Humanity’s darkest impulses have always been a mirror to our collective failures—and SUN DONT SHINE is here to force us to look directly into it. But here’s where it gets controversial: their latest single, Power To Live, doesn’t just critique our violent history; it dares to ask whether we’re doomed to repeat it. And this is the part most people miss—amidst the chaos, the band finds hope in defiance, resilience, and the unyielding will to survive. Are they too optimistic, or is this the hard truth we need to hear?
Formerly known as EYE AM, SUN DONT SHINE is a powerhouse supergroup featuring Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR, DOWN, KINGDOM OF SORROW) on guitar and vocals, alongside former TYPE O NEGATIVE members Kenny Hickey (guitar/vocals) and Johnny Kelly (drums). Rounding out the lineup is Todd Strange (CROWBAR, DOWN) on bass. Their debut full-length album, Birth To Death, is set to drop on April 1 via Corpse Paint Records, but it’s their latest single that’s already sparking conversations.
Power To Live is a relentless track—both musically and thematically. Written by Hickey and Windstein, it confronts humanity’s refusal to learn from its violent past while fiercely clinging to survival. Recorded at OCD Studios in the summer of 2025, the song was produced by Duane Simoneaux, co-produced by Vinnie LaBella, and executive produced by Andrew Spaulding. The track’s genesis? A conversation sparked by its striking cover art, where Hickey lamented how humanity still hasn’t evolved beyond killing one another. That raw observation became the song’s core—a stark acknowledgment of history’s failures paired with a refusal to surrender.
But SUN DONT SHINE doesn’t stop at music. They’ve teamed up with visual artist Nadiya Vizier (CROWBAR, Sailor Bob tattoo) for a strictly limited art collaboration tied to the single. Think hand-signed posters, custom sticker sheets, and ultra-limited trucker caps—each piece blending the song’s urgency with Vizier’s unmistakable style. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. It’s a collector’s dream, but also a statement: this band isn’t just about sound; it’s about creating something tangible, something that lasts.
Musically, Power To Live is a masterclass in SUN DONT SHINE’s signature blend of heaviness and atmosphere. Windstein’s crushing guitar tone locks horns with Hickey’s haunting hooks, while Kelly’s drumming is both precise and unrestrained. Strange’s thunderous bass lines anchor the track, creating a landscape that’s as brooding as it is anthemic. It’s a sound that feels lived-in, battle-tested, and unapologetically raw.
The accompanying music video, directed by Mike Holderbeast, amplifies the song’s themes with stark, unsettling imagery. Instead of a literal narrative, it juxtaposes performance and atmosphere to underscore the tension between destruction and endurance. It’s a visual approach that mirrors the band’s ethos: capturing raw emotion in the moment rather than polishing it into something neat and disposable.
But what truly sets SUN DONT SHINE apart is their chemistry. These aren’t just musicians—they’re lifers who’ve weathered the highs and lows together. Their music embraces imperfections, channeling them into something transcendent. It’s messy, visceral, and real. As Hickey puts it, ‘I don’t want our music to be one-dimensional. I want it to be both light and dark, dynamic and unpredictable.’ And that’s exactly what they deliver.
From their early singles under the EYE AM moniker—Dreams Always Die With The Sun (2023) and Cryptomnesia (2023)—to their recent releases like What You Are (2025) and Coming Down (2025), SUN DONT SHINE has consistently pushed boundaries. Their influences span from BLACK SABBATH to THE BEATLES, resulting in a sound that’s as versatile as it is intense. Each track feels like a journey, exploring contrasting moods and textures that reveal more with every listen.
And here’s the kicker: they’re not done yet. In a recent interview, Hickey revealed that the band scrapped plans for an EP in favor of a full-length album, adding three explosive new tracks to the mix. ‘It’s a darker, heavier, more versatile sound,’ he said. ‘We locked ourselves in a studio for almost a month and just concentrated on music and jamming together.’ A tour in 2026? It’s definitely happening, according to Hickey. But before that, they’ve got some surprises lined up for early next year.
So, here’s the question: In a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control, does SUN DONT SHINE offer a glimmer of hope—or are they just holding up a mirror to our collective madness? Let us know in the comments. One thing’s for sure: this band isn’t here to play it safe. They’re here to challenge, provoke, and inspire. And in a genre often accused of stagnation, that’s exactly what we need.
