Ice Nine Kills’ already packed 2026 just got a lot busier

It takes real courage for a band to develop a unique style and consistently stick to it, particularly when they know it won’t appeal to everyone. That’s exactly what Ice Nine Kills does – they blend horror themes into their metal music, creating a distinctive sound.

Spencer Charnas and his band Ice Nine Kills create songs inspired by horror movies, but their best work goes beyond just recreating those films. Their albums, like The Silver Scream, translate really well to live shows. They’ve toured as a headliner, and they’re also happy to open for major metal bands like Slipknot.

Ice Nine Kills is planning even more than a new album for 2026 – they’re also developing their first horror movie, currently titled The Slashin’ of the Christ. While the script is finished, they haven’t found a director or actors for the film yet.

Ice Nine Kills set to release a new album and working on a movie in 2026

The screenplay is credited to Charnes and Paul Soter, known for films like Super Troopers and Club Dread. Greg Nicotero, of The Walking Dead fame, is producing, along with Charnas. Although a film project might seem unexpected for a metal band, it actually feels like a natural fit.

Both Dave Grohl and Rob Zombie have successfully directed horror movies, proving they have a knack for the genre. The secret to their success – and to any filmmaker’s – isn’t trying to create a masterpiece or remake a classic like Citizen Kane. It’s simply about making a movie that’s enjoyable for both the people creating it and the audience watching it.

According to an interview with Metal Hammer, Charnas explained that their work always includes elements of horror and violence, but it’s done with a sense of fun and self-awareness. They don’t take themselves too seriously.

The subtle hint, or ‘wink,’ is crucial, ideally. The goal is to present the film as genuine. Overdoing it with references for those ‘in the know’ can make it feel overly silly. Movies like The Naked Gun succeed because the audience understands it’s a comedy from the start, so the filmmakers don’t need to constantly emphasize the humor.

Ice Nine Kills also needs to consistently create truly original material. While their horror-inspired music is enjoyable, it frequently draws from well-known horror stories. Ultimately, their impressive musicianship and Charnas’s strong vocals are what make their metalcore stand out.

Okay, so even if the movie ends up being terrible – though I’m hoping it’s actually good – at least we know the new Ice Nine Kills album won’t be a letdown. Seriously, they almost never release a bad track. I’m pretty confident in that.

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2026-01-02 01:00