"Headline-making crime against Redditors": Ice Nine Kills responds to AI image backlash with satirical statement

Metalcore band Ice Nine Kills recently found itself in hot water for an AI-generated image promoting its recent Memorial Day merch sale. The group's use of artificial intelligence in place of traditional artwork has generated controversy across social media platforms like Reddit, where fans and artists have accused them of undermining human creativity and using technology for profit.

The band, however, does not seem to back down. Instead of issuing an apology or clarification, Ice Nine Kills clapped back with sarcasm, doubling down with another AI-generated image. Their official reaction statement, shared via their official Instagram handle, reads:

"We are vigorously investigating the disturbing claims that a recent promotional image was sloppily birthed by AI. 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 "promo photo" referred to in the statement was also generated using Artificial Intelligence-based technology. Now, they are facing renewed backlash from netizens. Below are what some netizens commented below Ice Nine Kills' reaction post on X (formerly Twitter):

"Yeah man idk, seems pretty shitty to take a genre built around a shared love of handmade, practical, and creative art and effects in horror, and choose to not only do the opposite, but also double down on it when the fans that stayed with you this whole time say they hate it," penned a netizen.

The user also added:

"Don't respect the attitude here, and do not feel like you care about the art of it now that you have money. You have embarrassed yourself in front of your fans, and pleased the worst type of people with your statement. Enjoy "that" crowd, I'm out."

"Not a good look after dead meat was just so responsible with the possibility that their promo images were made with AI. Investigated and found it to be. Y'all are gonna alienate longtime fans with this attitude. You already are :/", added another.

"Those "redditors" are people like me we've spent hundreds on merch even tho we knew it was expensive because we loved you guys sm. Many of us wouldnt still be here if your music wasnt there to catch us when we fell. But now you guys are the ones to fall and we arent catching you," penned a third.

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What was the reason for Ice Nine Kills facing backlash from fans?

The controversy mainly began when Ice Nine Kills shared a Memorial Day promotional image that featured horror icons Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees grilling together. They were pushing a "Chop Here" merch sale.

Fans noticed some details like upside-down knives, distorted fingers, odd bottle placements, and more, which are seemingly the signs of an AI-generated picture.

Outrage followed. Fans took to social media platforms to accuse the band of cutting costs and avoiding graphic design artists. Some fans said it was hypocritical for a group, that depends on art, to rely on a AI-generated artwork.

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Below are what some fans wrote under this Memorial Day promotional X post shared from the official Ice Nine Kills X account:

"Wait… Ice Nine Kills is getting dragged for their cringe horror AI art — but not for charging fans $200 – $400 just to be in a music video, while other bands do that shit for free? Yeah nah, I'm all for it. That’s some clown-level fan exploitation. F*ck those guys," declared a fan.

"How can you claim to love horror and all the artistry put into them well using AI that major corporations are trying to replace them with," stated another.

Ice Nine Kills is going on tour in 2025

In other news, Ice Nine Kills recently launched its Hell of a Summer Tour. It is a 19-date headlining run across the U.S. The trek will be supported by Dayseeker, Kim Dracula, The Funeral Portrait, and pop-punk act Mest.

The confirmed dates and locations for Ice Nine Kills' 2025 tour, including the Hell of a Summer Tour leg, are as follows:

Supporting Metallica

Saturday, June 6, 2025 – Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium (*)
Friday, June 20, 2025 – Santa Clara, CA @ Levi’s Stadium (*)
Friday, June 27, 2025 – Denver, CO @ Empower Field At Mile High (*)

With The Word Alive, The Funeral Portrait, and Melrose Avenue

Thursday, May 29, 2025 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater (#)
Sunday, June 1, 2025 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues (#)
Tuesday, June 4, 2025 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle (#)
Sunday, June 8, 2025 – New Orleans, LA @ The Fillmore (#)
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 – Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues (#)

With Hail The Sun, TX2, and Dark Divine

Friday, May 30, 2025 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater ($)
Monday, June 2, 2025 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues ($)
Wednesday, June 5, 2025 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle ($)
Monday, June 9, 2025 – New Orleans, LA @ The Fillmore ($)
Thursday, June 12, 2025 – Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues ($)

(*) - Supporting Metallica

(#) - With The Word Alive, The Funeral Portrait, and Melrose Avenue

($) - With Hail The Sun, TX2, and Dark Divine

Hell of a Summer Tour 2025

With Dayseeker, Kim Dracula, and The Funeral Portrait:

Saturday, August 10, 2025 – Waukee, IA @ Vibrant Music Hall
Monday, August 12, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK @ The Criterion
Wednesday, August 14, 2025 – Tempe, AZ @ Mullett Arena
Friday, August 16, 2025 – Reno, NV @ Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort
Saturday, August 17, 2025 – Garden City, ID @ Revolution Concert House
Sunday, August 18, 2025 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
Tuesday, August 20, 2025 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center
Wednesday, August 21, 2025 – Grand Junction, CO @ Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park
Thursday, August 22, 2025 – Albuquerque, NM @ Revel Entertainment Center
Saturday, August 24, 2025 – Irving, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 – Madison, WI @ The Sylvee
Thursday, August 28, 2025 – Youngstown, OH @ The Covelli Centre
Friday, August 29, 2025 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre

With Mest

Sunday, August 31, 2025 – Salem, VA @ Salem Civic Center
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – National Harbor, MD @ The Theater at MGM National Harbor
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 – Virginia Beach, VA @ The Dome
Friday, September 5, 2025 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
Saturday, September 6, 2025 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ War Memorial Auditorium

Final show

Saturday, September 13, 2025 – Worcester, MA @ DCU Center (w/ Mest, Dayseeker, The Funeral Portrait, and A Loss For Words)

Tickets and VIP packages for the Ice Nine Kills tour are available via Live Nation. The presale for most dates is currently open using the code SOUNDS or STRANGERTHINGS, depending on the venue. VIP upgrades like the Slasher RIP and Thrasher RIP packages are also available. Fans can check the official sites for more details.

Also Read: Tom Odell 2025 'Wonderful Life' tour: Presale, dates, venues, and more explored