Horror and heavy metal have become synonymous with Ice Nine Kills, the theatrical metalcore powerhouse that has built an international following by transforming classic horror films into cinematic live performances. Fresh off the release of new music, including “The Great Unknown” and “A Work of Art,” the band continues to play festivals and major tours around the world.
In 2026, Ice Nine Kills just appeared at one of rock and metal’s most unique festivals, Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, while continuing to support their latest music with live dates throughout North America and Australia. Ice Nine Kills has also been announced to appear on ShipRocked 2027 to bring more horror nights to the ocean voyage.
The band teamed up with actress and singer Mckenna Grace for the official single and music video “Twisting the Knife” which serves as a tribute to Wes Craven’s franchise and plays during the end credits of Scream 7 that was released in theaters on February 27, 2026.
While aboard ShipRocked 2026, The Travel Addict caught up with guitarist and vocalist Ricky Armellino, who also fronts his own band, Hawk, and was performing as part of the annual Stowaways supergroup. Our conversation covered everything from horror movies and meditation to favorite travel destinations, memorable moments touring with Metallica and the unexpected food scene in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
If someone is visiting Boston for the first time, what would your perfect day look like?
Most of my memories are actually just outside Boston. I always think about Worcester and being around the Palladium because that’s where so many incredible shows happened. My bass player Joe’s parents live in Reading, Massachusetts, and there are some amazing places to eat there. One of my favorites is an Indian restaurant called Anmol in Salem. They have some of the best masala I’ve ever had. When I think about Boston, I really think about all those surrounding towns—Reading, Salem and Worcester—and all the great food and memories there.
You currently live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania now. What should visitors experience there?
Honestly, Lancaster has become an incredible food city. There’s a place called Southern Market where new restaurants get a chance to open for about a year before moving into permanent locations. There are amazing Venezuelan, Peruvian and Trinidadian restaurants there. One of my favorites is Cilantro’s for Venezuelan food. Frisco’s has incredible Peruvian dishes, and Callaloo serves fantastic Trinidadian food. It’s funny because after traveling the world, I think Lancaster has some of the best South American food I’ve found anywhere.
Ice Nine Kills is known for its horror-inspired music. What’s your favorite horror movie?
28 Days Later is probably my favorite. I’d also say Blade.
You have a lot of tattoos. Is there one that means the most to you?
One of my favorites references Langston Hughes’ poem What Happens to a Dream Deferred? I also have a coyote because a friend once described my personality as being like a coyote, and I loved his explanation. Then I have an Old Dirty Bastard tattoo done in a Picasso style because my tattoo artist thought it would be funny—and I agreed.
What’s your favorite Ice Nine Kills song to perform live?
“A Grave Mistake.” Some of my favorite stage memories have come from performing that song.
You were on ShipRocked last year with Hawk. What’s your favorite ShipRocked memory?
We actually saw what looked like a UFO during The Ghost Inside’s set. Two red lights appeared in the sky, changed direction, then disappeared. We even checked flight trackers and couldn’t explain it. That was pretty unforgettable.
Another fun memory was playing basketball with the band Ghostkid. I also cross-dressed for the first time because we were filming a funny video. Sushi from Ghostkid did my makeup and lent me a dress. It was actually a learning experience. Every time I adjusted the dress, I realized, “Oh… now I understand why people do that.” It gave me a new perspective.
You recently took time off to recover from an injury. How are you feeling?
A lot better. The main issue was actually my shoulder, and it was affecting the nerves all the way down into my thumb. I’d wake up feeling like there was a knife in my armpit because my muscles were locking up from sleeping on a moving tour bus. Every doctor basically told me I needed months of rest, so I finally listened. We recently filmed a new music video, and while I was a little sore afterward, it’s much better now.
Meditation has become a big part of your life. How did that journey begin?
About four years ago I started meditating seriously, and I’ve gone to the Monroe Institute in Virginia twice to learn more about altered states of consciousness. For me, meditation is really about learning whether you can choose peace. Touring musicians deal with constant stimulation—crowds, loud music, traveling every day—and meditation helps me disconnect from all of that.
Flights are actually one of my favorite places to meditate. I also love going out into Joshua Tree whenever I’m visiting friends in California. Eventually, though, you realize you can find that calm almost anywhere if you learn how to quiet your mind.
Has travel ever inspired your songwriting?
Absolutely. I have folders full of demos named after the cities where I started them—Atlanta, Joplin, Marietta—you name it. Every place has a different feeling, and those memories become part of the music.
What stands out most from touring with Metallica?
Every single member of Metallica introduced themselves to me personally on the first day of the tour. I haven’t experienced that from a headlining band in over a decade. That really stuck with me.
What’s one hidden travel gem you’d recommend?
There’s an amusement park in Colorado built on top of a mountain where the roller coasters swing out over a massive cliff. You ride a gondola to get there, and there are hardly ever any lines. If you’re into thrill rides, it’s absolutely worth looking up.
Ice Nine Kills Upcoming Tour Dates:
2026
- August 8–9, 2026 – Midsummer Scream – Long Beach, California (Spencer Charnas appearance)
- August 21–22, 2026 – Vans Warped Tour Montréal – Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- September 4, 2026 – RAC Arena – Perth, Australia (with Electric Callboy and coldrain)
- September 6, 2026 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Adelaide, Australia (with Electric Callboy and coldrain)
- September 8, 2026 – Margaret Court Arena – Melbourne, Australia (with Electric Callboy and coldrain)
- September 10, 2026 – Hordern Pavilion – Sydney, Australia (with Electric Callboy and coldrain)
- September 12, 2026 – Riverstage – Brisbane, Australia (with Electric Callboy and coldrain)
- September 13, 2026 – Riverstage – Brisbane, Australia (with Electric Callboy and coldrain)
- September 19, 2026 – Louder Than Life Festival – Louisville, Kentucky
2027
- March 15, 2027 – Brussels, Belgium – March In Silence Tour
- March 17, 2027 – Gliwice, Poland
- March 18, 2027 – Vienna, Austria
- March 20, 2027 – Munich, Germany
- March 22, 2027 – Düsseldorf, Germany
- March 23, 2027 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- March 25, 2027 – Amsterdam, Netherlands
- March 26, 2027 – Paris (Boulogne-Billancourt), France
- March 28, 2027 – London, England