Sicksense strike with bold new single ‘Aritifical Irrelevance’

SICKSENSE challenge the duality of virtual realms and the tangible world as it becomes harder to determine what is ‘real’ in their explosive new single release, “Artificial Irrelevance”. The track arrives alongside the announcement of the band’s forthcoming EP, Funerals, scheduled for release on September 25, 2026. 

“It’s a social commentary on modern internet culture”. Vocalist Robby J. Fonts says. “The song points out the phoniness of people’s online personas. They present themselves one way, when in reality they live and act differently. They become addicted to being someone they aren’t and obsessed with superficial numbers from the engagement they receive online.”

The high-energy track brings uncompromising intensity and stylistic fusion. The concept behind “Artificial Irrelevance” resonates through the music as ferocious rhythms collide with intricate riffs, rap passages and soaring melodies.

On the meaning behind “Artificial Irrelevance” vocalist Vicky Psarakis adds, “How much social media has altered people’s lives isn’t anything new. We’re all addicted to our phones, stuck constantly doom scrolling and searching for dopamine hits and validation from the internet space.

What is relatively new however is the insane rise of AI content and ‘creators’ on these platforms, which is deeply disturbing when it comes to anything artistic. Musicians are seeing their work stolen. We keep getting fed reels that are 100% fake and it’s a big issue that AI has gotten so hard to distinguish for most people. So not only are we living in a non-existent space, we’re also constantly second guessing if what we are looking at is even real. It’s a whole new layer of unsettling”.

On the creative process behind the music video Vicky shares, “For the music video of Artificial Irrelevance, we wanted to make a mockery of the internet culture that exists today. We each created different and extravagant personas for ourselves and performed in ways that are completely unrealistic looking in one scene and then also filmed a full band performance at the Nile Underground venue in Mesa, AZ. At the end of the day, AI can’t do what we do in a live environment and music fans will always connect with bands that are the real deal and able to deliver that to you in person”.

Rob reveals how the band’s sound is developing, “Musically, from the very beginning when we started working (on our previous album) with our producer, Joey Doherty, he really wanted to take what we are as Sicksense and push us and our sound to the next level. 

I definitely feel this is a step in that direction, hinting at more of what we are capable of doing as artists”.

With the unveiling of each compelling release, SICKSENSE step further into their evolving sound. The merging of powerful dynamics, vocal styles, and emotive narratives that hold a mirror to our modern life produce an authoritative and immersive sonic impact. 

SICKSENSE is a modern metal force blending the aggression of metalcore, the groove of nu metal, and the precision of djent into a sound that is entirely their own. Fronted by the dynamic vocal duo of Vicky Psarakis and Robby J. Fonts, the band has built a reputation for explosive chemistry, genre-defying songwriting, and an unapologetic DIY mentality that has fueled their rise from independent newcomers to one of heavy music’s most exciting emerging acts.

Originally formed in Montreal, Canada, SICKSENSE began taking shape after Vicky and Robby first met backstage at Heavy Montreal in 2015. At the time, Vicky was fronting melodic death metal powerhouse THE AGONIST, while Robby had recently served as the vocalist for rap metal pioneers STUCK MOJO. Their mutual love for heavy music with no creative boundaries sparked an immediate connection, eventually leading to the creation of SICKSENSE.

The band officially launched with their debut single “Make Believe” in 2021, quickly turning heads with their intense vocal interplay, emotionally charged songwriting, and fearless fusion of styles. Their debut EP, Kings Today (2022), and follow-up EP, Fools Tomorrow (2023), established SICKSENSE as a rising name in the modern metal scene while earning praise from fans and creators alike, including Tank The Tech, who famously called them “the best nu metal band you never heard of.”

Built around the contrast and chemistry between Vicky’s soaring melodies and vicious screams and Robby’s aggressive delivery, rap-infused cadences, and raw intensity, SICKSENSE draw influence from bands such as LINKIN PARK, LIMP BIZKIT, SLIPKNOT, KORN, EVANESCENCE, UNDEROATH, WHITECHAPEL, PERIPHERY, and MONUMENTS while carving out a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Atmospheric keys, cinematic sound design, and layered production further elevate the band’s identity.

In 2023, SICKSENSE signed with Earache Records before releasing their debut full-length album, Cross Me Twice, in 2025. The album marked a major breakthrough for the band, peaking at #10 on the UK Rock and Metal Album chart and #33 on the UK Independent chart. During this era, the band toured extensively across the United States, opening for ESCAPE THE FATE, SNOT, THE UNION UNDERGROUND, SPINESHANK, and CALVA LOUISE, while also appearing at major festivals including Louder Than Life 2025.

Never content to stay stagnant, SICKSENSE announced in 2026 that they would return to their independent roots for future releases, embracing complete creative freedom as they enter a new era with a lineup featuring guitarist Jackson Snowden, bassist Richard Regier, and drummer Sam Neumann. The band worked closely with producer Joey Doherty on the EP, continuing to push their sound into darker, heavier, and more experimental territory while staying true to the emotional honesty and intensity that define SICKSENSE.

Outside the band, both Vicky and Robby have built impressive resumes across music, gaming, and entertainment. Vicky provided voice work for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and portrayed Ada Wong in Dead by Daylight, while also contributing vocals to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Robby voiced Jonathan Byers in the original Stranger Things chapter for Dead by Daylight and even graduated from WWE Superstar Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Academy in 2019.

At their core, SICKSENSE represent resilience, individuality, and fearless self-expression. Whether through brutally honest lyrics, high-energy live performances, or their hands-on approach to every aspect of the band’s creative vision, SICKSENSE continue to prove that heavy music has no boundaries when authenticity leads the way.

SICKSENSE is:
Vicky Psarakis — vocals, lyrics, keys
Robby J. Fonts — vocals, lyrics
Jackson Snowden — guitars
Richard Regier — bass, violin
Sam Neumann — drums