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Following two cryptic and unsettling teaser videos released on socials earlier this week, American metalcore band Bad Omens have joined forces with Poppy, an electronic pop-rock artist who gained popularity for her uncanny valley-like robotic performance videos. For a chaotic new track exploring the danger of artificial intelligence going rogue, this collaboration is a match made in dystopian horror music heaven. 

Something new for audiences to sink their teeth into, “V.A.N,” an acronym for “violence against nature,” is the first taste of Bad Omens’ upcoming album Concrete Forever. Showcasing twisting electronic effects, striking hooks, and headbang-inducing instrumentals audiences associate with Bad Omens, “V.A.N” is an explosive glimpse into the larger narrative and creative direction the band is headed towards. 

Setting the scene for the fierce new single, Poppy sings a repetition of the phrase “violence against nature” in a robotic voice over electronic effects. Suddenly, all tracks are cut as she whispers in silence, “Isn’t it strange to create something that hates you?” Jolting into a barrage of heavy bass and percussion breakdowns, the track contrasts Poppy’s haunting and sweet vocals with her shocking and abrupt screams. 

While some listeners might be surprised by the lack of vocals from beloved Bad Omens frontman Noah Sebastian, Sebastian played his hand as both composer and producer on “V.A.N.” Speaking to the inspiration of the track, Sebastian commented, “That’s a song that started just with the hook, ‘violence against nature.’ And then after saving the project with the acronym and seeing it, we realized it could be fun to think of ‘V.A.N’ as a name. Thus the rabbit hole of ideas began that led us to decide to write lyrics from the perspective of an artificial intelligence gone rogue.”

The accompanying music video is a terrifying cinematic production which taps into Poppy’s previous work and portrayal of artificial intelligence. As “Patient V.A.N,” Poppy plays the artificial intelligence gone haywire and delivers a performance straight out of a sci-fi horror movie. 

Bad Omens will be joined by Poppy on the European-leg of the “Concrete Forever” tour, kicking off in Berlin on January 27. 

Watch “V.A.N” below.