During the Memorial Day weekend, it’s quite common for bands to offer enticing discounts on their merchandise, and the horror-themed metalcore band Ice Nine Kills is certainly no exception. However, this year, the band has found itself in hot water, facing allegations of using artificial intelligence to boost their Memorial Day merchandise sale promotions. This controversy raises questions about the authenticity of promotional methods in the music industry.

Exploring the Controversy Surrounding Ice Nine Kills’ AI Merchandise Promotion

According to Lambgoat, Ice Nine Kills shared an Instagram Story that displayed “an image of Freddy Krueger [from the A Nightmare on Elm Street series] and Jason Voorhees from the iconic Friday the 13th series enjoying a barbecue together, complete with a link to their merchandise store labeled ‘Chop Here.’” This clever but controversial promotional tactic has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike.

The exact date that Ice Nine Kills posted this Instagram Story remains unclear, but they also shared the same image on Facebook and X on May 24, indicating it was likely around that timeframe. Furthermore, this image is prominently featured as a banner on their official merchandise store, drawing attention to the sale.

Below, you can view the promotional image, which entices potential customers with a message that promises “up to 50% off select styles”:

In their coverage, Metal Injection stated that they utilized tools like WasItAI and HiveModeration to analyze the image for signs of being AI-generated. They also encouraged viewers to “just use your eyes and look at any of the super weird aspects,” such as the knives appearing upside down and a collection of ambiguous objects cluttering the “side table.”

In the aftermath, a Reddit thread titled “Ice Nine Kills Using AI Generated Images to Promote a Merch Sale” emerged, accusing the band of the practices they are suspected of engaging in. This thread has sparked considerable debate within the community regarding the ethics of using AI for creative endeavors.

The original post expresses frustration, stating: “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 sentiment resonates with many artists and fans who value original creativity.

Responses to the thread vary widely. One user remarked: “Yeah, how do you expect me to support your art when you can’t even support other artists? Gtfo with this AI bullshit.” Another added, “This has to be one of the least surprising bands to be caught using AI, if true,” while a third user stated, “I mean, it’s INK. Profit above all else, that’s 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 nuanced and understanding viewpoints expressed in the discussion. One user suggested: “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.” Another user clarified their position: “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 thread is filled with fans asserting that new drummer Mike Cortada, who has been designing for Ice Nine Kills for years and took over from Patrick Galante in 2024, is responsible for the promotional image. One user commented, “Someone else said their drummer is the artist that designs and draws their merch…if that is correct they either went around him or he used AI…well or for all that is concerned the management and/or Spencer Charnas [vocals] did cut him out of this promo; we all know INK is really Spencer Charnas and Band.”

As expected, Ice Nine Kills received similar responses on their posts across Facebook and X, but as of now, they have not publicly addressed the accusations surrounding their promotional strategy.

What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you believe that Ice Nine Kills resorted to using AI to help sell their merchandise, and if so, does it upset you? We invite you to share your opinions!

READ MORE: The 67 Best Rock + Metal Songs of 2024

Examining the Intersection of Artists and AI in Recent Years

This incident is far from the first time a band has faced scrutiny for allegedly utilizing AI in their work, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and whether transparently or not. Earlier this year, Dream Theater and celebrated artist Hugh Syme were accused of using AI for the artwork of Parasomnia. Similarly, Killswitch Engage faced suspicion of employing AI for the design of their 2025 album, This Consequence, which bassist Mike D’Antonio fiercely denied.

Last year, Unleash the Archers frontwoman Brittney Slayes discussed with Loudwire the dystopian technological themes present in their latest LP – 2024’s Phantoma – as well as the broader implications of music and AI. She noted that “there is definitely the potential for AI to take work away from artists,” but also highlighted that “companies will still need to hire someone who knows how to use programs such as Midjourney and Dall-E effectively, ensuring that the imagery produced isn’t subpar (as we know AI-generated imagery can be in the hands of amateurs).”

She elaborated on her perspective, stating:

The process still requires human involvement and takes time, so why not just hire an artist with a style you appreciate? . . . While there may be those who create all-AI projects striving to utilize it in every aspect, I believe existing musicians will likely continue to use it as a novelty rather than fully integrating it into their creative process.

Discover the Latest Activities of Ice Nine Kills

In 2024, Ice Nine Kills unveiled a Terrifier-themed music video for their new single “A Work of Art,” which also featured prominently on the Terrifier 3 soundtrack. Earlier in January, they released a new “Heed the Call for California” t-shirt to support ongoing California wildfire relief efforts, demonstrating their commitment to social causes.

Fans can look forward to seeing Ice Nine Kills at the Washington, D.C. stop of this year’s Warped Tour, which will take place from June 14 to 15. For more information and to purchase tickets, you can check out their official site.