Sun Dont Shine — formerly known as Eye Am — has released a brand-new single titled “What You Are”. The band is comprised of Kirk Windstein on guitar and vocals (Crowbar, Down, Kingdom of Sorrow), former Type O Negative members Kenny Hickey on guitar and vocals, and Johnny Kelly on drums, along with Todd Strange on bass (Crowbar, Down).
Earlier this year, in June, the band announced plans to release an EP titled Coming Down in July through Corpse Paint Records. However, they have since shifted gears, revealing that they will instead focus on completing a full-length album set to arrive in early 2026.
In a recent interview with Sh!t Talk Reviews, Hickey discussed the band’s recent decisions and activity: “We ended up not going to Europe [like we were originally supposed to this summer] and opted to finish the record, add three more songs so that we can actually release an LP instead of an EP. So we took that month we would’ve been there. I went to New Orleans, we all met at New Orleans, and we all just concentrated on [writing] and recording three more songs.”
Hickey went on to describe the evolution of the band’s sound in their newest material: “They’re great. It’s just another level. I think the band is really beginning to find its sound. It’s a darker, heavier, more versatile sound we got out of these three songs. Really, we just locked ourselves in a studio for almost a month and basically concentrated on music and jamming together and developing them. It’s definitely just a next level up from the previous stuff that we’ve done. These three songs, they’re just really explosive, very powerful.”
When discussing the potential release date for Sun Dont Shine’s debut album, Hickey explained that the band is aiming for early 2026. Leading up to the album launch, they plan to release four additional singles to build anticipation. During their time in New Orleans, the group was highly productive — not only did they focus on recording, but they also filmed three new music videos. One of the videos was shot in the Airbnb where they were staying and features a specific theme, while the other two showcase brand-new songs they had been working on. Hickey emphasized that their time together was incredibly fruitful, allowing them to accomplish a great deal in a short period.
While Sun Dont Shine is a relatively new project, it represents a collaboration of four veteran musicians whose work has shaped the hard rock and metal scenes for decades. At its core, the band’s vision is to embrace rawness and authenticity, steering clear of overly polished production while letting the music’s natural energy speak for itself.
“I don’t want our music to be one-dimensional,” Hickey explained. “I don’t want it to be just dark and doomy or always so heavy. I want it to be both light and dark, dynamic and unpredictable.”
The band’s music thrives on contrasts, with each track taking on its own character and mood. Windstein’s signature heavy riffs blend with Hickey’s more melodic and ethereal guitar work, creating a sound that is both crushing and atmospheric. Kelly provides powerful yet fluid drumming, while Strange’s bass lines bring depth and weight, anchoring the band’s sound.
What makes Sun Dont Shine unique is the chemistry among its members. Their shared history and experiences result in an almost unfiltered energy that comes through in their recordings. Rather than striving for perfection, they aim to capture genuine moments of creativity and emotion. Their music is raw, visceral, and deeply human — a reflection of both the struggles and triumphs they’ve experienced.
Their influences span a wide range, from Black Sabbath to The Beatles, allowing them to weave together heaviness and melody with a storytelling approach. Each song feels like a personal journey, exploring themes of resilience, catharsis, and reflection.
For Windstein, the goal is to keep pushing boundaries: “breaking new ground.” Whether delivering punishing riffs or veering into unexpected melodic territory, Sun Dont Shine focuses less on fitting neatly into a specific genre and more on creating music that is authentic and emotionally resonant.
With a new album on the way and multiple singles planned for release leading up to it, Sun Dont Shine is poised to make a bold statement in 2026 — a testament to the combined power and artistry of its members.
