Bad Wolves have officially entered a new era.
Multi platinum hard rock outfit Bad Wolves have returned with their first release of 2026, unveiling brand new single Paint It Red alongside the official music video and introducing Sara “Killboy” Skinner as the band’s new vocalist.
Arriving via Better Noise Music, the track marks a major turning point for the Nashville based group as they begin their next chapter with an evolved sound and a fresh voice leading the charge.
Rather than revisiting old territory, Paint It Red pushes Bad Wolves into new creative ground while retaining the heaviness and huge hooks that built the band’s reputation. The release also arrives under the symbolic timing of the Strawberry Moon, traditionally associated with transformation, instinct and renewal.
Bad Wolves ‘Paint It Red’ video
New vocalist Sara “Killboy” Skinner
Speaking on welcoming Skinner into the fold, drummer, songwriter and founding member John Boecklin said:
“When we started looking for the next voice of BAD WOLVES, we weren’t looking for someone to fill a spot; we were looking for someone who could help push this band into its next chapter. The first time I heard Sara sing, I knew she was different. She has an incredible voice, undeniable presence, and the kind of versatility that allows us to take our songwriting to places we’ve never gone before. Beyond the talent, she’s brought a renewed energy and excitement into this band. Sara isn’t here to recreate the past, she’s here to help us build the future. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the Bad Wolves family and for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on together.”
Themes
Driven by pounding percussion, layered riffs and an explosive vocal performance, Paint It Red explores themes of change, self-determination and breaking free.
KILLBOY explained:
“’Paint It Red’ is about being unafraid to tear everything down and start over — again and again if that’s what it takes. With blood, sweat, and tears, every single time. To live authentically and follow your heart, you have to be willing to rebuild when something no longer serves who you are. You can’t be afraid of change, failure, or starting from scratch. Sometimes growth means letting go of what you’ve built so you can create something even better. ‘Paint It Red’ is about having the courage to burn away what’s holding you back and the strength to begin again.”
Boecklin added:
“’Paint It Red’ is a metaphor for those moments in life when being polite, diplomatic, or even democratic, no longer works. Not all the time. Not often. But there comes a point when enough is enough. There are moments when it’s time to stop asking for permission and start making decisions for yourself. To do what you want to do, regardless of the consequences. Even if it’s the wrong decision, at least it’s yours. Then you live with it. Burn it down. Tear it apart. Cause some chaos if that’s what needs to happen. There’s something freeing about reaching that point — when you know it’s time to sound the alarm and let everyone know to back the fuck off. ‘Paint It Red’ is about taking control, owning your choices, and refusing to let anyone else dictate your path.”
Stream Bad Wolves ‘Paint It Red’ here.
With a new vocalist, a heavier creative direction and more music already teased, Bad Wolves are making it clear this isn’t a reset, it’s a reinvention.
Watch this space.
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