When musical chaos meets survival horror, something truly unforgettable happens. The atmospheric and heavy-hitting band Ice Nine Kills recently plunged into the dark, chaotic world of Dead By Daylight, teaming up with skating legend Tony Hawk to unleash their new anthem, Play Dead.
This collaboration is more than just a catchy song; it’s a deep dive into the eerie, immersive energy of the survival horror universe. Originally released in 2016, Dead By Daylight has cemented its place as a massively popular online multiplayer experience, drawn to its legacy through collaborations with franchises like Stranger Things, Saw, Alien, and even classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. The game’s sheer appeal has led developers claiming it is the most-played horror game in history.
For this latest venture, Ice Nine Kills crafted ‘Play Dead,’ a track that perfectly captures the blend of menace and mischief inherent to both their sound and the gameplay experience. The visual centerpiece for the single features skateboarding icon Tony Hawk alongside actors Devon Sawa and Krsy Fox from the film Terrifier 3, bringing a unique, kinetic energy to the haunting soundtrack.
A Collision of Worlds
Vocalist Spencer Charnas reflected on the creative journey, describing the collaboration as an alignment with their instincts. “Play Dead is a collision of hooks, horror and total chaos,” Charnas stated. “Collaborating with Dead By Daylight gave us the chance to step into a world that feels deeply aligned with our creative instincts. We wanted the song to feel like a real extension of that universe, not just inspired by it, but genuinely part of it.”
The process involved working closely with longtime Dead By Daylight composer Michel F. April, as well as engaging directly with the game’s creative team and diehard fans to capture the authentic spirit of the setting.
Beyond the Horror
Charnas also highlighted the importance of bringing in Tony Hawk for the music video. “Having Tony Hawk appear with us felt essential because he isn’t just the Michael Jordan of skateboarding. He’s synonymous with the marriage of music, gaming, and subculture,” he added. This connection resonated deeply, drawing parallels between the irreverent ’80s comedies like The Naked Gun and the raw energy of punk rock.
This latest release follows Ice Nine Kills’ previous crossover success, the collaboration on ‘Twisting The Knife,’ which featured McKenna Grace. The band continues to thrive in the music scene, having recently performed at the Download Festival and announcing details for their upcoming tour, including a massive headline show at London’s O2 Arena in early 2027.
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Credit: NME
