Ice Nine Kills are pushing deeper into the horror universe once again, this time stepping directly into one of gaming’s biggest cult worlds.
The band have released Play Dead, a brand new single and cinematic music video created in collaboration with Dead by Daylight as part of the multiplayer horror phenomenon’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
Rather than feeling like a one off soundtrack placement, Play Dead arrives as a full crossover moment, alongside the track, fans can access a dedicated in game Ice Nine Kills Collection, bringing the band’s signature horror aesthetic directly into the game through new DLC content.
Created alongside longtime Dead by Daylight composer Michel F. April, the release continues Ice Nine Kills’ growing dominance across horror film, television and gaming spaces.
Ice Nine Kills x Dead by Daylight ‘Play Dead’ Part 1
Spencer Charnas on the collaboration
Frontman Spencer Charnas explained the connection between the two worlds:
“Ice Nine Kills has always lived somewhere between menace and mischief. ‘Play Dead,’ our take on Dead by Daylight, is a collision of hooks, horror, and total chaos.”
He continued:
“Collaborating with Dead by Daylight gave us the chance to step into a world that feels deeply aligned with our creative instincts. The game has an incredible legacy, and that chaotic, eerie, immersive energy is something we respect and admire.”
The accompanying visual expands the ever growing INKverse mythology and adds a fresh group of unexpected cameos, Play Dead features appearances from skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, actor Devon Sawa, actor and filmmaker Krsy Fox and members of the Dead by Daylight creative team.
Stream Ice Nine Kills ‘Play Dead’ here.
Charnas also reflected on Hawk’s appearance in the project:
“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.”
The release follows a huge period for the band, including Twisting The Knife (feat. Mckenna Grace) reaching #1 at Active Rock Radio and their expanding run of official partnerships tied to franchises including Terrifier, Scream, Ready or Not and the upcoming Halloween: The Game.
Ice Nine Kills live in Australia
Australian fans won’t wait long to catch them live either, with Ice Nine Kills returning this September supporting Electric Callboy on a national arena run.
Electric Callboy featuring Ice Nine Kills 2026 Australian Tour Dates
- Sunday, September 13th – Riverstage, Brisbane
- Friday, September 4th – RAC Arena, Perth
- Sunday, September 6th – AEC Arena, Adelaide
- Tuesday, September 8th – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
- Thursday, September 10th – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
- Saturday, September 12th – Riverstage, Brisbane (Sold Out)
Pick up your tickets here.
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