The Pretty Reckless Return with Haunting New Single “For I Am Death”

After a globe-spanning stadium tour with AC/DC, The Pretty Reckless have returned with a dark and intense new single titled “For I Am Death.” Released alongside a striking visual directed by Lewis Cater, the track signals the start of a bold new chapter for the band — one filled with mystery, intensity, and artistic exploration.

In the music video, frontwoman Taylor Momsen transforms into a chilling, otherworldly figure — the embodiment of death itself — surrounded by ominous, supernatural imagery. According to Momsen, the song’s meaning is intentionally open-ended.

“With ‘For I Am Death,’ I want the music to speak for itself,” she explained. “Listeners can interpret it however they feel. It may resonate with my own meaning, or it might be something entirely personal to them. That’s the beauty of music.”

She added, “Oh, and rock and roll will never die.”

On the Road with Rock Legends

The release of “For I Am Death” follows The Pretty Reckless’s coveted support slot on AC/DC’s “Power Up” stadium tour, which took them across North America and Europe. Performing in front of over three million fans, the band shared the stage at legendary venues including London’s Wembley Stadium, Paris’ Stade de France, Los Angeles’ Rose Bowl, and Chicago’s Soldier Field.

The high-profile tour not only expanded their fan base but also served as a creative catalyst — giving the band new inspiration as they continue crafting their next album.

New Music on the Horizon: Album No. 5 in the Works

The release of “For I Am Death” comes as The Pretty Reckless work on their fifth studio album, the follow-up to 2021’s acclaimed Death By Rock And Roll. While there’s no confirmed release date, the band has booked an eight-month studio block to focus on the album.

In a May 2024 interview on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk, Momsen discussed the creative process. She said:

“It takes us a while to make a record, but things were going great before we paused for the tour.
“We’ll pick it back up in September, and hopefully that same creative flow continues. A lot of it’s written, but there’s definitely more to come as new experiences shape new songs.”

The band appears to be working once again with producer Jonathan Wyman, who co-produced Death By Rock And Roll, as seen in a behind-the-scenes studio photo shared earlier this year.

A Rock Legacy Continues

Since forming in 2009, The Pretty Reckless — made up of Momsen, guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mark Damon, and drummer Jamie Perkins — have consistently pushed creative boundaries while building an impressive chart legacy. Their last full-length album, Death By Rock And Roll, topped several Billboard charts and delivered three consecutive No. 1 rock singles: the title track, “And So It Went” (featuring Tom Morello), and “Only Love Can Save Me Now” (featuring Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron).

That record marked a turning point for the band, as it was the first made without longtime producer Kato Khandwala, who tragically passed away in 2018. The album, described by Momsen as a “battle cry for life and hope”, became a powerful tribute to resilience and a bold affirmation of their identity.

The group also released Other Worlds in 2022 — a compilation of acoustic tracks, reimaginings, and covers — offering fans a more intimate side of their sound.

As The Pretty Reckless gear up for their next era, “For I Am Death” sets a moody, unapologetic tone — and hints at an album that could be their most ambitious yet.