Hip To Be Scared (feat. Jacoby Shaddix)

Ice Nine Kills' song 'Hip To Be Scared (feat. Jacoby Shaddix)' is a darkly satirical piece that draws heavily from the 2000 film 'American Psycho,' which itself is based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel of the same name. The song's protagonist, Patrick Bateman, is a wealthy, psychopathic killer who hides his violent tendencies behind a veneer of high society and impeccable grooming. The lyrics are filled with references to the film, including Bateman's obsession with his appearance and his infamous line about returning videotapes.

The song's chorus, 'So to hell with good intentions, so to hell is where I'll go, but the devil makes exceptions for all-American psychos,' encapsulates the central theme of moral decay and the superficiality of societal norms. Bateman's character is a critique of the emptiness and moral bankruptcy that can lie beneath the surface of wealth and privilege. The line 'There is no real me, just this dark entity that cannot be redeemed' highlights the existential void and lack of genuine identity that Bateman experiences.

Musically, the song blends heavy metal with theatrical elements, creating a sense of drama and intensity that mirrors the psychological horror of the source material. The inclusion of Jacoby Shaddix from Papa Roach adds an extra layer of vocal intensity, enhancing the song's aggressive and unsettling atmosphere. The self-referential dialogue about Ice Nine Kills' own music adds a meta-commentary, blurring the lines between fiction and reality, much like the character of Patrick Bateman himself.

'Hip To Be Scared' is a complex and multi-layered song that uses its horror movie inspiration to explore themes of identity, morality, and the dark side of human nature. It's a chilling reminder that beneath the polished exterior of society, there can lurk a terrifying darkness.