Humanity’s darkest impulses have always been a mirror to our progress—or lack thereof. But what if our refusal to learn from history isn’t just a flaw, but a catalyst for something greater? Enter SUN DONT SHINE, the supergroup featuring Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR, DOWN, KINGDOM OF SORROW) and former TYPE O NEGATIVE members Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly, alongside Todd Strange (CROWBAR, DOWN). Their latest single, Power To Live, is a fierce anthem that confronts our violent past while defiantly clinging to hope, resilience, and the will to survive. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just a song—it’s a challenge to our collective consciousness.
Formerly known as EYE AM, SUN DONT SHINE is set to release their debut full-length album, Birth To Death, on April 1 via Corpse Paint Records. But here’s where it gets controversial: in an era of polished, overproduced music, this band rejects perfection in favor of raw, unfiltered emotion. Power To Live is a prime example, blending earth-shaking riffs, haunting melodies, and a dynamic push-and-pull that feels both brooding and anthemic. It’s the sound of four seasoned musicians who’ve weathered life’s storms together, creating something messy, visceral, and undeniably real.
The track, written by Hickey and Windstein, was born from a conversation about its striking cover art. Hickey’s observation—that humanity’s continued reliance on violence is shameful—became the song’s core: a stark acknowledgment of our failures paired with a refusal to surrender. Recorded at OCD Studios in the summer of 2025, the single was produced by Duane Simoneaux, co-produced by Vinnie LaBella, and executive produced by Andrew Spaulding. The official music video drops on February 23 across Vevo/YouTube, Tidal, Apple Music, and Vimeo, promising unsettling imagery that mirrors the song’s tension between destruction and endurance.
But SUN DONT SHINE isn’t stopping there. To celebrate the release, they’ve teamed up with visual artist Nadiya Vizier (CROWBAR, Sailor Bob tattoo) for a limited art collaboration. The collection includes 100 hand-signed posters, custom sticker sheets, and 10 ultra-limited trucker caps—each piece blending the song’s urgency with Vizier’s unmistakable style. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, making this a must-grab for fans.
Musically, Power To Live showcases the band’s signature blend of heaviness and atmosphere. Windstein’s crushing guitar tone locks in with Hickey’s haunting hooks, while Kelly’s precise yet unrestrained drumming and Strange’s thunderous bass lines create a landscape that’s as anthemic as it is brooding. It’s a sound that feels lived-in, battle-tested, and unapologetically honest.
But here’s the real question: Can music truly challenge us to evolve, or are we doomed to repeat history? SUN DONT SHINE seems to think the former, and their upcoming album is a testament to that belief. With influences ranging from BLACK SABBATH to THE BEATLES, their music is a journey through resilience, reflection, and catharsis. Each track is dynamic, unpredictable, and emotionally charged—a far cry from one-dimensional doom or heaviness.
In a recent interview, Hickey hinted at the band’s evolution: “We’re finding our sound—darker, heavier, more versatile. These new songs are explosive, powerful.” And with a tour planned for 2026, fans can expect to experience that power live.
From their early singles Dreams Always Die With The Sun and Cryptomnesia to their latest releases, SUN DONT SHINE has proven they’re more than just a band—they’re a convergence of iconic musicians pushing boundaries. As Windstein puts it, they’re “breaking new ground,” creating music that resonates with their own experiences and emotions.
So, what do you think? Is SUN DONT SHINE’s unflinching approach to music a breath of fresh air, or does it miss the mark? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
