Horror-metal band Ice Nine Kills has become embroiled in controversy after using apparently AI-generated art for a promotion, a move they followed with a sarcastic statement that has only intensified the backlash from fans and led to a ban from a popular online forum.
The situation began on Saturday, May 24, when the band posted an image featuring horror icons Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees grilling to promote a Memorial Day weekend merchandise sale. Fans quickly criticized the post, pointing out that the image appeared to be generated by artificial intelligence.
Following online criticism and media coverage of the initial post, Ice Nine Kills issued a response on Sunday, May 25, that leaned into the controversy. Paired with another seemingly AI-created image depicting the band members with exaggerated muscles, the group posted a sarcastic “apology.”
“We are vigorously investigating the disturbing claims that a recent promotional image was sloppily birthed by AI,” the band wrote. “We solemnly pledge to get to the bottom of this horrific headline-making crime against Redditors. For now, enjoy our new promo photo, taken just moments ago.”
The dismissive tone of the statement was not well-received by many in the community. The backlash has since amplified, resulting in the band being banned from the prominent r/metalcore page on Reddit.
In a comment explaining the decision, a moderator for the subreddit wrote, “F**k AI. Support actual artists.” The incident has sparked a wider debate among fans about the use of AI art by established bands and the responsibility artists have to support human creators.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the band is pressing ahead with major touring plans. Ice Nine Kills recently unveiled their upcoming U.S. tour, titled “Hell Of A Summer,” which is set to begin on August 10, 2025. The tour will include performances by supporting acts Dayseeker, Kim Dracula, and The Funeral Portrait, with punk veterans Mest joining in for the final stretch.
The tour will wrap up with a special event designed for the band’s most devoted fans: their own convention, Silver Scream Con, which will host the final show on September 13, 2025, in Worcester, Massachusetts. After completing the U.S. leg, Ice Nine Kills is also slated to launch an arena tour across Europe and the UK later in the winter.
Ice Nine Kills – “Hell Of A Summer” U.S. Tour Dates 2025:
- Aug. 10 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall
- Aug. 12 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
- Aug. 14 – Tempe, AZ – Mullett Arena
- Aug. 16 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort
- Aug. 17 – Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House and Event Center
- Aug. 18 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
- Aug. 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center
- Aug. 21 – Grand Junction, CO – Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park
- Aug. 22 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center
- Aug. 24 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
- Aug. 27 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
- Aug. 28 – Youngstown, OH – The Covelli Centre
- Aug. 29 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
- Aug. 31 – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center
- Sep. 02 – National Harbor, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor
- Sep. 03 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome
- Sep. 05 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live
- Sep. 06 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – War Memorial Auditorium
- Sep. 13 – Worcester, MA – DCU Center (Silver Scream Con)
