Ice Nine Kills & McKenna Grace – New ‘Scream 7’ Track ‘Twisting The Knife’ Revealed

Ice Nine Kills, the Massachusetts-based metalcore band known for their horror-themed lyrics and theatrical performances, have unveiled a new single, “Twisting the Knife,” featuring a collaboration with rising star Mckenna Grace. The track is featured on the soundtrack for the upcoming seventh installment in the Scream franchise, set to hit theaters on February 27.

Grace, who stars in Scream 7 and is also recognized for her roles in The Handmaid’s Tale and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, lends her vocals to the song, marking a rare crossover between the worlds of modern metal and contemporary horror cinema. The music video for “Twisting the Knife” includes appearances by Ghostface and David Arquette, adding another layer of meta-horror appeal.

The collaboration came about after Ice Nine Kills learned of Grace’s appreciation for their music. Spencer Charnas, the mastermind behind Ice Nine Kills, shared that Grace recorded her parts in his home studio, a space notably decorated with a screen-used knife prop from the original Scream film – one of only four rubber knives created for the 1996 classic. “’Twisting The Knife’ is our tribute to Wes Craven and the Scream franchise, which means so much to us,” Charnas stated. “Scream is baked into the DNA of who I am and of Ice Nine Kills – my love of horror, comedy and the collision between the two.”

Charnas elaborated on the film’s lasting impact, recalling being captivated by the innovative approach to the slasher genre when he first saw it in theaters. “Hearing the killer talk about horror movies, in that distinctively pop-culture savvy Kevin Williamson way, blew my mind,” he said. The band has previously collaborated with several actors from iconic horror films, including Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Neve Campbell, Rose McGowan, and Jamie Kennedy, demonstrating a long-standing connection to the genre’s legacy.

Grace herself expressed enthusiasm for the project, describing it as a “special experience.” “I am such a big INK fan and it was such an amazing opportunity to be able to play with a different style of music,” she said. She also noted her admiration for Evanescence vocalist Amy Lee and the band’s efforts to capture the essence of Scream and the character of Sidney Prescott in the song. “Spencer and the guys were so much fun to collaborate with and I’m so thankful to Kevin Williamson.”

The release of “Twisting the Knife” arrives amidst a period of turbulence for the Scream 7 production. The film has been the subject of controversy following the departure of Melissa Barrera, and later, Jenna Ortega. Neve Campbell, who sat out the previous installment due to a pay dispute, ultimately agreed to reprise her role as Sidney Prescott after Barrera’s exit.

The seventh film sees Campbell return alongside Arquette and Courteney Cox, with Isabel May joining the cast as Tatum, Sidney Prescott’s daughter, who becomes the target of Ghostface. The film aims to continue the franchise’s self-aware exploration of the slasher genre, a hallmark established by Wes Craven’s original 1996 film.

Ice Nine Kills’ involvement in the Scream universe builds on their established reputation for blending horror themes with metalcore music. The band has also been closely associated with the Terrifier films, further solidifying their position within the horror community. Their ability to seamlessly integrate these influences into their music and visuals has garnered them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.

The band’s latest offering is expected to resonate with both their existing fans and audiences anticipating the release of Scream 7, offering a unique sonic experience that pays homage to the franchise’s legacy while showcasing Ice Nine Kills’ signature style. The song’s release is a strategic move, capitalizing on the heightened anticipation surrounding the film and further cementing the band’s place within the horror landscape.