Bad Wolves have officially begun their latest chapter with the below launch of a music video for their new single “Paint It Red“. After a substantial shift in their lineup, that multi-platinum alternative metal band have rebuilt their roster, bringing in new vocalist Sara “KILLBOY” Skinner and bassist Derek Bolman (ex-Sworn In.) Founding drummer John Boecklin remains onboard, as does guitarist/vocalist AJ Rebollo (ex-Issues).
For awhile, the future of Bad Wolves was uncertain. Following a mass departure of members, former vocalist Tommy Vext sought to buy the band’s trademarks. While Boecklin considered the reported 7-figure deal, he ultimately opted to revamp the group’s lineup and set about on this new vision. While Vext at one point also stated that Animals As Leaders guitarist Javier Reyes was also involved in this new version of Bad Wolves, it would appear that role was more behind the scenes.
Speaking of this new incarnation of the band, Boecklin shared:
“When we started looking for the next voice of Bad Wolves, we weren’t looking for someone to fill a spot; we were looking for someone who could help push this band into its next chapter. The first time I heard Sara sing, I knew she was different. She has an incredible voice, undeniable presence, and the kind of versatility that allows us to take our songwriting to places we’ve never gone before. Beyond the talent, she’s brought a renewed energy and excitement into this band. Sara isn’t here to recreate the past, she’s here to help us build the future. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the Bad Wolves family and for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on together.”
Those well-versed with Bad Wolves‘ catalog are likely somewhat familiar with KILLBOY, as she also guested on the “Die About It” track “It’s You (2 Months)” back in 2023. Speaking on this comeback single, KILLBOY added:
“‘Paint It Red‘ is about being unafraid to tear everything down and start over — again and again if that’s what it takes. With blood, sweat, and tears, every single time. To live authentically and follow your heart, you have to be willing to rebuild when something no longer serves who you are. You can’t be afraid of change, failure, or starting from scratch. Sometimes growth means letting go of what you’ve built so you can create something even better. ‘Paint It Red‘ is about having the courage to burn away what’s holding you back and the strength to begin again.”
Boecklin added:
“‘Paint It Red‘ is a metaphor for those moments in life when being polite, diplomatic, or even democratic, no longer works. Not all the time. Not often. But there comes a point when enough is enough. There are moments when it’s time to stop asking for permission and start making decisions for yourself. To do what you want to do, regardless of the consequences.
Even if it’s the wrong decision, at least it’s yours. Then you live with it. Burn it down. Tear it apart. Cause some chaos if that’s what needs to happen. There’s something freeing about reaching that point — when you know it’s time to sound the alarm and let everyone know to back the fuck off. ‘Paint It Red‘ is about taking control, owning your choices, and refusing to let anyone else dictate your path.”
A new album from the group is in the works, with the songs for it recently having being finished. However, for now, release plans are still being kept under wraps. Meanwhile, in a new accompanying interview with Revolver, KILLBOY spoke of what it was like working on these tracks, she offered:
“[John Boecklin] got off the phone with me and booked me a flight to L.A., and I was in EastWest studios the very next day. People were coming in —the dude from Volumes, the dude from Animals as Leaders — and they’re shaking my hand, saying, “So, you’re the new Bad Wolves singer,” and I’m like, “I don’t know!” John said that over the phone, and here I am, but I was freaking out.
They had already been working on songs for a long time, so they had me start cutting songs that they had already made. One of the songs that will be on the album is called “Drag Me Through Hell,” and it’s the most beautiful song ever. That’s when I got really excited. It’s actually an acoustic song, and it doesn’t make a lot of sense for the album, but it’s the one I’m most excited about. [Laughs] I got really excited for the potential of where things could go.”
In that same chat, KILLBOY also added some more insight into “Paint It Red” and the destruction found in its accompanying music video:
“‘Paint It Red‘ is about not being afraid to rip your whole life apart, and just start over again. That’s where everybody in the band is at. When John called me and asked what I was doing with KILLBOY, I was like, ‘I’m honestly ready to just rip it to the ground,’ because I’d been putting my heart and soul into it for so long, but it hit a wall. So [I was] down to start with Bad Wolves.
Coming into it, there’d been a lot built already, which I’m really grateful for. But it does feel like I’m totally starting over. It’s very scary, and it’s very exciting. I’ve done this so many times in my life where I started over and did something new, and the last project I did that with was KILLBOY. Now I feel like I’m doing that with Bad Wolves. It’s going to sound completely different. I’m a female singer. I’m different than DL [Laskiewicz] and Tommy [Vext].”
She continued:
“John [recently] bought this home, and he was demolishing [the interior], and so we were like, ‘Let’s include this in the music video.’ So, in the music video we’re tearing down his old house and rebuilding a new one. It’s very metaphorical.”
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