Bring Me The Horizon’s Oli Sykes and Spiritbox’s Courtney LaPlante team up for ‘Valorant’ anthem

Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oli Sykes has partnered with Spiritbox vocalist Courtney LaPlante and producer Grabbitz to create a new anthem for the popular video game Valorant. The song, titled 'If The Sun Burns Out Tonight,' is set to debut in alignment with the Valorant Champions Shanghai 2026 Finals, scheduled to take place from September 24 to October 18. This event will bring together the top 16 teams from around the globe, underscoring the track's connection to a significant competitive gaming moment.

The collaboration sees Grabbitz taking on writing and production duties, while Sykes and LaPlante contribute vocals. According to nme.com, the creative process was characterized by a seamless fusion of three distinct musical perspectives, with each artist bringing their unique style to the table. Grabbitz described the result as a song that balances electronic elements with the heavier tones typically associated with Bring Me The Horizon and Spiritbox.

LaPlante's involvement with Riot Games, the developer behind Valorant, is not new; she previously recorded 'Ties That Bind' for 2XKO, a League of Legends spin-off. This ongoing relationship highlights her growing presence within the intersection of rock music and video game soundtracks. The collaboration with Sykes and Grabbitz represents a further step into this space, merging their talents for a track tailored to complement the competitive gaming atmosphere.

The song is positioned as a significant anthem within Valorant’s musical offerings, aiming to capture the intensity and excitement of the upcoming championship. The timing of its release indicates a strategic alignment with the event, suggesting Riot Games’ continued investment in high-profile music partnerships to enhance the gaming experience and engage a broader audience.

While the release date is confirmed to coincide with the Valorant Champions Shanghai 2026 Finals, specific details about the song’s style, thematic content, or accompanying visuals remain undisclosed. The track’s title implies a dramatic or emotional tone, but further information on its lyrical themes or promotional plans has yet to be revealed.

This collaboration highlights a trend where artists known primarily for their work in rock and metal genres are increasingly engaging with the esports and gaming sectors. Such partnerships offer musicians new platforms to reach fans beyond traditional channels while contributing to the growth of video games as cultural and entertainment phenomena.

Oli Sykes’ participation signals Bring Me The Horizon’s continuing evolution in blending genres and mediums. His willingness to take part in a project that sits at the crossroads of music and interactive media aligns with the band’s history of experimenting with different sounds and formats. Courtney LaPlante’s commentary, as reported in previous interviews, emphasizes the impact Bring Me The Horizon has had on her artistic vision, making this collaborative project a natural extension of their mutual respect and artistic synergy.

From an industry perspective, this cross-genre and cross-media collaboration reflects the increasing importance of integrating music into gaming platforms. It opens additional revenue streams for artists and producers through licensing deals and can boost visibility among diverse fanbases. Such partnerships might also influence artists' touring and release strategies, as the gaming world offers alternative promotional avenues and live performance opportunities.

Despite the excitement surrounding the song, it remains to be seen how 'If The Sun Burns Out Tonight' will fit within the broader discographies of the involved artists. Whether it will serve as a standalone one-off project or signal a new direction in their music careers is still unconfirmed. Additionally, the reception from both the gaming community and music audiences will likely influence future collaborations between rock musicians and esports organizations.

Riot Games continues to cultivate a reputation for commissioning original music tied to its competitive titles, leveraging established artists to enrich the emotional and cultural resonance of its events. This track contributes to that ongoing strategy, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between modern music production and the evolving landscape of interactive entertainment.

While fans await the official release and potential live performances, the collaboration stands as an example of how music and gaming industries are converging. This fusion broadens artistic possibilities and exemplifies how modern musicians can engage with expanding global communities through innovative partnerships.

Overall, the forthcoming anthem by Sykes, LaPlante, and Grabbitz not only underscores the dynamic interplay between metalcore, electronic music, and esports but also points to future opportunities where genre boundaries may become increasingly fluid in the pursuit of creative and commercial success.