Hooked Like Helen Delves Into Aileen Wuornos With New Single

Hooked Like Helen’s latest single, “Promise Me You’ll Run,” delves into the unsettling and emotionally charged world of Aileen Wuornos, offering listeners an intense sonic portrayal of one of America’s most infamous female serial killers. Frontwoman Nikki Stipp channels Wuornos’ raw, volatile energy with a haunting authenticity that leaves an indelible mark.

Musically, the track is an electrifying blend of early 2000s emo, old-school Metal, and Glam Rock, all meticulously woven into a modern production. Nikki’s vocals rise with fierce intensity, embodying Wuornos’ inner turmoil during her final moments of freedom, capturing the conflict between her rage, pain, and complex sense of loyalty. The result is a visceral soundscape that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

Co-produced by Stipp and K Thrash (known for his work with Blink-182 and Jelly Roll), “Promise Me You’ll Run” is a powerful, high-octane track with the polish of an arena anthem, thanks to the mixing and mastering of Chris Collier (Korn). This collaborative effort builds on the success of Hooked Like Helen’s previous single, “It Doesn’t Look So Good For You Now,” which earned significant traction with over 85k YouTube views and a spot on Apple Music’s New In Rock playlist.

Lyrically, the single explores the final moments before Aileen is captured, as she pleads with her lover, Tyria, to escape. It’s an exploration of the duality within Wuornos—both a ruthless killer and a woman capable of intense love. Nikki Stipp’s deeply personal connection to the story adds another layer of emotional weight, drawing parallels between her own survival of childhood abuse and the rage and trauma that shaped Aileen’s life. “There’s massive power in rage,” Stipp says, “but we just need to control it—like those fires they burn in the forest on purpose.”

The forthcoming video, shot guerrilla-style in Hooked Like Helen’s Ohio hometown, promises to amplify the raw, unfiltered energy of the song, further immersing fans in this powerful narrative.

As Hooked Like Helen prepares to release their ‘Promise Me You’ll Run’ EP, they are solidifying their place as one of Rock’s most emotionally compelling acts. Their ability to tackle heavy themes like trauma and resilience through music is making a deep impact, with tracks like “Sleepwalker” resonating on commercial Rock stations across the country.

“Promise Me You’ll Run” is more than just a single—it’s an anthem of survival and self-reflection, a testament to the power of music to confront and transform pain into something undeniably cathartic.

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References

Present PR. (2024). Hooked Like Helen Takes a Thrilling Dive into Aileen Wuornos with New Single ‘Promise Me You’ll Run’. Retrieved from [Email communication].