Metalcore outfit Ice Nine Kills have officially teamed up with the legendary Tony Hawk for their bruising new Dead By Daylight anthem, 'Play Dead'. This high-octane collaboration marks a significant crossover between the worlds of heavy music and interactive horror gaming.
Originally released in 2016, Dead By Daylight has established itself as a titan in the online multiplayer survival horror genre. The game has previously hosted high-profile collaborations with major franchises such as Stranger Things, Saw, Alien, Resident Evil, and Silent Hill. The inclusion of heavy metal acts like Iron Maiden and Slipknot into the game's universe has further solidified its reputation as a hub for dark, immersive pop culture.
Today (June 26), Ice Nine Kills released the crushingly heavy track 'Play Dead'. The accompanying music video features an appearance by skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, alongside Final Destination actor Devon Sawa and Terrifier 3 star Krsy Fox. Check it out below:
Beyond the new single, fans can access a special Ice Nine Kills collection within the Dead By Daylight game. Vocalist Spencer Charnas described the project as a "collision of hooks, horror and total chaos," noting that the band worked closely with the game's composer, Michel F. April, to ensure the track felt like a genuine extension of the game's eerie atmosphere.
"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," Charnas added. The band, who recently performed at Download Festival, also confirmed details for a 2027 tour, including a massive headline show at London’s O2 Arena on March 28.