The Silver Scream cover

Released 8 years ago this October

The Silver Scream

Ice Nine Kills · 2018

49 min · 13 tracks · heavy metal

A theatrical blend of heavy metal and horror-inspired storytelling that immerses the listener in cinematic chaos.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The American Nightmare — Opening with an explosive energy, this track sets the tone for the entire album by merging aggressive instrumentation with haunting lyrics inspired by classic horror films.
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    Thank God It’s Friday — This track cleverly references the iconic Friday the 13th series, blending catchy hooks with brutal verses that enhance its narrative depth within the album's theme.
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    A Grave Mistake — Focusing on a poignant storyline from The Crow, this song features a compelling chorus and showcases the band's lyrical prowess while maintaining heavy musicality.
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    IT Is the End — The climax of the album ties together various horror elements with a cinematic grandeur, culminating in an epic soundscape that reflects its thematic influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's horror-themed storytelling and varied tempos create an engaging listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features frequent tempo changes, with some tracks shifting from fast-paced verses to slower, more melodic choruses.
  • Several songs incorporate orchestral elements and sound effects that enhance the theatrical atmosphere, immersing the listener in a cinematic experience.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • theatrical storytelling with energy
  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • late-night horror movie vibes
  • engaging narratives that unfold
  • cathartic release through intensity

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking soft, mellow tunes
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context
The Silver Scream is Ice Nine Kills' fifth studio album, released on October 5, 2018. By this time, the band had gained significant traction within the post-hardcore scene, building on their previous release, Every Trick in the Book (2015), which explored literary themes. The album marks a notable shift as it fully embraces horror film motifs, showcasing their artistic evolution and ambition.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • A Grave Mistake

    The verse shifts perspective to express regret and longing through vivid imagery of loss.

    This structural choice of perspective adds emotional weight and deepens listeners' connection to the narrative arc inspired by its source material.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The American Nightmare 4:09
  • 2 Thank God It’s Friday 4:23
  • 3 Stabbing in the Dark 4:36
  • 4 SAVAGES 2:57
  • 5 The Jig Is Up 3:57
  • 6 A Grave Mistake 3:04
  • 7 Rocking the Boat 4:06
  • 8 Enjoy Your Slay 4:15
  • 9 Freak Flag 3:18
  • 10 The World in My Hands 3:50
  • 11 Merry Axe‐Mas 3:18
  • 12 Love Bites 3:00
  • 13 IT Is the End 4:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata