A career-defining milestone for Ice Nine Kills:
Before stepping into Dead by Daylight with “Play Dead,” Ice Nine Kills reached another major milestone in their career by earning their first-ever No. 1 at Active Rock Radio with “Twisting The Knife (feat. Mckenna Grace).” The song, which served as the official track for “Scream 7,” became a huge moment for the band and showcased just how much they’ve grown within both the rock and horror communities.
For longtime fans, even the ones who listened to them when their music “was too scene,” if you know you know, the achievement felt well deserved. Ice Nine Kills has spent years building a unique identity that blends heavy music with cinematic horror storytelling, and seeing that dedication rewarded with their first No. 1 only makes collaborations like Dead by Daylight feel even more exciting. As a fan of horror and seeing them when they first started, this was a delight to see!
Gaming and heavy music collide:
As someone who has spent countless hours surviving — or getting sacrificed — for those blood points in Dead by Daylight, I couldn’t be more excited about the announcement that Ice Nine Kills has officially entered The Fog. The band’s brand-new single, “Play Dead,” created specifically for Dead by Daylight’s 10th Anniversary celebration, feels like one of the most natural collaborations the game has ever had.
Dead by Daylight has always celebrated horror from every corner of entertainment, from iconic movie slashers to original killers. Bringing in a band that has built its entire identity around horror storytelling is simply the perfect fit. Also, seeing Spencer cosplaying as Dwight brings a smile to my face!
A song that belongs in the entity’s realm:
What makes “Play Dead” stand out isn’t just that it’s inspired by Dead by Daylight; it’s that it was actually created alongside longtime Dead by Daylight composer Michel F. April. That collaboration helps the song capture the game’s eerie atmosphere while still delivering Ice Nine Kills‘ signature blend of theatrical metal and horror-inspired lyrics.
Rather than feeling like a promotional track, “Play Dead” feels like an extension of the game’s universe, which is exactly what fans like myself hoped for. Maybe they should add a new map and have the song play in the background as we loop the killer.
Bringing Dead by Daylight to life:
Ice Nine Kills never disappoints when it comes to cinematic music videos, trust me, and “Play Dead” looks like another major chapter in the band’s growing INKverse.
For longtime Ice Nine Kills fans, it’s another entertaining horror spectacle. For Dead by Daylight fans, it’s exciting to see the game receive this level of creative attention from artists who genuinely understand horror culture. The attention to detail to keep the game true to its core while delivering powerful lyrics was the perfect synergy. Do yourself a favor and check the video out down below!
Why this collaboration works:
Dead by Daylight has built its reputation by celebrating horror in every form imaginable.
Ice Nine Kills has done the same through music.
Both are built around suspense, iconic killers, unforgettable stories, and an appreciation for horror history. This collaboration doesn’t feel forced; it feels inevitable.
Spencer Charnas made it clear that the band wanted “Play Dead” to feel like it truly belonged inside Dead by Daylight‘s universe, and after hearing the track, I think they accomplished exactly that. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear this banger during Halloween Horror Nights this year!
A great year for horror fans:
Ice Nine Kills has been on an incredible run lately, contributing music to major horror franchises like “Terrifier 3” and “Scream 7.” Now adding Dead by Daylight to that list only strengthens the band’s place within modern horror culture.
As a fan of both horror games and horror music, it’s exciting to see these worlds continue to overlap in meaningful ways. As a genre that is niche, I’m glad Ice Nine Kills is bringing positive light to it as always!
Final thoughts:
As a Dead by Daylight fan, I absolutely approve of this collaboration. Ice Nine Kills understands horror better than almost any band working today, while Dead by Daylight continues to be one of gaming’s greatest celebrations of the genre. “Play Dead” feels like a collaboration that was made for the fans, and it’s refreshing to see both sides fully embrace what makes horror so much fun.
Whether you’re loading into a trial with friends or blasting “Play Dead” on repeat, this crossover is a win for both communities. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last time Ice Nine Kills steps into The Fog. Now hop on Dead By Daylight and play this song on repeat, or I’m not unhooking you!
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