Poppy, the genre-defying architect of modern experimental metal, has once again pushed the boundaries of her sonic landscape with the release of the official music video for her latest single, "Dying to Forget." A centerpiece of her critically acclaimed late-2025 album, Empty Hands, the track serves as a visceral reminder of Poppy’s ability to weave abrasive metallic fury with haunting, infectious melody.
The new visual accompaniment is not merely a promotional tool; it is a cinematic capture of the raw, kinetic energy that defines her current era. Featuring heavy-hitting guest appearances from Isaac Hale of Knocked Loose and Stephen Harrison of House of Protection (formerly of Fever 333), the video serves as a high-octane visual representation of the creative synergy currently driving the vanguard of the alternative metal scene.
The Genesis of "Dying to Forget"
A Collaborative Powerhouse
"Dying to Forget" is a masterclass in controlled chaos. The song’s DNA is deeply rooted in the heavy music community, thanks in large part to the songwriting contributions of Isaac Hale and Stephen Harrison. Both musicians are widely regarded as pivotal figures in the evolution of modern hardcore and industrial-tinged rock.
Hale, known for his work with the genre-defining Knocked Loose, brings a gritty, tectonic-shifting heaviness to the track, while Harrison—fresh off his success with House of Protection—infuses the composition with a sharp, industrial-edged precision. Their presence is felt in every bar of the song, from the dissonant, drop-tuned guitar work that anchors the verses to the intricate, stuttering rhythms that provide the backbone for Poppy’s vocal delivery.
The Sonic Landscape of Empty Hands
Released in November 2025, Empty Hands marked a significant departure for Poppy, moving away from the pop-adjacent experimentation of her earlier records toward a more focused, aggressive, and undeniably heavy aesthetic. "Dying to Forget" acts as the definitive statement of this transition. The track alternates between guttural, throat-shredding screams—where Poppy pushes her vocal cords to their physical limits—and a soaring, melodic chorus that offers a fleeting moment of clarity amidst the sonic wreckage. It is a song designed to be felt in the chest as much as it is heard by the ears.
Visualizing the Violence: Inside the Music Video
The music video for "Dying to Forget" captures the visceral intensity of a live performance in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. Filmed in a dimly lit, cavernous warehouse, the setting serves as the perfect backdrop for the song’s industrial aesthetic.
Aesthetics and Choreography
The video focuses on the interplay between Poppy and her collaborators, Hale and Harrison. Unlike many contemporary music videos that rely on heavy CGI or narrative obfuscation, this visual is raw. It centers on the performance: the sweat, the movement, and the sheer physicality of the instruments.
As the track descends into its breakdown, the warehouse becomes a sea of moshers. The cinematography is frenetic, utilizing quick cuts and handheld camera work to place the viewer directly in the center of the pit. This choice emphasizes the "community" aspect of the current metal resurgence—the idea that this music is a shared, communal release of tension.
The Industry Context: A New Wave of Heavy Music
The collaboration between Poppy, Hale, and Harrison is emblematic of a larger shift within the music industry. We are currently witnessing a period of "genre fluidity," where artists from disparate backgrounds—pop, hardcore, industrial, and electronica—are converging to create something that defies traditional radio categorization.
The Rise of Genre-Blending
Poppy has long been a trailblazer in this regard. By effectively dismantling the barriers between high-concept pop art and underground metal, she has carved out a unique space for herself. The inclusion of members from Knocked Loose and House of Protection is not just a strategic marketing move; it is a validation of the artistic cross-pollination that has become the hallmark of the 2020s alternative scene.
For fans of Knocked Loose, the presence of Isaac Hale on a Poppy track is a testament to the band’s growing influence outside the traditional hardcore sphere. Similarly, for followers of Stephen Harrison, the track showcases his versatility, proving that his sonic palette extends far beyond the confines of his previous projects.
Chronology of the Empty Hands Era
To understand the weight of this release, one must look at the timeline of the Empty Hands campaign:
- September 2025: Teasers for the album begin to circulate on social media, utilizing abstract, haunting imagery that hints at a darker, more industrial direction.
- November 2025: Empty Hands is released to widespread critical acclaim. Critics highlight the production quality and the vocal risks Poppy takes throughout the record.
- February 2026: Poppy officially announces her North American headlining tour, signaling a shift toward live performance as the primary vehicle for the album’s promotion.
- June 2026: The official music video for "Dying to Forget" drops, coinciding with the final countdown to her summer tour dates.
Implications for the Live Circuit
The release of this video is perfectly timed to build momentum for Poppy’s upcoming North American tour, which commences on July 7th in Washington, D.C.
The Summer Tour and Beyond
The tour is expected to be one of the most significant live events in the alternative metal calendar this year. Poppy has historically treated her live shows as immersive theater, and with the heavy, aggressive sound of Empty Hands now fully realized, fans are anticipating a more brutal, high-energy stage experience.
Following the North American leg, Poppy will join forces with Evanescence for their 2026 world tour across the UK and Europe. This support slot is a major career milestone, positioning Poppy in front of massive, diverse audiences and further cementing her status as a global touring force. The synergy of sharing the stage with a legacy act like Evanescence—who were pioneers in blending gothic, classical, and heavy rock—highlights the lineage that Poppy is now continuing.
Official Responses and Fan Reception
While official press statements from the camp have been sparse, the response from the creative team has been one of mutual respect and artistic fulfillment. Both Hale and Harrison have expressed on social media that the writing process for "Dying to Forget" was one of the most fluid collaborations they have been a part of in recent years.
Fans have reacted with similar enthusiasm. On streaming platforms and social media, the consensus is that "Dying to Forget" represents the "heaviest Poppy has ever been." For long-time fans, the song is a rewarding evolution; for new listeners, it serves as an accessible entry point into the world of industrial-metal-infused pop.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Poppy’s Sound
As the industry continues to move away from rigid genre definitions, artists like Poppy are leading the charge into a future where the only requirement for success is the ability to provoke a visceral reaction.
"Dying to Forget" is more than just a single; it is a manifesto. It declares that Poppy is not content to sit within the boundaries of what is "expected" of her. By incorporating the raw, unbridled energy of hardcore icons like Isaac Hale and the industrial precision of Stephen Harrison, she has created a song that feels dangerous, urgent, and vital.
As the summer tour approaches, the implications are clear: Poppy is no longer just a pop artist experimenting with metal. She is a foundational element of a new, heavy-music ecosystem. Whether she is performing in an intimate warehouse for a music video or gracing the stage of a sold-out arena in Europe, her commitment to artistic evolution remains absolute.
For those looking to witness this evolution firsthand, tickets for the North American headlining tour are currently available through major ticket platforms. As the anticipation builds for the July 7th kickoff, "Dying to Forget" will undoubtedly serve as the anthem of the summer—a blistering, unforgettable testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring spirit of sonic rebellion.
Ammar Sabilarrohman
Suro Senen
Reynand Wu
