Poppy has officially released the highly anticipated music video for her intensely powerful single, “Dying to Forget,” a track that stands as a stark testament to her continued evolution within the heavy music landscape. The video features prominent guitarists Isaac Hale of the acclaimed hardcore band Knocked Loose and Stephen Harrison, known for his work with House of Protection and formerly with Fever 333, both of whom are credited as co-writers on the song. This collaboration underscores Poppy’s strategic approach to integrating diverse heavy influences into her distinctive sonic identity, further cementing her position as a genre-defying artist. The release of the video, a visceral visual companion to an already crushing track, precedes a significant period of touring for Poppy, signaling a robust promotional push for her recent album, Empty Hands.
A Deep Dive into "Dying to Forget"
“Dying to Forget,” extracted from Poppy’s latest full-length album, Empty Hands, released in November 2025, showcases a calculated duality that has become a hallmark of her most recent output. The track is characterized by Poppy’s raw, full-throttle scream vocals throughout the verses, delivering an unbridled ferocity that resonates with the aggressive sensibilities of modern metal and hardcore. This intense vocal delivery is juxtaposed with a surprisingly melodic and expansive chorus, offering a brief, yet impactful, respite from the track’s otherwise relentless intensity. This dynamic interplay between abrasive aggression and accessible melody not only demonstrates Poppy’s vocal versatility but also creates a compelling emotional arc within the song, mirroring a struggle between chaos and a yearning for resolution or escape. The thematic implications, inferred from the title, suggest a profound engagement with memory, trauma, and the complex desire for oblivion, all channeled through a powerful sonic catharsis.
The accompanying music video visually amplifies the song’s raw energy. Directed with a keen eye for atmospheric intensity, the video depicts Poppy performing alongside Hale and Harrison. The setting is a dimly lit, industrial warehouse, a classic backdrop for underground music scenes, enhancing the track’s gritty aesthetic. Amidst swirling lights and dynamic camera work, a sea of moshers can be seen, their frenetic movements a direct physical manifestation of the song’s all-out intensity. This visual narrative immerses the viewer in a visceral live experience, highlighting the communal and cathartic power of heavy music. The unpolished, authentic feel of the video suggests a deliberate move to connect with the raw energy of live performance culture, reinforcing Poppy’s credibility within the heavy music community and demonstrating her commitment to an immersive, high-energy stage presence.
The Power of Collaboration: Hale and Harrison’s Influence
The involvement of Isaac Hale and Stephen Harrison as both co-writers and featured performers in the "Dying to Forget" video is a significant aspect of the track’s impact and Poppy’s broader artistic strategy. These collaborations are not merely ornamental; they are integral to the song’s sonic identity and demonstrate Poppy’s willingness to push her boundaries by engaging with some of the most respected figures in contemporary heavy music.
Isaac Hale and Knocked Loose’s Hardcore Pedigree
Isaac Hale, as the guitarist for Knocked Loose, brings a distinct and influential sound to "Dying to Forget." Knocked Loose has rapidly ascended to become one of the most prominent and critically acclaimed bands in the modern hardcore and metalcore scenes. Known for their brutal, technically precise, and often dissonant guitar riffs, coupled with a relentless rhythmic attack and Bryan Garris’s distinctive vocal delivery, Knocked Loose has cultivated a reputation for uncompromising aggression and raw emotional intensity. Their album A Different Shade of Blue (2019) and Tears in the Fabric of Life EP (2021) are widely regarded as benchmarks in contemporary heavy music, solidifying their status as innovators within the genre.
Hale’s contribution to "Dying to Forget" likely injects a layer of the metallic hardcore aggression that defines Knocked Loose. His co-writing credit suggests a foundational role in shaping the track’s heaviest sections, particularly the "full scream mode" verses. This collaboration lends significant credibility to Poppy’s foray into heavier sounds, signaling to fans of extreme music that her embrace of these genres is genuine and supported by authentic figures within the scene. The fusion of Hale’s signature riffage with Poppy’s unique vocal approach creates a powerful synergy, expanding the sonic palette of both artists and delivering a track that feels both familiar to heavy music enthusiasts and distinctively Poppy.
Stephen Harrison’s Diverse Sonic Contributions
Stephen Harrison’s presence further enriches the collaborative tapestry of "Dying to Forget." As a founding member of the GRAMMY-nominated rap-rock/hardcore band Fever 333, Harrison was instrumental in crafting a sound that blended elements of punk, hip-hop, and politically charged hardcore. Fever 333 gained widespread recognition for their high-energy live performances, socially conscious lyrics, and a sound that was both aggressive and experimental. After his departure from Fever 333 in 2022, Harrison embarked on new projects, including House of Protection, which continues to explore diverse musical territories.
Harrison’s background brings a different flavor to the collaboration, potentially contributing to the track’s structural complexity, rhythmic dynamics, or even its underlying melodic sensibilities. His experience with Fever 333’s genre-bending approach aligns well with Poppy’s own fluidity. The combination of Hale’s hardcore intensity and Harrison’s broader alternative/rap-rock influences creates a rich, multifaceted sound that transcends simple genre classification. This synergistic effect allows "Dying to Forget" to be both undeniably heavy and intricately layered, appealing to a wide spectrum of listeners within the alternative and heavy music spheres. The deliberate choice of these specific collaborators underscores Poppy’s commitment to crafting music that is not only impactful but also authentically rooted in diverse heavy traditions.
Poppy’s Artistic Journey and the "Empty Hands" Era
Poppy’s career trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by continuous reinvention and a deliberate refusal to be pigeonholed. Initially emerging as a perplexing, avant-garde internet persona with a strong visual aesthetic, she quickly transitioned into a serious musical artist, evolving from synth-pop and experimental pop into a formidable force in alternative and heavy music. Albums like I Disagree (2020) were pivotal, showcasing a dramatic shift towards nu-metal and industrial sounds, earning her a GRAMMY nomination and widespread critical acclaim for its bold genre fusion. Subsequent releases such as Flux (2021) and Zig (2023) continued to explore various facets of rock, metal, and alternative pop, each album building upon her reputation as an innovator.
Empty Hands, released in November 2025, represents the latest chapter in this ongoing artistic evolution. "Dying to Forget" serves as a powerful statement from this album, encapsulating the raw, unpolished energy that Poppy has been increasingly exploring. The album title itself, Empty Hands, could be interpreted as a metaphor for starting anew, shedding old skins, or perhaps confronting vulnerability and raw human emotion without artifice. In this context, "Dying to Forget" fits perfectly, delivering a visceral expression of internal turmoil and the desire for catharsis. The track’s aggressive verses and melodic choruses exemplify Poppy’s mastery in blending seemingly disparate elements, creating a sound that is both challenging and captivating. This era sees Poppy confidently striding further into the heavy music scene, not as a tourist, but as a genuine contributor capable of holding her own alongside established figures like Hale and Harrison.
Extensive Touring Plans: Expanding Global Reach
The release of the "Dying to Forget" music video is strategically timed to precede a comprehensive schedule of live performances, designed to bring the intensity of Empty Hands to audiences across North America and Europe. These tours are crucial for reinforcing Poppy’s connection with her fanbase and introducing her music to new listeners.
North American Headlining Tour
Poppy’s summer 2026 North American headlining tour is set to commence on July 7th in Washington, D.C. This extensive run of dates across the continent signifies a major step in her career, allowing her to curate her own show experience and present the full scope of her artistic vision. Headlining tours provide artists with the opportunity to perform longer sets, incorporate elaborate stage production, and create a more intimate and immersive experience for their dedicated fans. Audiences can anticipate a dynamic setlist that not only features tracks from Empty Hands, including the powerful "Dying to Forget," but also delves into her diverse back catalog, showcasing her journey through various genres. The tour is expected to attract a diverse audience, from long-time fans who have followed her since her early days to newer listeners drawn in by her heavier sound and recent collaborations. The energy of the "Dying to Forget" video, with its mosh pit aesthetic, hints at the high-octane, cathartic experience awaiting attendees at these shows.
European Support with Evanescence
Following her North American dates, Poppy will embark on a significant supporting role for Evanescence on the UK/European leg of their 2026 world tour, beginning in September. This is a highly strategic move that offers Poppy unparalleled exposure to a vast and established audience. Evanescence, fronted by the iconic Amy Lee, boasts a loyal global fanbase cultivated over decades through their distinctive blend of gothic rock, symphonic metal, and alternative rock. Supporting such a renowned act provides Poppy with a platform to showcase her music to potentially hundreds of thousands of new listeners who may not have encountered her work previously.
The stylistic overlap between Poppy’s more recent heavy material and Evanescence’s rock sensibilities is considerable. Both artists explore themes of introspection, power, and vulnerability through powerful female vocals and robust musical arrangements. This alignment suggests a strong potential for crossover appeal, allowing Evanescence fans to discover and appreciate Poppy’s unique sound. For Poppy, this tour represents an opportunity to solidify her presence in the European market and further broaden her international appeal, demonstrating her versatility in performing both as a headliner and as a compelling support act for a legendary band.
Chronology of Key Events
To contextualize the recent video release and upcoming live engagements, a brief chronology highlights Poppy’s active period:
- November 2025: Poppy releases her latest studio album, Empty Hands, to critical anticipation.
- February 2026: Poppy officially announces her extensive summer 2026 North American headlining tour, generating excitement among her fanbase.
- June 2026: The official music video for the crushing single "Dying to Forget," featuring Isaac Hale and Stephen Harrison, is unveiled, sparking significant discussion and engagement within the music community.
- July 7, 2026: Poppy’s North American headlining tour commences in Washington, D.C., kicking off a series of high-energy performances.
- September 2026: Poppy is scheduled to begin the UK/European leg of Evanescence’s 2026 world tour as a direct support act, marking a significant step in her international outreach.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
Poppy’s unveiling of the "Dying to Forget" video, coupled with her ambitious touring schedule and high-profile collaborations, solidifies her status as one of the most dynamic and innovative artists in contemporary music. Her unwavering commitment to genre-blending and her willingness to collaborate with established figures from the heavy music world underscore a deliberate strategy to expand her artistic scope and reach a broader audience.
Industry observers note that Poppy’s ability to seamlessly transition between pop, industrial, nu-metal, and hardcore elements positions her as a crucial figure in the ongoing evolution of alternative music. Her work challenges traditional genre boundaries, appealing to listeners who appreciate authenticity and artistic courage. The collaborations with Isaac Hale and Stephen Harrison are not just creative partnerships but also strategic endorsements from within the heavy music scene, lending significant weight to Poppy’s heavier leanings.
Inferred statements from Poppy might emphasize the collaborative spirit of "Dying to Forget," expressing her excitement about working with musicians she deeply respects and her desire to continue exploring new sonic territories. She might speak to the cathartic nature of the song and how it reflects raw human experience. Hale and Harrison, in turn, could be inferred to express admiration for Poppy’s unique vision and her ability to integrate diverse influences, highlighting the mutual creative benefits of their partnership. Label and management teams would likely underscore the strategic importance of both the video’s impact and the upcoming tours in maximizing the album’s reach and strengthening Poppy’s global footprint.
The broader implications of this release and tour cycle are significant. Poppy is not just participating in the heavy music scene; she is actively shaping it, demonstrating that authenticity and artistic integrity can thrive across diverse genres. Her continuous reinvention and fearless experimentation are likely to inspire a new generation of artists to defy categorization. The success of Empty Hands and "Dying to Forget" will undoubtedly further cement her legacy as a trailblazing artist, one who consistently pushes the boundaries of what is expected, making her a compelling force to watch in the years to come.
