EPs, including "The Burning" (2007), "The Predator" (2013), and "Undead & Unplugged: Live From the Overlook Hotel" (2019).

The Lasting Impact

Ice Nine Kills has succeeded in carving out a unique niche in the metalcore genre through their innovative blend of horror themes with aggressive riffs and memorable melodies. Their approach to storytelling through music has not only entertained but has also expanded the possibilities of what metal can be.

As they continue to evolve, tour, and release new music, Ice Nine Kills remains one of the most distinctive and exciting voices in modern metal—proving that when horror and heavy music collide, the results can be both terrifying and terrific.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, one thing is certain: the nightmare is just beginning for Ice Nine Kills, and we're all invited to join the horror show.

Where to Check Out Ice Nine Kills

Ready to dive into the world of horror-inspired metalcore? Here are the best places to experience Ice Nine Kills:

Official Sources

• Official Website: iceninekills.com

• Tour Information: iceninekills.com/tour

• Official Merch: ink-merch.com

Social Media

• Instagram: @iceninekills

• Twitter/X: @iceninekills

Streaming Platforms

• Spotify: "Ice Nine Kills"

• Apple Music: "Ice Nine Kills"

Upcoming Tour Dates

Ice Nine Kills is currently touring with their ambitious "The Silver Scream-A-Thon" tour throughout Spring 2025, where they'll perform both "The Silver Scream" albums in their entirety across two nights in each city. Key upcoming dates include:

• April 29, 2025 - Richmond, VA - The National

• April 30-May 1, 2025 - Raleigh, NC - The Ritz

• May 3, 2025 - Nashville, TN - Nissan Stadium (with Metallica)

• May 6-7, 2025 - Kansas City, MO - Uptown Theater

• May 9-10, 2025 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave-Eagles Club

• May 13-14, 2025 - Minneapolis, MN - Fillmore Minneapolis

When I was in Boston many years ago, I was invited out to check this band out. I do not regret it. Lots of fun and their music is great and their shows are spectacular! Thank you for dropping by and checking this out. CHEERS!!!