Ice Nine Kills AI Merch Ad Stirs Controversy

Memorial Day weekend often brings merchandise discounts from bands, and the horror-themed metalcore group Ice Nine Kills is participating. However, their promotional strategy this year has drawn criticism, with accusations of using Artificial Intelligence for their merch sale announcement.

Fan Reactions and AI Allegations Mount

According to a report by Lambgoat, Ice Nine Kills published an Instagram Story featuring an image of horror icons Freddy Krueger from the A Nightmare on Elm Street series and Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th series grilling together. This image was accompanied by a link to their merch shop labeled "Chop Here."

It's not entirely clear when Ice Nine Kills initially shared the Instagram Story, but they also posted the image to Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) on May 24, suggesting it was around the same period. The image is also currently being used as a banner on their official merch store.

You can view the promotional image, which informs potential customers about discounts of "up to 50% off select styles."

In their coverage of the story, Metal Injection mentioned using tools like "WasItAI and HiveModeration to see if the image was AI." They also encouraged people to "just use your eyes and look at any of the super weird aspects of the image," noting oddities such as upside-down knives and a collection of unidentifiable items on a side table.

Following these reports, at least one Reddit thread surfaced, explicitly titled "Ice Nine Kills Using AI Generated Images to Promote a Merch Sale," accusing the band of the suspected activity.

The original post in the thread stated: "I'm sure some people don't care, but man it's pretty infuriating when artists use shit like this. You know they'd be pissed if they didn't get paid for their art."

This sparked numerous replies reflecting a wide range of opinions. For example, one Reddit user commented: "Yeah how do you expect me to support your art when you can't even support other artists. Gtfo with this ai bullshit." Another user wrote, "Has to be one of the least surprising bands to be caught using if true," while someone else declared: "I mean its INK. Profit above all else, thats one less artist to pay. They're just a merch machine and a business more than they are a band."

However, there were also more understanding, if not entirely supportive or defensive, perspectives shared. One person explained: "The most likely scenario is they paid an artist who then used AI. We don't know if any of the band members themselves actually generated this AI image." Similarly, another user clarified: "I’m obviously against AI art use, but it’s hard to care that much when it’s a one-off thing from a group of actual artists advertising their merch, which itself was also designed by actual artists. No reason to crucify the band over a gag."

The Reddit discussion is also filled with fans speculating that new drummer Mike Cortada—who has been creating designs for Ice Nine Kills for years and replaced Patrick Galante in 2024—is responsible for the promotional image.

"Someone else said their drummer is the artist that designs and draws their merch...if that is correct they [Ice Nine Kills] either went around him or he used AI...well or for all that is concerned the managment and/or spencer [Charnas, vocals] did cut him out of this promo, we all know InK is really Spencer Charnas and Band," wrote one user.

Naturally, Ice Nine Kills received similar responses on their Facebook and X posts. As of this writing, the band has not publicly acknowledged the accusations.

How do you feel about this situation? Do you think Ice Nine Kills used AI to help sell merchandise, and if so, are you upset about it? Let us know!

AI in the Music Industry A Growing Concern

This incident with Ice Nine Kills is not an isolated case of artists facing scrutiny over alleged AI use in recent years, whether intentional, unintentional, transparent, or not.

For instance, earlier this year, Dream Theater and renowned artist Hugh Syme were accused of using AI for the artwork of their album Parasomnia. Likewise, Killswitch Engage were suspected of using AI for the visual design of their 2025 album This Consequence, a claim that bassist Mike D’Antonio adamantly refuted.

Last year, Brittney Slayes of Unleash the Archers spoke with Loudwire about the dystopian technological theme of their latest LP, 2024’s Phantoma, and the broader intersection of music and AI.

She commented that "there is definitely the potential for AI to take work away from artists," but also noted that "companies will still need to hire someone who knows how to use programs such as Midjourney and Dall-E and in such a way that the imagery isn’t horrible (as we know AI imagery to be right now in the hands of amateurs)."

She continued:

The process still takes a human and still takes time, so why not just hire an artist with a style you like? . . . Perhaps there are those that will create all-AI projects that try to use it in every facet, but I think existing musicians will probably continue to use it as a novelty and not as something they incorporate fully into their process.

Other Recent Activities from Ice Nine Kills

Beyond the current controversy, Ice Nine Kills has been active in 2024. They released a Terrifier-themed music video for their new single "A Work of Art" which was also featured on the Terrifier 3 soundtrack. Back in January, they also released a new "Heed the Call for California" t-shirt to support the ongoing California wildfire relief efforts.

Ice Nine Kills are scheduled to perform at the Washington, D.C. stop of this year’s Warped Tour, taking place between June 14 and 15. You can check out more information and grab tickets here.