The Axe-Men Of Horror: A Deep Dive Into Ice Nine Kills' Guitarists, Lineup Updates, And Gear In 2025
Ice Nine Kills (INK) has solidified its position as one of modern metal's most theatrical and technically demanding bands, a feat made possible by a constantly evolving—and recently, highly dynamic—guitar lineup. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the band's official guitarists, Dan Sugarman and Ricky Armellino, remain the creative core behind the *The Silver Scream* and *Welcome to Horrorwood* albums, but the live stage has seen a significant, temporary shift due to health and personal reasons.
The most crucial and recent update for fans is the status of lead guitarist Dan Sugarman, who, while thankfully declared cancer-free after a thyroid diagnosis, has been sitting out of touring to focus on his long-term health. This has paved the way for the shredding phenom Miles Dimitri Baker to take on the lead "Shreducator" role for all 2025 live dates, making him the most visible guitarist on the road right now. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute look at the axe-wielders who define the horror-metal sound of Ice Nine Kills.
The Current and Former Guitarists of Ice Nine Kills: A Complete Lineup History
Ice Nine Kills, led by frontman Spencer Charnas, has been active since the early 2000s, leading to a long list of talented musicians passing through their ranks. The current era of the band, defined by their horror-movie-themed albums, is anchored by two official guitarists, though their touring duties have been temporarily handled by a formidable stand-in.
Here is a detailed profile of the most significant guitarists in the band’s history, focusing on the current official members and the crucial touring member for 2025.
- Dan Sugarman (The Shreducator)
- Full Name: Dan Sugarman
- Born: February 19, 1991 (Age 34 as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, USA
- Role: Lead Guitarist, Composer, Producer, and Teacher (The Shreducator)
- Tenure: Joined in 2018.
- Notable Update: Diagnosed with thyroid cancer, but was recently declared cancer-free. He is currently non-touring to prioritize his recovery and long-term health.
- Ricky Armellino
- Full Name: Richard "Ricky" Armellino
- Role: Rhythm Guitarist, Backing Vocals, Songwriter, and Producer
- Tenure: Joined in 2019.
- Background: Also the vocalist for the band HAWK and a highly respected music producer from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
- Current Status: Remains an official member and studio guitarist, though he has also sat out recent tour legs for personal reasons.
- Miles Dimitri Baker (Current Touring Guitarist)
- Full Name: Miles Dimitri Baker
- Born: August 26, 1994 (Age 31 as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Villa Park, California, USA
- Role: Live Lead Guitarist (Filling in for Dan Sugarman)
- Tenure: Began filling in for Ice Nine Kills in 2023 and continues to be the primary live guitarist for the 2025 tour cycle.
- Background: Known for his technical work in deathcore and progressive metal bands such as Interloper and Rings of Saturn.
- Other Former Guitarists (Selected)
- Jeremy Schwartz (2002–2009)
- Terrence Donnelly (Rhythm Guitar, 2009–2010)
- Chris Laplante (Lead Guitar, 2021)
- Chris Kelly (Lead Guitar, 2018–2020)
- Justin Deblieck (2009–2017, a major contributor to the band’s early metalcore sound).
The Shreducator's Legacy and Miles Dimitri Baker's Technical Takeover
The musical identity of Ice Nine Kills underwent a significant evolution with the arrival of Dan Sugarman. His playing style, which blends technical proficiency with melodic sensibility, earned him the moniker "The Shreducator." Sugarman's contributions to the band's sound are characterized by face-melting, neoclassical-influenced guitar solos and intricate lead lines that serve as the dramatic score to the band's horror narratives. He is credited with some of the most memorable solos on both *The Silver Scream* (2018) and *The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood* (2021).
In a major update that shook the INK community, Dan Sugarman announced in 2023 that he would be stepping away from touring to address a serious medical diagnosis. While the incredible news of him being cancer-free has been a massive relief, his focus remains on recovery, leaving a massive void on the stage.
Stepping into this high-pressure role is Miles Dimitri Baker, a guitarist known for his extreme technicality and background in progressive deathcore. Baker's presence on the 2025 tour has ensured that the complex, high-speed solos and precision riffing of the *Silver Scream* albums are executed flawlessly. His ability to seamlessly integrate his own style while honoring Sugarman's original parts has made him a fan favorite and a testament to the depth of talent in the modern metal scene. Baker has also been joined by other fill-in guitarists like Doc Coyle of God Forbid/Bad Wolves on certain legs, highlighting the band's commitment to maintaining a two-guitar attack live.
The Riff Architects: Gear, Style, and Contribution to the 'Horror-Metal' Sound
The unique "horror-metal" sound of Ice Nine Kills is built on a foundation of crushing metalcore riffing layered with cinematic, often orchestral, lead guitar work. This sound is a direct result of the complementary styles and specific gear choices of the official guitarists.
Dan Sugarman's Lead Tone and Signature Weapon
As the lead guitarist, Dan Sugarman favors a high-gain, articulate tone that allows his fast runs and soaring melodies to cut through the mix. His most recognizable instrument is his Kiesel Guitars signature "Murder Axe," a custom-designed instrument reflecting the band's horror aesthetic. He has used various Kiesel models, including headless guitars and hollowbodies, often seen in the band's elaborate music videos like "Hip To Be Scared." The Kiesel Murder Axe is typically equipped with a high-output pickup configuration, essential for the aggressive, down-tuned riffing and fluid legato playing that defines his style.
Ricky Armellino's Rhythmic Foundation and Modern Rig
Ricky Armellino provides the crucial rhythmic backbone and lower-end power for Ice Nine Kills. His playing is characterized by tight, syncopated riffing and heavy chugs that drive the metalcore energy of tracks like "Assault & Batteries" and "The Shower Scene." Armellino has been seen utilizing an Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci JP7, a seven-string guitar that provides the extended range necessary for INK’s low tunings. For his sound processing, Armellino relies on modern digital modeling, including the Fractal Axe-Fx II and NeuralDSP plugins (such as Granophyre), which offer the clarity and versatility needed for their complex studio and live sound.
Miles Dimitri Baker's Touring Setup
Miles Dimitri Baker’s technical background necessitates a powerful and precise setup. He is known to use Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Pickups, which are highly popular in the progressive metal community for their clear, consistent tone across extreme gain levels. Baker's choice of pickups ensures that even the most complex, rapid-fire passages of the *Silver Scream* songs are delivered with maximum definition and impact on stage.
The Future of Ice Nine Kills' Guitar Lineup
While the lineup has been fluid, the musical vision of Ice Nine Kills remains strong, driven by Spencer Charnas and the studio contributions of Dan Sugarman and Ricky Armellino. Dan Sugarman’s positive health update is a huge win for the band and the fans, raising the question of when "The Shreducator" will return to the stage full-time. For now, the 2025 tour cycle is in the capable hands of Miles Dimitri Baker, who continues the tradition of technical excellence and theatrical performance. The ongoing saga of the guitarists is a compelling subplot in the band’s horror narrative, ensuring that the legacy of cinematic metal remains intact, both in the studio and on the road.
The band's commitment to delivering a high-caliber performance, even with lineup adjustments, is a testament to their professionalism and the depth of talent within the metal community, making Ice Nine Kills a must-see act for any fan of the genre.
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