“Killing Fields” follows the band’s “Three Six Five” and “Dance, Kid, Dance”
Shinedown has released their new juggernaut “Killing Fields” via Atlantic Records. The new song opens like a slow-burning invitation, drawing listeners in with a sense of mystery before erupting into a fiery, anthemic chorus driven by soaring guitars. Lyrically, it explores the chaos and struggles of modern life with a mix of ambiguity and emotional honesty, leaving room for listeners to interpret its meaning through the emotions it stirs within themselves: “We’re not sick but we’re not well, we’re just toxic twins on a carousel.”
Days before release, frontman Brent Smith posted about the song and said, “Killing Fields” is not a song that has one specific meaning. The subject matter in this song cannot be prioritized to one specific opinion. The audience is the BOSS, and they should have the freedom to interpret it the way they hear it, feel it, and experience it. What I will say is that the song is meant to push you, to inspire you to think for yourself, and ask questions… We all know we are living in complicated times… The true question is, how will you respond. So without further ado … Welcome to the ‘Killing Fields.'”
The song is released just days before the band heads off on the largest and most ambitious tour they have ever set out on in their career. Performing at arenas all across the country, the tour kicks off on July 19th at Boston’s TD Garden and the next day they perform at Madison Square Garden on July 20th (the first time they have ever performed there as a band), as well as LA’s Kia Forum on August 3rd. Joining the second leg of the tour are Bush and Morgan Wade on all shows.
“Killing Fields” is the third song Shinedown has released in 2025 after the simultaneous release of their No. 1 momentous singles “Three Six Five” and “Dance, Kid, Dance.” Breaking rules and doing what few artists have been able to achieve ”Three Six Five,” is currently charting at five different radio formats — already hitting No. 1 at alternative, it also has hit Top 10 at Hot AC & AC, No. 16 at active rock and is approaching Top 20 at Top 40 radio.
The massive support at radio can also be derived from the inspirational message of the song. Upon release of the animated music video, which featured storylines of three people each dealing with loss in their lives over a year, and how they navigated through it, inspired fans all over the internet. Many wrote in their own stories of loss and used the comment section of the video almost as an online therapy board.
Released simultaneously with “Three Six Five” is their track “Dance, Kid, Dance.” The song has made history for the band as when it reached No. 1 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart, it marked their 22nd song to reach No. 1 on the chart. On the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart, where it also hit No. 1, Shinedown became the only band in the chart’s history to get 20 No. 1s. When the song entered the Top 5 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart, Shinedown tied with the Foo Fighters for the artists with the most songs to hit the top 10 in the chart’s history with 32 songs each. On Mediabase, Shinedown holds the record for the most No. 1s, 5s and 10s on the active rock chart, with a total of 24 No. 1s on the Mediabase charts. All these incredible accomplishments continue to solidify that Shinedown has made a name for itself in rock and is one of the biggest bands in the world.
For the tour, Shinedown has teamed up with Musicians On Call and will be donating $1 for every ticket sold for the tour. As the nation’s leading provider of live music in hospitals, Musicians On Call (MOC) has delivered the healing power of music to patients, families, and caregivers in healthcare environments for 25 years. More than one million people across all 50 states have experienced the joys of live music in the hospital setting through MOC’s bedside, virtual, and streaming programs. MOC Volunteers perform live for children and adults facing any health challenge, including Veterans recovering in VA facilities, family members supporting loved ones in need, and healthcare workers caring for patients. The collaboration is just one of the many charities Shinedown supports as they frequently give back to organizations in need.
