HEAVYS Weekly Breakdown talking about Arch Enemy reuniting with Angela Gossow, Chuck Billy of Testament wanting Metallica, new album releases, and more.
“The Swedish metal veterans posted an Instagram video on Friday (Feb. 13) of a cloaked figure waving a flaming rod. The video features a single word: “2026.” But the real point of intrigue is the other tagged accounts in the post. The band tagged three of its four current members: guitarists Michael Amott and Joey Concepcion and drummer Daniel Erlandsson. (Bassist Sharlee D’Angelo, who has an Instagram account but does not seem to use it, was not tagged.) But Arch Enemy also tagged Gossow, which seems like a fairly definitive hint as to who their “new” vocalist will be. The profile pictures of four accounts — Arch Enemy, Amott, Erlandsson and Gossow — are all completely black, adding another layer of uniformity.” (Loudwire)
HEAVYS Metal Picks | 2/15/26
Five new songs to raise the volume on a blackheart weekend of love. What are you listening to?
“Ohio metalcore favorites MISS MAY I are thrilled to share the first taste of new music for 2026. Today, they drop the video for new single “Die on the Vine,” which is full of galloping guitars, plate-shifting breakdowns, and memorable melodies. “‘Die on the Vine’ captures a mid-life reckoning — coming to terms with how deeply childhood experiences and unresolved trauma shape who we become,” the band explains. “The song reflects the moment where denial stops working and self-awareness sets in. If those patterns are something you have to live with, the choice becomes whether to decay under their weight or grow stronger through them. ‘Die on the Vine’ leans into that tension, framing survival as adaptation: sharpening your thorns over time instead of letting the damage define you.” (Press Release)
Alt-rock star on the rise, Kami Kehoe, today ushers in a darker, razor-sharp chapter with her new single, “HEARTLESS“, via Atlantic Records. Where past releases traced the full arc of heartbreak and healing, “HEARTLESS” sees Kami flip the script into a love song told from the edge of a potential fallout. Listen to “HEARTLESS” HERE.
Writing from the perspective of someone who has been burned enough times to go numb, Kami zeroes in on the person who finally makes detachment impossible. Leaning into the reality of choosing to fully love one person meaning that she may have nothing left if they go, Kami reframes the word “heartless” as a consequence of her devotion, rather than indifference.
Coming off the back of her latest single, “FADE OUT,”, a cover of “SEX ON FIRE“, and a nationwide tour supporting Daughtry, Seether, and POD (which saw her regularly invited to join them on stage), Kami continues to cement her place as one of the genre’s most magnetic rising voices. Named as one of Pandora’s Artists to Watch in 2026 (The Pandora Ten) and continuing to rack up spins on Sirius XM’s Octane, Kami steps into the new year with a ballad that’s softer in tempo yet even higher in emotional stakes.
As she opens 2026 with the vulnerable, all-in love story of “HEARTLESS“, Kami Kehoe wears her heart on her sleeve:
“HEARTLESS is about having one heart and putting it on the line, but wrestling with the idea of finding your person and knowing that if they leave, they take everything you had with them. Seeing people connect with my music everyday has made me a lot less scared of being this honest, because that kind of truth is exactly what makes music worth making for me.”
With signature gritty guitars, atmospheric production, and Kami‘s evocative vocals, her latest single, “FADE OUT” closed out 2025 as one of her most emotionally charged releases to date. The track capped off her “KANDY” EP era that documented the full arc of heartbreak and healing, garnering millions of streams, 100 million views in short form content, and viral popularity worldwide. Her hit single, “DOPAMINE“, earned over 30 million streams and hit #11 on Sirius XM Octane’s “Big Uns” Countdown, spotlighting her growth in the modern rock landscape.
Carving out her own space in the alt-rock world, Kami Kehoe has impressively amassed over 105 million streams and more than 2 million social media followers by blending a sultry, velvety vocal with a hard-charged rock energy. Since breaking out with the viral hit “SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD”, she has continued to evolve her sound—infusing shoegaze, metal, and hip-hop influences into her music while remaining unapologetically authentic.
Due for Release May 1st via Spinefarm Pre-Order HERE
March UK Tour with Employed To Serve
UK metal band, CAGE FIGHT – Rachel Aspe (vocals), James Monteith (guitar), Nick Plews (drums), and Will Horsman (bass) – will release their second studio album, ‘Exuvia,’on May 1st via Spinefarm.
The announcement is paired with the release of a new single, “Un Bon Souvenir.” The rack is accompanied by a new video, available below.
Vocalist, Rachel Aspe, explains, “Don’t bite the hand that feeds. This song is a reference to a previous experience in a band controlled by a toxic, manipulative person. It’s a reminder that bringing people down won’t elevate you. A challenging experience, but as he once said, it’s still a good memory, ça reste un bon souvenir.”
About the video, Aspe divulges,
“The video depicts the unraveling of the protagonist’s false world, built on manipulation and control. Though he initially appears strong, his convictions are fragile, revealed by his reliance on dark spiritual guidance for reassurance. Once seeming to be the rock of this world, he is exposed as a snake. This is the collapse of a false king.”
Recorded by Sam Bloor at Lower Lane Studios and mixed by Jim Pinder (Sleep Token, Malevolence), ‘Exuvia’ retains the raw, old school hardcore heart of CAGE FIGHT – vibrating with meaty grooves, pummelling rhythms, plus a wave of furious anger that feels like a punch to the gut. At the same time, it also explores more multi-layered terrains, atmospheres, and melodies, making CAGE FIGHT sound bigger, tighter, and more epic than ever before.
Throughout the 11 pieces of music, the bandproves they aren’t afraid to experiment… and have a bit of fun. A case in point is “Pick Your Fighter,” which features Julien Truchan from Benighted on guest vocals, and was inspired by a French pop song – “Et c’est parti…” by Nâdiya – though you’d never guess it from the song’s crushing heaviness.
The rest of the lyrics on ‘Exuvia’ are written by Rachel – the first time she has expressed herself in this way, and the results are deeply personal, taking in anxiety, assault, and having to deal with grief. The expansive final track, “Élégie,” is about losing her grandfather, and the regret that can come from things left unsaid.
On “Pig,” meanwhile, she calls out the creepy men who send women unsolicited messages online, while the title track was inspired by her grandmother, who is currently battling cancer, and helped Rachel write the song’s lyrics.
The album’s cover art, shot by photographer Manuel Acquualeni, depicts a radiation mask, establishing a connection both to Rachel’s experience with her grandmother and to the album’s title – ‘Exuvia’ can be defined as a cast-off skin or outer shell. It also represents healing, something Rachel feels she has achieved by opening up in the lyrics.
‘Exuvia’ Track List: 1. Confined 2. Oxygen 3. Pig 4. Pick Your Fighter 5. Un Bon Souvenir 6. Deathstalker 7. Le Déni 8. Exuvia 9. The Hammer Crush 10. IHYG (I Hate Your Guts) 11. Élégie
Footage of CAGE FIGHT on the main stage at Bloodstock2025 is currently receiving a storm of appreciation across socials; check out Rachel performing “PIG” HERE (2.1 million views on Instagram to date).
Since their inception, the band has become known for its visceral, high-energy live performances. Already, they’ve toured with acts such as Sepultura and Cro-mags, supported the likes of Napalm Death and Employed To Serve, and played numerous festivals, including Summer Breeze and Bloodstock.
Next, they head out on a UK tour with Employed To Serve.
UK dates with Employed to Serve:- 20-Mar – Shipley @ Kirkgate Community Centre 21-Mar – Edinburgh @ Mash House 22-Mar – Newcastle @ ThinkTank 23-Mar – Sheffield @ Yellow Arch 24-Mar – Norwich @ The Waterfront Studio 25-Mar – Milton Keynes @ The Craufurd Arms 26-Mar – Wolverhampton @ KK’s Steel Mill 27-Mar – Southampton @ The Joiners 28-Mar – Cardiff @ Clwd Ifor Bach
Announced festivals:- 02 May – Dark Reign, UK 27 Jun – Basinfire Festival, CZ 26 Jul – Mozhell Open Air, FR 31 Jul – Radar Festival, UK 01 Aug – Xtreme Fest, FR 02 Aug – Sylak Festival, FR 14 Aug – Motocultor Festival, FR 21 Aug – Furiosfest, FR
The Pretty Wild Release Official Music Video For “zero.point.genesis” via Sumerian Records
Rising metaphysical metalcore duo The Pretty Wild have released the official music video for “zero.point.genesis“, the title track from their recently released album of the same name (via Sumerian Records). The band has also kicked off their first-ever, nearly sold-out UK/EU tour with Sleep Theory just this past weekend. Having recently made their ShipRocked debut in January, an upcoming North American tour with Bloodywood, Ladrones and Ankor in April, and hitting the stage at Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival the following month, 2026 finds the band carrying undeniable momentum into their biggest year yet. Watch the official music video for “zero.point.genesis“here.
The Pretty Wild “zero.point.genesis”
Upcoming The Pretty Wild North American Tour Dates: 3/20/2026 – Clearwater, FL @ 98Rockfest 3/21/2026 – Orlando, FL @ WJRR Earthday Birthday
Tour Dates with Bloodywood, Ladrones + Ankor: 4/10/2026 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s 4/11/2026 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater 4/13/2026 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater 4/14/2026 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot 4/16/2026 – Portland, OR @ McMenamins Crystal Ballroom 4/17/2026 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune 4/18/2026 – Garden City, ID @ Revolution Concert House and Event Center 4/20/2026 – San Francisco, CA @ August Hall 4/21/2026 – San Diego, CA @ Observatory SD 4/22/2026 – Los Angeles, CA @ Below at The Belasco 4/24/2026 – Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater 4/28/2026 – Dallas, TX @ The Echo Lounge & Music Hall 4/29/2026 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s Austin 5/1/2026 – Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre 5/2/2026 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues Chicago 5/4/2026 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club 5/5/2026 – Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts 5/6/2026 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza 5/8/2026 – North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues 5/11/2026 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre 5/12/2026 – Chattanooga, TN @ The Signal 5/13/2026 – Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom 5/14/2026 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival 2026 5/15/2026 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall 5/16/2026 – Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall
HEAVYS Weekly Breakdown, looking at Slipknot releasing Look Outside Your Window, Megadeth hitting #1, and more.
“It’s finally happening. Following years of speculation, intrigue and self-critique, Slipknot’s reportedly Radiohead-esque lost album, Look Outside Your Window, is seeing release this Record Store Day. The long-shelved release — an experimental set written and recorded during the sessions for 2008’s All Hope Is Gone —is confirmed to be coming out on 12-inch vinyl for this year’s Record Store Day, which takes place April 18th. The album will not technically be branded as a Slipknot release, with a full listing for this year’s RSD offerings labeling the collection as a self-titled record from Look Outside Your Window. Promo materials confirm that the album features contributions from ‘Knot members Corey Taylor, Jim Root, Sid Wilson and Shawn “Clown” Crahan, and it’s described as “exploring new directions with no outside expectations.” (Revolver)
Spiritbox “Soft Spine” (GRAMMYS Performance)
HEAVYS Metal Picks | 2/6/26
Five new songs to beef up your heavy playlist. What are you listening to?
Sylosis “Lacerations”
Puscifer “A Public Stoning”
The Amity Affliction “House Of Cards”
Haste The Day “Shallows”
Mayhem “Realm Of Endless Misery”
“With four decades of darkness behind them, Norway’s extreme metal groundbreakers MAYHEM are celebrating an illustrious and undeniable career. They’ve stared into the abyss of personal tragedy, endured seismic shifts in the metal scene and are still refining themselves as preeminent promulgators of chaos. That’s MAYHEM’s ongoing legacy as they continue to ensnare the globe with their ”40 Years of Mayhem” ceremonies, including a headline stint on the 2025 Decibel magazine tour in North America. For diehards who were there for 1987’s Deathcrush EP and the landmark 1994 album, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas and new converts alike, there is no question. MAYHEM is living up to their fiery legacy like few can.” (Mayhem Press Release)
CASTLE RAT Announce Special Spring Headline Shows On Tour This Spring With Amon Amarth & Dethklok
Mystical metal warriors CASTLE RAT will embark on a monumental tour with AMON AMARTH and DETHKLOK this spring, and have now announced two special, headlining shows in Grand Rapids, MI at The Pyramid Scheme on April 26th (w/SACRED LEATHER) and in Anaheim, CA at House of Blues on May 24th (w/DEATH CHANT).
CASTLE RAT Tour Dates: Apr 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre Apr 17 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center At Tech Port Apr 18 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall Apr 20 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion Apr 21 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre Apr 22 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory Apr 24 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory Apr 25 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall Apr 26 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Pyramid Scheme (HEADLINE SHOW) Apr 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount Apr 29 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway May 1 – Toronto, ON – The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort May 2 – Montreal, QC – Centre Bell May 5 – Oxon Hill, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor May 7 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville Pre-Party (FESTIVAL) May 9 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy May 10 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle May 12 – Johnstown, PA – 1st Summit Arena May 13 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre Detroit May 16 – Milwaukee, WI – Landmark Credit Union Live May 17 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Art & Music (FESTIVAL) May 19 – Denver, CO – The Junkyard May 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center May 21 – Las Vegas, NV – Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino May 24 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues (HEADLINE SHOW)
July 29 – Bergen, NO – Beyond The Gates 2026 (FESTIVAL) Aug 6 – Jaroměř, CZ – Brutal Assault 2026 (FESTIVAL) Aug 8 – Kortrijk, BE – Alcatraz 2026 (FESTIVAL) Aug 15 – Eindhoven, NL – Dynamo Metal Fest 2026 (FESTIVAL)
About CASTLE RAT:
Castle Rat is a Medieval Fantasy Heavy Metal band hailing from NYC, led by “The Rat Queen,” Riley Pinkerton, on rhythm guitar and lead vocals. On her mission to expand and defend “The Realm” from those who seek to destroy it, The Rat Queen is joined by “The Count” (Franco Vittore), on lead guitar and backing vocals; “The Plague Doctor” (Charley Ruddell), on bass; and “The All-Seeing Druid” (Joshua Strmic) on drums. Together they face the relentless wrath of their archnemesis: Death, Herself — “The Rat Reaperess.”
Along their journey, Castle Rat have played in support of Monolord (SE), Acid King (CA), Green Lung (UK), and appeared at festivals included Desertfest NYC, RPM Fest and Hopsmoker, among others.
Since the band’s pre-plague inception in October 2019, Castle Rat have released their debut album, “Into The Realm,” with King Volume Records in April 2024, which has racked up over one million Spotify streams and held the post as the #1 Best-Selling Hard Rock/All Rock Album on Bandcamp upon its release.
The band has cultivated a fiercely loyal following by curating a riveting, interactive, lore-laden live performance, complete with a choreographed battle scene, recruiting fans who crave swords & sorcery; stoner & doom; battle-babes & beasts; Frazetta & Sabbath.
2025 began with an explosive start. Castle Rat launched a record-breaking Kickstarter to fund their second album, fully funding the campaign in just 37 minutes. The month-long fundraiser went on to be the most successful metal Kickstarter in over a decade, closing out at $139K. Just days after the campaign, the band entered the studio to record their second album with producer Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Wolves in the Throne Room, Björk). Following two sold out tours in late 2024, the band undertook a headlining US tour in March 2025, with a six week stint in Europe featuring numerous festival appearances—including Desertfest, Hellfest, and Copenhell.
Castle Rat’s second full length album, The Bestiary, was released in late 2025, and received mass critical acclaim launching the band into unprecedented realms of heavy music.
MOTIONLESS IN WHITE Announce Summer 2026 Headline Tour
MOTIONLESS IN WHITE just dropped their brand new single and video “AFRAID OF THE DARK,” and it’s a master class in the band’s blend of dark hard rock. The band also announces The Sweat and Blood Tour, with support from Lorna Shore, Fit For A King, and Static Dress.
The North American tour, promoted by Live Nation, is the band’s first American headlining tour in nearly three years and kicks off on July 14 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with stops in Charlotte, Houston, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, and more before wrapping up on August 15 in Sterling Heights, Michigan. It also includes a stop at Red Rocks, the band’s first time headlining the venue.
TICKETS: Tickets will first be available via artist and Citi (details below) pre-sales starting Tuesday, February 3 at 2pm EST. Additional pre-sales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, February 6 at 10am local time.
CITI PRE-SALE: Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning February 3 at 12pm local time until Thursday, February 5 at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete pre-sale details, visit here.
“By the time this tour begins, it will have been just under three years since our last U.S. headliner, and we are absolutely shooting for the moon to celebrate our return,” the band shares. “We could not be more excited to visit our American fans who have been incredibly patient with us, and can’t wait to give them the first performances of new material from our upcoming album. See you this summer!”
MOTIONLESS IN WHITE ON TOUR: 7/14 — Bridgeport, CT — Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater 7/16 — Gilford, NH — BankNH Pavilion 7/18 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live 7/21 — Charlotte, NC — Truliant Amphitheater 7/22 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre 7/24 — Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory 7/25 — Houston, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 7/26 — Austin, TX — Germania Insurance Amphitheater 7/28 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater 7/29 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre 7/31 — Los Angeles, CA — The Kia Forum 8/1 — Wheatland, CA — Toyota Amphitheatre 8/4 — Portland, OR — Theater of the Clouds 8/5 — Auburn, WA — White River Amphitheatre 8/7 — Sandy, UT — Beddy’s Plaza at America First Field 8/9 — Morrison, CO — Red Rocks Amphitheatre 8/11 — Oklahoma City, OK — Zoo Amphitheatre 8/12 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP 8/14 — Indianapolis, IN — Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park 8/15 — Sterling Heights, MI — Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
Motionless In White “Afraid Of The Dark”
ABOUT MOTIONLESS IN WHITE: Motionless In White have always stood out from the crowd. Mirroring alternately brutal and breathtaking sonic artistry against elegant and enigmatic imagery, the Gold-certified, Scranton, PA quintet have organically drawn legions of fans under their spell since 2006. A steady grind has elevated them to arena headliner. After earning three straight Top 5 debuts on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart, 2022’s Scoring The End of the World bowed at #1 on the latter, in addition to securing the band’s highest position on the Billboard 200 at #12. The LP notably spawned their second RIAA Gold-certified hit and first Active Rock #1, “Masterpiece,” which has leapt towards the Platinum threshold. Insidious and innate versatility has enabled them to collaborate on popular tracks with everyone from Jonathan Davis of Korn and DOOM composer Mick Gordon to Illenium and Knocked Loose. Beyond sold-out headline tours and direct support slots for Bring Me The Horizon and Slipknot, the group host, curate, and headline their own Apocalypse Fest in their hometown of Scranton. Two decades into their career, these outliers prove to be as dynamic and dangerous as ever, with a slew of new releases on the horizon for Roadrunner Records. This era begins with the single “Afraid of the Dark,” infusing tightly executed metalcore with gothic overtures, industrial grit, and an arrestingly uplifting message to “follow the light in your heart and be not afraid of the dark.” Welcome to the next renaissance of Motionless In White — now.
HEAVYS Weekly Breakdown looking at a potential Ozzfest comeback, Milwaukee Metal Fest, and more.
“Is the legendary Ozzfest coming back? Sharon Osbourne shared new details about some plans she’s had in mind. Sharon organized the first Ozzfest in 1996 after her attempts at getting Ozzy booked for Lollapalooza were rejected. The following year, it was turned into an annual tour that lasted over 20 years before coming to an end in 2018. “All of the creative direction for visuals at Ozzfest was mine. I can’t sing a note — I’m tone-deaf — but I can be creative and I like to create things,” she said. “I’ve been talking to Live Nation about bringing [Ozzfest] back recently… It was something Ozzy was very passionate about: giving young talent a stage in front of a lot of people. We really started metal festivals in this country. It was [replicated but] never done with the spirit of what ours was, because ours was a place for new talent. It was like summer camp for kids.” (Loudwire)
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HEAVYS Metal Picks | 1/30/26
Five new heavy songs to shake up your metal playlist. What are you listening to?
Motionless In White “Afraid Of The Dark”
Erra “Further Eden”
Nervosa “Slave Machine”
Of Virtue “Death Of The Altar”
Dark Divine “Permanent”
“MOTIONLESS IN WHITE are thrilled to share their brand new single “AFRAID OF THE DARK,” which is accompanied by an official music video. “AFRAID OF THE DARK” connects MIW’s past, present, and future — mixing metallic fury with electronic embellishments. The result is a fist-in-the-air anthem that will be instantly beloved by the Motionless faithful. “20 years ago, I stepped into a tour van with my best friends, having no idea what was next every mile we drove down the road,” says singer Chris Motionless, pulling back the curtain on the song’s origin story, which is rooted in the band’s own history. “Funny enough, we broke down two hours later in the AM hours in a snowstorm. We had to sleep on the floor of a rest stop on the side of the Interstate and wait what felt like forever for a tow truck. We were forced to cancel the first few shows of our first tour ever, and to figure out how to scrape up every cent we could to try and get the van fixed and get back on the road. Nothing was ever going to stop us. There was never a doubt that we would find a way to live out our biggest dream and set a precedent for anything standing in our way.” (Press Release)
STARSET Share “We Are Empire” From Arknights: Endfield Video Game
Enter the world of Arknights: Endfield (HERE), the latest addition to the Arknights franchise, which has been lauded by IGN for its “visually enticing battles and a captivating atmosphere.” Visionary, sci-fi-inspired rock collective STARSET have partnered with Arknights to create the game’s theme song in the form of “WE ARE EMPIRE.”
Out and available everywhere, all platforms around the globe are blessed with a 3D RPG that honors the spirit of tactical fighting and uncovered mysteries.
It’s a perfect intersection of the audio and the visual.
STARSET released their most recent full-length album SILOS last fall via Fearless Records. Get it here.
Lauded by Forbes as having “one of the most firmly established brands of any modern rock band,” Columbus, Ohio’s STARSET are creating a true multimedia empire with music at its core. STARSET are one of the most successful and visually and conceptually ambitious acts in rock music. The band’s impact is best captured in its massive numbers: STARSET have accumulated billions of streams worldwide. Their breakout hit “My Demons” has become a rock staple, earning multi-platinum certifications and dominating alternative and active rock charts. Meanwhile, their cinematic, sci-fi–driven live shows sell out venues across North America, Europe, and beyond — due to the passionate vigor with which their fanbase follows the band.
MILWAUKEE METAL FESTIVAL 2026 Reveals Final Festival Lineup
Now announcing MACHINE HEAD, Two Sets from NAPALM DEATH, GENERATION KILL (Ft. Rob Dukes of Exodus), CREEPING DEATH + HEAVY // HITTER
The festival will return to The Rave/Eagles Ballroom from June 5 – 7, 2026, with the pre-party kicking off on June 4!
Milwaukee Metal Festival is now pleased to reveal the final wave of bands, now completing the already stacked lineup! The festival is now announcing MACHINE HEAD, Two Sets from NAPALM DEATH, GENERATION KILL (Feat. Rob Dukes of Exodus), CREEPING DEATH + HEAVY // HITTER!
Fans can get access to the Thursday pre-party on June 4 for FREE with the purchase of a 3-day festival pass to MILWAUKEE METAL FEST. Come see ACID BATH, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, OBITUARY, AGALLOCH + many more for the BEST WEEKEND EVER!
The festival will once again return to The Rave/Eagles Club from June 5 – 7, 2026, with the pre-party kicking off on June 4! Three-day passes, two-day passes, single-day tickets, and a limited number of reserved seats are on sale now. For the full lineup, ticket options, and festival updates can be found at THIS LOCATION.
The current lineup and day splits can be found below with more bands still TBA!
Milwaukee Metal Fest 2026 will once again showcase a wide range of metal styles, including death metal, doom, hardcore, metalcore, thrash, industrial, and underground extremity, with performances spread across multiple stages throughout the venue. In addition to live music, the festival will feature a dedicated floor for merchandise and collectibles, giving fans access to exclusive band merch, vinyl, rare items, and more throughout the weekend.
The final lineup is now as follows:
Friday, June 5: Acid Bath Obituary Agalloch (Retrospective Set) Iron Reagan Incantation Pallbearer Hirax NunSlaughter Master Polkadot Cadaver Creeping Death Morta Skuld Flesh Parade Dusk Jeffrey Nothing Dawn Of Ouroboros Blood Vulture Cardiac Arrest Thanatotic Desire Eyes of the Living Misery Dirt
Saturday, June 6: Killswitch Engage Suicidal Tendencies Machine Head Power Trip Agalloch (Ashes Against the Grain Set) Napalm Death After the Burial NAILS Armored Saint Sacred Reich Havok Prong Macabre Weekend Nachos Internal Bleeding Generational Kill Belushi Speed Ball Sworn Enemy Castrator Casket Robbery Human Artifacts Heavy//Hitter Brick by Brick Threnody The Suffering Striking 13
Sunday, June 7: Ministry Napalm Death John Bush (Celebrating songs of Anthrax 1993-2003) All Shall Perish (Celebrating 20 years of ‘The Price Of Existence’) Cyco Miko Integrity UADA Deadguy Primitive Man Waking The Cadaver Visceral Disgorge The Crosses (Performing Die Kreuzen) Face Yourself Incite 9 Dead Frog Mallet SUREFIRE Lecherous Nocturne Gored Embrace Dead by Wednesday Texas Toast Chainsaw Massacre Trip to the Morgue Dark Horse Prophet
ABOUT MILWAUKEE METAL FEST
Founded in 1987, Milwaukee Metal Fest is one of the longest-running and most influential metal festivals in the United States, with a rich history of showcasing groundbreaking artists across the heavy music spectrum. After establishing itself as a cornerstone of American metal through the late 1980s and 1990s, the festival was revived in 2023 under the direction of Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta, ushering in a new era while honoring its legacy. Today, Milwaukee Metal Fest continues to unite fans and artists for an uncompromising celebration of metal across the iconic stages of The Rave/Eagles Club.
