What happens when two of heavy music’s most uncompromising voices collide? You get “Instrument of War” — a blistering new track from Paleface Swiss and Stick To Your Guns that’s as fierce as it is meaningful. Born out of tour bus conversations and late-night green room hangs, the track takes its name and spirit from a Pablo Picasso quote: “No, painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war.”
For Paleface Swiss frontman Marc “Zelli” Zellweger and Stick To Your Guns’ Jesse Barnett, those words lit a fire. They’re not just making background noise — their art is a weapon, a shield, and a statement. “Instrument of War” feels like exactly that. Crushing guitars, relentless vocals, and an undeniable sense of urgency carry the track forward, but at its core it’s about connection — fighting division and defending unity.
The collaboration feels organic, especially considering the two bands just wrapped a U.S. tour that sold over 35,000 tickets. That shared energy bleeds straight into the song and its video, directed by longtime collaborator Kriss Jakob, produced by Marco Bayati, and given a devastatingly heavy final mix by Florent Salfati of Landmvrks. It’s not just a track; it’s a moment.
And true to its message, “Instrument of War” comes with a mission: 100% of proceeds are going to Doctors Without Borders, with a limited-edition charity T-shirt also available. Both bands have made it clear — this is bigger than music. It’s about using their platform to give back, to stand for something, and to push back against a world that too often feels divided. Buy the limited edition T-shirt here!
For Paleface Swiss, the release only adds fuel to a fire that’s been raging hotter every year. Their latest record Cursed smashed charts worldwide, landed them sold-out tours across three continents, and cemented their reputation as one of the most important heavy bands on the rise. Stick To Your Guns need no introduction either — veterans of socially-conscious hardcore who’ve been leading the charge for nearly two decades. Together, they’re a force that feels unstoppable.
Whether “Instrument of War” makes it into Paleface Swiss’s live set remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: with both bands hitting the road again in 2026, fans are about to witness some of the most vital, high-energy shows modern metal has to offer. Until then, crank this one up, grab the charity tee, and remember — art isn’t decoration. It’s a weapon.
