The music world is buzzing with the news of a powerful collaboration, but this time it's not just about the music. It's a story of evolution, defiance, and the raw energy of four iconic musicians coming together. 'Power To Live', the new single from SUN DONT SHINE, is more than just a song; it's a statement. And it's about to shake things up! But here's where it gets intriguing...
SUN DONT SHINE, formerly known as EYE AM, is a supergroup featuring a dream team of heavy metal royalty. Imagine Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR, DOWN, KINGDOM OF SORROW) joining forces with TYPE O NEGATIVE's Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly, and you've got a recipe for something extraordinary. Add Todd Strange from CROWBAR and DOWN to the mix, and you're in for a wild ride.
Their debut album, Birth To Death, is set to drop on April 1st via Corpse Paint Records, and it's already making waves. The latest single, 'Power To Live', is a bold and unapologetic track that tackles humanity's darkest tendencies head-on. It's about our species' stubborn refusal to learn from history's violent lessons, all while clinging to the very essence of survival and consciousness. And this is where it gets controversial—the song is a defiant middle finger to the cycles of violence that humanity seems to be trapped in.
The track was born from a profound conversation about the single's cover art, where Hickey lamented how we, as a species, still haven't evolved beyond killing each other. This powerful observation became the song's heart, a stark reminder of history's failures and a refusal to bow down to them.
But SUN DONT SHINE isn't just about making a statement; they're about creating an experience. The band collaborated with visual artist Nadiya Vizier to create a limited-edition art collection tied to the single's release. This exclusive package includes hand-signed posters, custom stickers, and ultra-rare trucker caps, each piece a unique blend of the song's urgency and Vizier's captivating visual style.
Musically, 'Power To Live' showcases SUN DONT SHINE's signature sound—a perfect storm of heavy riffs, haunting melodies, and a dynamic rhythm section. Windstein's earth-shaking riffs clash with Hickey's ethereal hooks, while Kelly's precise drumming and Strange's thunderous bass create a sound that's both brooding and anthemic. It's a sound that's been forged in the fires of experience, a testament to the band members' collective journey through life's peaks and valleys.
The accompanying music video, directed by Mike Holderbeast, takes the song's themes to a whole new level. Instead of a traditional narrative, it uses stark imagery and atmospheric performance to highlight the tension between destruction and endurance. It's a visual representation of SUN DONT SHINE's ethos: capturing raw, unfiltered emotion.
What sets SUN DONT SHINE apart is their commitment to authenticity. They reject the overly polished, letting their music speak for itself. Each track is a journey, driven by a chemistry that only comes from shared experiences. And with 'Power To Live', they're not just looking to the future; they're shaping it.
The band's journey hasn't been without twists and turns. Originally set to release an EP, 'Coming Down', they decided to expand their vision and create a full-length album instead. In a revealing interview, Hickey shared how they opted to stay in New Orleans and focus on writing and recording three additional songs, elevating their sound to new heights.
When asked about their musical evolution, Hickey enthused, "It's a darker, heavier, and more versatile sound. We locked ourselves in a studio and just jammed, and the result is explosive." This evolution is evident in their recent singles, 'What You Are' and 'The Promise Song', which showcase the band's ability to blend light and dark, creating a dynamic and unpredictable listening experience.
With a potential tour on the horizon in 2026, SUN DONT SHINE is poised to take the world by storm. And the story of how they came together is just as fascinating. It all started with Andrew Spaulding, a merchandiser for DANZIG, who later worked with TYPE O NEGATIVE. Spaulding suggested the collaboration between Hickey, Kelly, Windstein, and Strange, and the rest is history.
The band's creative process is as organic as it gets. Their single 'Dreams Always Die With The Sun' was written and recorded in less than a day, capturing a moment of pure inspiration. And the result? A song that exceeded expectations, blending the unique talents of these musical powerhouses.
But SUN DONT SHINE isn't just a one-off collaboration. Hickey and Kelly have a history of working together, having previously been in the bands SEVENTH VOID and SILVERTOMB. And with influences ranging from BLACK SABBATH to THE BEATLES, their music is a testament to resilience and catharsis.
So, what's next for SUN DONT SHINE? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure—they're not afraid to break new ground, both musically and conceptually. Their sound is a delicate balance of heavy and haunting, and their chemistry is electric.
Are you ready to witness the evolution of heavy metal? SUN DONT SHINE is here to challenge your expectations and ignite your passion for music. Will you join them on this journey?
