Ice Nine Kills are once again bringing their love of horror into a major franchise. This time, the band has teamed up with Dead by Daylight for the brand-new single “Play Dead,” released as part of the hit multiplayer horror game’s 10th anniversary celebration.
The track was written specifically for Dead by Daylight and features contributions from the game’s longtime composer Michel F. April, making it more than just another licensed song—it was built to fit directly into the game’s eerie world. Alongside the release, players can also pick up an official Ice Nine Kills Collection DLC, allowing fans to represent the band inside the game.
The cinematic music video expands the ever-growing INKverse with a cast that includes skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, horror favorite Devon Sawa (Idle Hands, Final Destination), actress Krsy Fox (Terrifier 3), and members of the Dead by Daylight creative team.
Frontman Spencer Charnas said the collaboration felt like a natural fit.
“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 added that working directly with composer Michel F. April and the Dead by Daylight team helped ensure the song genuinely belonged within the game’s universe rather than simply being inspired by it.
The release continues an incredible run for Ice Nine Kills, who have become one of horror entertainment’s most recognizable musical acts. Over the past year alone, the band has delivered “A Work of Art” for Terrifier 3, “Twisting the Knife” featuring Mckenna Grace for Scream 7, and “Hell or High Slaughter (Grave Diggler: Pt. 2)” for Ready or Not 2: Here I Come. It was also recently announced that Charnas will voice a character in Halloween: The Game.
Meanwhile, Dead by Daylight continues to dominate the horror gaming landscape. With more than 70 million players worldwide, the game has become known for bringing together original creations and legendary horror icons from across film, television, and gaming into one ever-expanding universe.
Two decades into their career, Ice Nine Kills continue to blur the lines between heavy music, horror cinema, and gaming, making “Play Dead” another ambitious chapter in one of metal’s most creative ongoing stories.
Fans can stream “Play Dead“ now and watch the official music video.
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