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Fortress Presents: Tynebound – Moonlight Sorcery Announced as First Headliner of New Newcastle Event

Posted in Black Metal, black metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 14, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

New two-day black metal fest brought to you by Fortress Festival and Reaper Agency UK

First bands confirmed include Moonlight Sorcery, Inferno, Aristarchos and Cnoc An Tursa

Event in collaboration with Anarchy Brew Co. who will also launch a new “Fortress IPA” brew

Newcastle, UK – The team behind Fortress Festival and Reaper Agency UK has announced a brand-new event, Tynebound, set to take place in the North East of England. Following the success of the sold-out Fortress Festival editions in Scarborough, this new gathering brings a focused curation of raw and atmospheric black metal to Newcastle.

The event will be held across two days on 5-6 September at Anarchy Brew Co. To mark the first edition, Anarchy Brew Co. will release a curated range of limited brews, including a specially commissioned Fortress IPA.

The first four bands have been confirmed for the inaugural edition of Tynebound. Across two unforgiving days in early September, bands will summon everything from primitive raw black metal to bleak, expansive atmospheres, performed in close quarters and at full volume. This is music rooted in isolation, anger, and landscape – the kind that belongs in the North.

Finnish melodic black metal act Moonlight Sorcery will return to the UK for an exclusive performance as the Sunday headliner. This follows their appearance at Fortress Festival last year and marks a rare opportunity to see the band live.

Joining them are Czech black metal veterans Inferno, known for their shift from primitive roots to avant-garde, mind-altering compositions. The line-up also features the elusive Aristarchos, surfacing for a rare live appearance, and Scottish black metal group Cnoc An Tursa, who will perform material from their long-awaited new album, A Cry For The Slain, which blends black metal with evocative Gaelic melodies as tales of banshees, giants, dragons and ancient legends are brought roaring to life.

With a focus on providing an intense, close-quarters experience, capacity for Tynebound is strictly limited to 500 guests. Tickets are available now via the Reaper Agency UK BigCartel store.

Secure your entry: https://reaperagencyuk.bigcartel.com/product/fortress-presents-tynebound-weekend-ticket

TyneBound online: 
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1222788999277609/

Reaper Agency UK online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReaperAgencyUK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reaperagencyuk/

Source: 3nation

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DIRKSCHNEIDER to Perform All ACCEPT Set at HELLS BELLS FESTIVAL 2026

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 12, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

BELZEBONG, DOLA and SEKS W CZASACH WOJNY join the ranks for Szczecin’s debut edition

Early Bird tickets sold out – General weekend tickets available!

Szczecin, Poland; 12 February 2026: Hells Bells Festival has unveiled its third wave of band additions to its 2026 inaugural edition. Leading the charge is one of the most iconic voices in heavy metal history, Dirkschneider, who will bring a career-defining set of Accept classics to the Szczecin riverfront on 26-27 June 2026.

Dirkschneider will arrive in Szczecin with a very specific mission: a set comprised entirely of Accept’s greatest hits. While the performance will lean heavily on the legendary “Balls to the Wall” album, fans can expect other Accept anthems too. 

In a move that deviates from typical festival hierarchies, the organisers have opted for a “Main Acts” philosophy. Rather than a single headliner, the debut edition will be driven by multiple headline shows. Dirkschneider joins the likes of Grave Digger, Cockney Rejects, Discharge, Furia, Vader and Dezerter. 

Adding a heavy dose of fuzz to the lineup are Belzebong, who are widely regarded as one of Poland’s premier musical exports in the stoner/doom genre. Their hazy, riff-driven walls of sound have earned them a cult following across the international festival circuit, making them a perfect fit for the industrial atmosphere of Łasztownia. 

The experimental side of the underground is represented by Dola. Over the last decade, the band has emerged as one of the most fascinating entities in Polish music, defying easy categorization. Their sound is a bleak and beautiful fusion of avant-garde black metal, ritual ambient, and sludge, occasionally punctuated by jazz and electronic elements. It is music that demands total focus and offers a unique, immersive experience.

Finally, the festival welcomes the raw energy of Seks W Czasach Wojny (transl.: Sex in Times of War). One of the most talked-about young punk crews in Poland, they have built a massive following through a strict DIY ethic and incendiary live shows that often outshine the veteran acts on the bill. Their inclusion brings a vital, fresh spirit to the 2026 lineup, proving that the future of the Polish punk scene is in safe hands.

Hells Bells Festival will take place in the heart of Szczecin, Poland, on 26-27 June 2026. The venue is the scenic Plac Gryfitów on Łasztownia, a historic island district in Szczecin known for its iconic “Craneosaurs” (historic port cranes) and stunning views of the Oder River. The festival will deliver a mix of international legends, top domestic acts and younger new bands.

Early bird weekend tickets have sold out but general weekend tickets are still available via the official festival website. In addition to standard passes, the festival offers reduced rates for minors (ages 13-18) and special family tickets (for children under 13 with a guardian). 

Secure your entry now: https://hellsbells.pl/

Hells Bells online 
FB: https://www.facebook.com/hellsbellsfestival

FB Event: https://fb.me/e/7cujCjrCo

IG: https://www.instagram.com/hellsbellsfestival

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hellsbellsfestival

Official teaser: https://youtu.be/TybhrrUbNF4?si=s5V9NNRZ4t1JV499

Source: 3nation

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METAL CHURCH – Dead To Rights Tour 2026 | Dates, Countries, Cities, Venues & Festivals Listed

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 12, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Dead To Rights Tour 2026:

Sun, May 17 – San Luis Potosí, Mexico @ San Luis Metal Fest 

Thu, July 30 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Pumpehuset (w/ Armored Saint)

Fri, July 31 – Ostergotland – Sweden @ Skogsröjet Festival 

Sat, Aug 1 – Gothenburg, Sweden @ Pustervik (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)

Sun, Aug 2 – Lund, Sweden @ Mejeriet (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)

Tue, Aug 4 – Kiel, Germany @ Die Pumpe (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)

Wed, Aug 5 – Josefov, Czech @ Brutal Assault Festival

Fri, Aug 7 –  Cologne, Germany @ EssigFabrik (w/ Testament & Death Angel)

Sat, Aug 8 – Kortrijik, Belgium @ Alcatraz Festival

Sun, Aug 9 – Geiselwind, Germany @ Keep It True Festival

Tue, Aug 11 – Karlsruhe, Germany @ Substage (w/ Testament & Death Angel)

Wed, Aug 12 – Obertraubling, Germany @ Eventhall Airport (w/ Testament & Death Angel)

Thu, Aug 13 –  Krakow, Poland @ Klub Studio (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)

Fri, Aug 14 – Leipzig, Germany @ Parkbuhne (w/ Black Label Society)

Fri, Sept 18 – Westland, MI @ The Token Lounge 

Sat, Sept 19 – Madison, WI @ Blades of Steel Metal Festival

More Metal Church: https://www.metalchurchofficial.com/

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RIOT V – Hail To The Warriors Tour 2026 | Dates, Cities & Venues Listed

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 6, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

  • May 8, 2026: DE, Braunschweig, Germany – Rock in Rautheim
  • May 9, 2026: DE, Gladbeck, Germany – Metal Bash Festival
  • May 10, 2026: DE, Hamburg, Germany – Bambi Galore
  • May 12, 2026: DE, Mannheim, Germany – 7er Club
  • May 13, 2026: DE, Uelsen, Aula Schulzentrum
  • May 15, 2026: DE, Oberndorf, Germany – Metalheadz Open Air
  • May 16, 2026: CH, Aarburg, Musigburg
  • More dates TBA
  • Nov 14, 2026: Marseille, France – Jas Rod (South Troopers Festival V) 

Website: https://www.areyoureadytoriot.com/

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HYPERSPACE METALFEST (Vancouver, BC) Announces Full 2026 Lineup – w/ SANCTUARY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, OWLBEAR, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE and More!

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 5, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Vancouver – April 16-17 (The Cobalt), April 18 (Rickshaw Theatre)

Vancouver, B.C.’s leading melodic and power metal festival, HYPERSPACE METAL FEST, is gearing up for its 7th edition after another year packed with unforgettable, high‑energy performances. 

Taking place at The Cobalt on April 16 and 17, and at the Rickshaw Theatre on April 18, the festival has unveiled its full lineup of 2026 performers, which includes: SANCTUARY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, OWLBEAR, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, and more.

“The full lineup for Hyperspace Metal Festival VII is here! Sanctuary will be performing a Canadian exclusive performance of Into The Mirror Black in its entirety! Atavistia will be headlining night 1, which will have a heavy emphasis on melodic death metal. Night two headliner Edge of Paradise will cap off a night of epic symphonic and melodic power metal! After this year, the festival will be going on indefinite hiatus, so if you’ve been wanting to make it to Hyperspace, this could be your last chance. Let’s rage together at the Rickshaw and the Cobalt one last time!” adds festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions.

Hyperspace Metal Festival VII – April 16th – 18th.
One-day passes and three-day passes are available at: http://hyperspace-vii.eventbrite.ca/

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/858534116963447

HMF 2026 Lineup Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/29rcYoWLyYXPFyN7OKdPDB?si=7Kke2MVVSyS6v_Lxe5-KSg

HYPERSPACE METAL FESTIVAL VII:

Day One – April 16
Atavistia
Inpathos
Hyperstrike
Ravensun
Kayas

Day Two – April 17
Edge of Paradise
The Scepter
Lycanthro
Ophelia Falling
Valley of Despair

Day Three – April 18
Sanctuary – (Performing Into The Mirror Black in its entirety)
Owlbear – Canadian Debut
Artificial Language – (Canadian Debut)
Voidchaser
Witchkiller

This year’s HMF headliner, Sanctuary, will make their exclusive Canadian appearance unforgettable by performing their acclaimed 1990 album Into the Mirror Black in full.

Formed in Seattle in 1985, Sanctuary quickly became a major force in the city’s metal scene, driven by the soaring vocals of the late Warrel Dane. Their debut, Refuge Denied (1988), produced by Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), put them on the global metal map, followed by the darker and more refined Into the Mirror Black in 1990. The rise of grunge paused the band’s momentum, leading members to form Nevermore, but Sanctuary reunited in 2011 and returned to major festival stages worldwide.

They released The Year the Sun Died in 2014 and the archival collection Inception in 2017. After Dane’s passing later that year, the band continued with Joseph Michael on vocals, earning strong support from fans. Today’s lineup features Michael, original members Lenny Rutledge and Dave Budbill, plus bassist George Hernandez, with a second guitarist joining them live.

Sanctuary will perform special sets of Refuge Denied and Into the Mirror Black at select 2026 festivals and is currently working on a new album, Transmutation. The band is ready to bring fresh music and a powerful new show back to Europe and beyond. See you on the road!

https://www.sanctuaryofficial.com/

Video – “Future Tense”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5NCBaPE3k0

Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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HELLS BELLS FESTIVAL – First Line-Up Reveal Featuring: Vader, Discharge, Furia & Dezerter

Posted in Death Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 27, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Debut edition set for 26-27 June 2026 in the historic port city of Szczecin, Poland

Early Bird weekend tickets on sale now

More bands to be announced

Tickets: https://hellsbells.pl/

Szczecin, Poland; 26 January 2026: Hells Bells Festival has unveiled the first wave of bands for its debut edition in the heart of Szczecin in Poland. Taking place across 26-27 June 2026 at the scenic Plac Gryfitów on Łasztownia – a historic island district in Szczecin known for its iconic “Craneosaurs” (historic port cranes) and stunning views of the Oder River – the festival will deliver a mix of international legends, top domestic acts and younger new bands.

The first wave of confirmed bands is led by the absolute titans of Polish death metal, Vader. Known globally as pioneers of the genre, Piotr “Peter” Wiwczarek and his cohort return to Szczecin for a highly anticipated performance, ending a long absence from the city’s stages to deliver a set of pure carnage. 

Joining them are British hardcore punk icons, Discharge. As the architects of the D-beat style and the legendary 1982 classic “Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing”, their appearance completes the “Big Three” of British punk in Szczecin, following recent visits from The Exploited and GBH.

The announcement is bolstered by two further legendary Polish names. Dezerter, the pioneers of Polish punk rock, will celebrate their 45th anniversary at the festival. Following the release of a new studio album in February 2026, fans can expect a career-spanning set ranging from foundational hits to fresh anthems. 

Finally, Furia will bring their hypnotic and boundary-pushing black metal to the Łasztownia waterfront. This appearance is currently the band’s only confirmed festival set for the 2026 summer season. It follows the band’s recent, highly acclaimed “Furia gra kino” (Furia plays cinema) performances, which saw the band perform live to archival film material.

Early Bird weekend tickets are available now via the official festival website until the 9th of February or until they sell out. In addition to standard passes, the festival offers reduced rates for minors (ages 13-18) and special family tickets (for children under 13 with a guardian). 

Secure your entry now: https://hellsbells.pl/

Hells Bells online 
FB: https://www.facebook.com/hellsbellsfestival

FB Event: https://fb.me/e/7cujCjrCo

IG: https://www.instagram.com/hellsbellsfestival

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hellsbellsfestival

Official teaser: https://youtu.be/TybhrrUbNF4?si=s5V9NNRZ4t1JV499

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MOSH THE ROCK ISLAND METALFEST (Sooke, BC) Announces 2026 Lineup w/ ANCIIENTS, ARROW IN THE QUIVER, THE RISING FALL, SQUIDHAMMER and More!

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on January 21, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Mosh The Rock Island Metal Fest 2026 – Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5l4cOfqstUMbeJsivsJMeQ

Vancouver Island is set to shake when Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest 2026 takes over Fred Milne Park in Sooke, BC on Sunday, August 9, 2026. This all-ages, family-friendly outdoor metal festival brings together a stacked lineup of international, national, and regional talent for a full day of crushing riffs, pit energy, and community spirit on the West Coast.

Headlining the festival are Vancouver’s Multiple Juno Award–winning metal heavyweights Anciients. Joining them as co-headliners are Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver), The Rising Fall (Chicago, IL), and Squidhammer (Watertown, PA), delivering a powerful blend of progressive, extreme, and modern metal.

The day will also showcase a strong lineup of West Coast metal acts, including:
Wolf Venom (Sooke, BC)
The Grundles (Duncan, BC)
Dead Rights (Victoria, BC)
Overditch (Victoria, BC)
Neveranother (Vancouver, BC)
Conjure Hand (Victoria, BC)
As Ash Fell (Nanaimo, BC)
Mutual Trauma (Victoria, BC)

With a world-class headliner, international acts, and a powerful lineup of Vancouver Island talent, Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated metal events of the summer.

In addition to the music, festival-goers can enjoy food trucks, local vendors, and a licensed beer garden, making it a full festival experience in a scenic coastal setting. This is an all-ages, family-friendly event.

Online presale tickets available at: https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2146

Event Details:
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location: Fred Milne Park, Sooke, BC
Gates Open: 11:00 AM
First Band: 12:00 PM
Ticket Information:
Advance Tickets: $50
Gate Tickets: $65
Youth (12–17): $25
Children (11 & under): FREE with adult ticket

Hard Copy Advance Tickets Available At:
Phoenix Bar and Grill
Cavity Curiosity Shop
Long & McQuade
Sooke Forbes IDA
Sooke Pharmasave

More info: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563939716534

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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OFFAL FEST Launched “Battle Of The Slams”

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Extreme Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on January 5, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Rising extreme metal acts to compete for a slot at Offal Fest 2026, with the winner decided by fan voting

Heat 1 takes place on 8th February, Heat 2 on 22 February with the final date to be announced with a surprise headliner

Rancid Offal Promotions, the organisers behind events such as Offal Fest and Goremageddon, have launched a brand-new showcase series designed to spotlight the next generation of extreme metal talent and provide one emerging act with the opportunity to open Offal Fest 2026.

This competition invites fans to play a direct role in the festival’s curation, as attendees at each heat will be responsible for voting for their favourite bands to determine who progresses to the final stage. The showcase series is built on a commitment to supporting the local scene and rising international talent, ensuring the festival’s opening slot is earned through pure live intensity and crowd support.

The competition begins with Heat 1 on 8th February 2026, which features a heavy-hitting billing including Vast Slug,World War Three, Erectomy andMindhold.

This will be followed quickly by Heat 2 on 22nd February 2026, where Combat Evolved, Dushman, 12 Gauge Autopsy and War Bastard will take to the stage to compete for their place in the final. 

Organizers have emphasised that every single vote matters and have encouraged the community to turn out in force to support these rising acts. While the dates for the preliminary rounds are now set, the date for the final will be announced in due course and is set to feature a surprise guest headliner to close out the competition.

“We are so stoked to give these bands a real shot at opening the big stage next year,” says the team at Rancid Offal Promotions. “The scene is absolutely crawling with talent right now, and letting the fans decide who gets onto the Offal Fest bill feels like the best way to keep things authentic. Make sure you get down to the heats and vote, because your voice is literally what puts these guys on the poster for July.“

Tickets for the showcase heats are available now and can be purchased through the official competition website at https://battleoftheslams.com/. Further details regarding the surprise headliner and the final date will be released via social media channels in the coming months.

Dedicated to the most extreme facets of gore, grind, slam, and brutal death metal, Offal Fest has solidified its status as a vital fixture in the international metal calendar following its sold-out 2025 edition. The 2026 festival, scheduled for 24-26 July at its new Manchester home, The Bread Shed, will be headlined by two major UK-exclusive performances from genre pioneers Devourment and Ohio powerhouse Regurgitation, the latter making their debut appearance on UK soil.

The comprehensive lineup features a global roster including New York legends Immortal Suffering, Japan’s Butcher ABC, and Korea’s Fecundation, alongside a formidable domestic contingent headlined by the “wobble-box” specialists Crepitation and the official reunion of Infected Disarray.

Bolstered by further international talent such as GutturalSlug, Unbirth and Darkall Slaves, Offal Fest 2026 aims to build upon the momentum of previous years, which saw exclusive sets from acts such as Skinless and Wormed, to provide a definitive weekend of brutality for the global extreme music community.

OFFAL FEST FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1023493716320558/

OFFAL FEST FB: https://www.facebook.com/OffalFest

OFFAL FEST IG: https://www.instagram.com/offal_fest/

Rancid Offal Promotions FB: https://www.facebook.com/RxOxPromotions

Rancid Offal Promotions IG: https://www.instagram.com/rxoxbookings

Rancid Offal Promotions TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rancidoffal 

Source: 3nation

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METALITALIA FESTIVAL 2026 Announces PARADISE LOST, CORONER, AMENRA, CYNIC and More

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags on December 17, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

Metalitalia.com, in collaboration with MC² Live and Live Club, is pleased to announce the first confirmations for the thirteenth edition of the Metalitalia Festival, set to take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026 at the Live Club in Trezzo sull’Adda (Milan). As always, the event will be preceded by an exclusive Warm Up Party on Friday 25th September at the legendary Bloom in Mezzago, with full details to be revealed in the coming months.

True to tradition, the festival will once again offer a full-scale experience, featuring a rich musical programme packed with international acts and exclusive performances. Fans can also look forward to the ever-popular free meet & greets with all artists, a wide metal market, and the return of Metalitalia Ink, the area entirely dedicated to tattoo and body-art culture.

Below are the first bands confirmed for this edition:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Headlining the Saturday bill will be PARADISE LOST. It is a true honour for us to welcome a band that has shaped our tastes as listeners and written a defining chapter in European metal history. The pioneers of gothic metal for this occasion will present a special “by request” show, with a setlist chosen by the fans. Additional information about the voting system will be announced later.

Also performing on Saturday are AMENRA, one of the leading forces in the post-metal landscape. The Belgian collective typically cathartic and visceral performance is set to take on an even more monumental form within the Live Club.

Completing this first announcement are the Ukrainians 1914, one of the most compelling contemporary acts in the European extreme metal scene. Known for their dynamic fusion of black, death, and doom metal with their concept entirely rooted in World War I, they promise a deeply immersive live experience.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Sunday’s headliners will be CORONER, the legendary Swiss techno-thrash formation now stronger than ever thanks to the widespread acclaim of their impressive comeback album Dissonance Theory. It will be an honour to welcome them back to the Live Club for what promises to be a masterful performance.

As co-headliners, we are equally proud to confirm Florida’s CYNIC, pioneers of all things technical and avant-garde within the death–thrash spectrum. Paul Masvidal’s band will perform a special show focused on their first two full-length albums: the seminal Focus and the equally celebrated Traced in Air – an elegant journey into their early legacy.

Also joining Sunday’s programme are SADIST. With two headliners of such calibre, it felt natural to extend the invitation to a group that has helped shape the history of Italian death metal and is widely regarded as a cult name internationally. For the occasion, Tommy, Trevor and company will perform a set dedicated to their masterpiece Tribe, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.

Many more bands, exclusive shows and full details about all the additional festival features will be announced in the coming weeks!

At a time when everything seems to be getting more expensive and the cost of living keeps rising, we are proud to highlight that – despite the current situation – ticket prices for the festival have remained unchanged from last year. It’s a concrete commitment to keeping the Metalitalia Festival accessible to all fans, without compromising on the quality and ambition that have always defined the event.

DAY 1 – Saturday 26 September 2026
PARADISE LOST – Special show “by request”
AMENRA
Tba
Tba
1914
Tba
Tba
Tba

DAY 2 – Sunday 27 September 2026
CORONER
CYNIC – “Focus” & “Traced in Air” Special show
Tba
SADIST – “Tribe” Special show
Tba
Tba
Tba
Tba

Tickets:

Single-Day Ticket: Pre-sale €49 + fees | At the door €60

2-Day Pass + Warm-Up Party: Pre-sale €79 + fees | At the door €90

Tickets available from now via Vivaticket, Ticketone, Ticketmaster, and TicketSMS.
Presale: https://www.metalitalia-festival.com/en/biglietti/

Info:

METALITALIA FESTIVAL
www.metalitalia-festival.com

www.facebook.com/Metalitalia.comFestival

Supported by:

EMP Mailorder:

www.emp-online.it

Time To Kill Records:

www.timetokillrecords.com

Artwork by Clod The Ripper

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MILWAUKEE METAL FEST 2026 – Adds Over 20 Bands to Bill | Reveals Headliner Day Splits | More Info

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news, noise rock with tags , , , , , , , , on December 16, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

From Stillborn Records newsletter:

Milwaukee Metal Festival 2026 is pleased to now reveal the headliner day splits! ACID BATH will conquer Friday, followed by KILLSWITCH ENGAGE on Saturday with newly added headliner MINISTRY to close out the weekend! In addition, the festival has announced over 20 new additions, which can be found below!

All single day, 2-day and 3-day ticketing options can be found HERE.

The festival will now take place June 5 – 7, 2026, with the pre-party kicking off on June 4! The festival will take place once again at The Rave/Eagles Ballroom.

Co-organizer Jamey Jasta comments: “2026 is shaping up to be our best year yet and we’re just getting started! More bands, more stages, more vendors, more food, more signings, it’s gonna be the best weekend EVER! See you in the good the land!”

The current lineup is now as follows with more TBA:

ACID BATH
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
MINISTRY
OBITUARY
POWERTRIP
AGALLOCH
AFTER THE BURIAL
ALL SHALL PERISH
NAILS
IRON REAGAN
HAVOK
NUNSLAUGHTER
HIRAX
INTEGRITY
PRONG
INTERNAL BLEEDING
UADA
DEADGUY
MASTER
WEEKEND NACHOS
MORTA SKULD
POLKADOT CADAVER
SWORN ENEMY
BELUSHI SPEEDBALL
INCITE
CASKET ROBBERY
DUSK
JEFFREY NOTHING
BRICK BY BRICK
DEAD BY WEDNESDAY
HUMAN ARTIFACTS
THANATOTIC DESIRE
EYES OF THE LIVING
MISERY
STRIKING 13
TRIP TO THE MORGUE
DARK HORSE PROPHET
& OVER 40 MORE ARTISTS / BANDS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

Follow Milwaukee Metal Fest:

Website: metalfest.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilwaukeeMetalFest/

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FOREVER DEAF FEST 2026 Featuring Pig Destroyer, Weekend Nachos, Scalp, Plague Bringer, & More To Descend Upon Chicago April 10th And 11th – Tickets On Sale Now!

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on December 9, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

The seventh edition of FOREVER DEAF FEST will descend upon Chicago on April 10th and 11th, 2026!

What began as a showcase for local talent back in 2018 has become one of the premier festivals on Chicago’s annual metal calendar. Forever Deaf Productions aims to bring the heaviest riffs to venues across the city and hosts FOREVER DEAF FEST each Spring.

Sponsored by Still Austin, Five Star HVAC, Kuma’s Corner, and Emperor Cabinets, this year’s festivities will take place at Sleeping Village and Avondale Music Hall with a special after show party at Live Wire Lounge.

The monumental weekend will include sets by Atomic Rule (featuring members of Every Time I Die, Dry Kill Logic, The Acacia Strain, and Eternal Sleep), See You Next Tuesday, Motherless (featuring members of The Atlas Moth and Without Waves), Weekend Nachos performing their only Chicago area show of 2026, Scalp, Year Of The Knife, Plague Bringer (their first show in a decade), Hewhocorrupts, and Mellow Harsher.

Saturday headliners Pig Destroyer will be blazing through their monumental Prowler In The Yard full-length, in its ravaging entirety (a 25-year album anniversary celebration and their only Midwest show). A very special Friday headliner is to be announced still!

To commemorate the event, renowned heavy metal themed burger restaurant Kuma’s Corner will bring back the FOREVER DEAF FEST Burger as well as DJ sets and preview events a week prior to the fest’s kick off.

Additionally, Forever Deaf Productions will donate $1 per ticket towards Head Bang For Science, an annual scholarship award program for high school seniors, undergrads, and grad students who are pursuing a career in healthcare and/or the physical sciences. It’s the first scholarship foundation to directly provide financial aid to metalheads, and was founded by SiriusXM curator/host and former pharmacy grad student Jose “Metal Ambassador” Mangin in 2021.

The FOREVER DEAF FEST lineup and ticketing info is available below. Secure your tickets now! This will sell out!

Friday, April 10th, 2026: Sleeping Village – 21+ ($24 + fees)
Headliner TBD
Atomic Rule
See You Next Tuesday
Motherless

Find ticketing info HERE.

Saturday, April 11th, 2026: Avondale Music Hall – 17+ ($49 + fees)
Pig Destroyer
Weekend Nachos
Scalp
Year Of The Knife
Plague Bringer
Hewhocorrupts
Mellow Harsher

Find ticketing info HERE.

Saturday, April 11th, 2026: Live Wire Lounge – 21+ ($10)
Speedfreak

https://foreverdeaf.com

https://www.instagram.com/foreverdeaffest

https://www.facebook.com/ForeverDeafFest

Source: EARSPLIT PR

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OFFAL FEST 2026: DEVOURMENT & REGURGITATION To Headline

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on November 22, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

UK exclusive performances from the brutal slamming death metallers Devourment and Ohio brutal death metal powerhouse Regurgitation, with their first ever UK show

New additions also include Immortal Suffering, Unbirth, Butcher ABC, Fecundation, Guttural Slug, Darkall Slaves, Kakothansy, Crepitation, Strangle Wire, Lymphoaedema, Ovulating Cadaver, Repulsed and Dissolving Entity

Offal Fest is taking place on 24-26 July 2026 at The Bread Shed, Manchester. Purchase tickets: Offal-Fest.com

Manchester, UK; 21 November 2025: Offal Fest, dedicated to the most extreme sounds in gore, grind, slam and brutal death metal, has secured two monumental UK-exclusive headlining performances and unveiled its (nearly) full 2026 line-up.

Brutal slamming death metal pioneers Devourment are confirmed to headline the Saturday night, bringing a UK-exclusive set to the Manchester stage. Joining them as the Sunday headliners, making their first-ever UK appearance for a special exclusive performance, are Ohio brutal death metal powerhouse, Regurgitation.

The all-star international roster is significantly bolstered by the addition of New York brutal death metal legends Immortal Suffering, who will be returning to the UK next year for an exclusive performance. Anyone who caught their incredible performance earlier this year already knows the sheer ferocity they bring to the stage.

Offal Fest continues its tradition of championing outstanding international extreme talent, welcoming a substantial wave of European and Asian heavy-hitters. This includes insane Italian talent with Unbirth and Inverecund, Butcher ABC from Japan and Fecundation from Korea. Guttural Slug from Denmark will return after their crushing live debut at the first iteration of Offal Fest, and the international bill is rounded out by Darkall Slaves hailing from France and Kakothanasy from Switzerland, both performing a UK exclusive set.

Tickets: https://offal-fest.com/

The line-up is also packed with outstanding UK and Irish talent, including the “wobble-box superstars” Crepitation, who will be headlining the pre-show, alongside Irish acts StrangleWire and one-man gorenoise chaos Lymphoeadema. Completing the UK contingent are Ovulating Cadaver, Repulsed and Dissolving Entity, all adding to the ferocious three-day experience.

They join the previously announced mix of established and rising acts in the extreme metal scene. Scottish brutal death metal band Laceration, London-based brutal death metal band Twitch Of The Death Nerve, Czech brutal death metal band Epicardiectomy, Greek three-piece brutal death metallers Embryectomy, Glaswegian five-piece death metal band Scordatura, veteran US brutal death metal band Lividity, the long-awaited reunion of UK brutal death metal band Infected Disarray, Manchester newcomers Disgracing, who made their live debut at this year’s Offal and Manchester four-piece Brutal Death Metal band Coprocephalic Mutation will be returning to the fest in 2026.

Fans should note that while the full line-up is confirmed, there is one TBC spot at the bottom of the poster, with more information to be announced very soon on social channels; day splits will also be announced at a later date. 

Rancid Offal Promotions, the team behind Goremageddon and Offal Fest, said: “We are excited to finally drop the full line-up for Offal! We knew we had to go absolutely huge this year, building on this year’s massive success. So, locking down Devourment for a UK exclusive and getting Regurgitation over for their first-ever UK gig is just insane. We’ve managed to pull in extreme talent from all over the world – Japan, Korea, Europe – alongside the best of the UK, Irish and local scenes. Get ready for three days of utter brutality next year in the new home of extreme metal; Manchester!”

Offal Fest 2025 was a sold-out success. The event featured the likes of Foetal Juice, 357 Homicide, a UK exclusive performance by Skinless, who performed their album “Progression Towards Evil” in full, a UK exclusive set from Begging For Incest, exclusive co-headlining sets by Defeated Sanity and Wormed, as well as exclusive performances from Imperious Mortality, Plasma, Cerebral Effusion and 55Gore.

Offal Fest 2026 is taking place on 24-26 July 2026 at The Bread Shed in Manchester. Secure your entry via https://offal-fest.com/

OFFAL FEST FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1023493716320558/
OFFAL FEST FB: https://www.facebook.com/OffalFest
OFFAL FEST IG: https://www.instagram.com/offal_fest/

Rancid Offal Promotions FB: https://www.facebook.com/RxOxPromotions
Rancid Offal Promotions IG: https://www.instagram.com/rxoxbookings
Rancid Offal Promotions TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rancidoffal

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LAMB OF GOD Announce 2026 North American Tour

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news, noise rock with tags , , , , , , , , on November 18, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

JOINING THE BAND FOR THE HEAVIEST TOUR OF THE NEW YEAR ARE KUBLAI KHAN TX, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY AND SANGUISUGABOGG

ARTIST PRE-SALES BEGUN

GENERAL ON-SALE THIS FRIDAY AT 10 A.M. LOCAL TIME

Nov. 18, 2025 – RICHMOND, Va. – Lamb of God return to the road this March for what promises to be the heaviest tour of 2026, with the North American trek, produced by Live Nation, featuring support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For An Autopsy, and Sanguisugabogg.

Tickets and VIP packages will be available at Lamb-of-god.com/tour.

“We are beyond thrilled to announce the loudest, proudest, floor shakin’-est, earth quakin’-est, ear-splittin’-est, mosh pittin’-est, undiluted, undisputed HEAVIEST tour of the whole damn year,” Mark Morton declares. “Is this the largest collection of RIFFS ever assembled under one roof? It would seem so. Lamb of God, Kublai Khan TX, Fit For An Autopsy, and Sanguisugabogg. Do not miss this shit.”

The tour news follows the recent release of “Sepsis,” the band’s first new original song since 2022’s Omens, and now the #1 song on the U.S. metal radio charts. Produced by longtime collaborator Josh Wilbur, the track celebrates the Richmond underground and the bands Lamb of God performed alongside during their early years. The band also shared a live video for “Sepsis,” capturing the electrifying live debut of the song at Aftershock Festival.

Consequence named the three-and-a-half minute track its “heavy song of the week,” describing the single as “crushing” while Revolver spotlighted “Sepsis,” calling it a “rock-solid addition to their ever-crushing canon.”

Sepsis video: https://youtu.be/MEb49Q9ZRGo

Lamb of God tour dates:

March 17 National Harbor, MD The Theater MGM National Harbor
March 19 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
March 20 Toronto, ON GCT Theatre
March 22 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
March 24 Minneapolis, MN Armory
March 25 Chicago, IL Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
March 27 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium
March 28 Salt Lake City, UT The Union Event Center
March 30 Portland, OR Theater of the Clouds
March 31 Seattle, WA WAMU Theater
April 1 Vancouver, BC PNE Forum
April 3 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
April 4 Inglewood, CA YouTube Theater
April 5 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Financial Theatre
April 7 Albuquerque, NM Revel Entertainment Center
April 10 Austin, TX Moody Amphitheater
April 11 Irving, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
April 12 Houston, TX 713 Music Hall
April 14 Nashville, TN War Memorial Auditorium
April 15 Atlanta, GA Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre
April 16 Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheater
April 18 Reading, PA Santander Arena *
April 19 Virginia Beach, VA The Dome
April 21 Buffalo, NY Buffalo RiverWorks
April 23 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Paramount
April 25 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena *
April 26 Boston, MA MGM Music Hall at Fenway

*Not a Live Nation show

2026 Festival Performances:

May 14 – 17 Columbus, OH Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival
July 24 – 27 Plovdiv, BG Hills of Rock
July 27 – 31 Râşnov, RO Rockstadt Extreme Fest
August 1 Wacken, DE Wacken Open Air
August 5 – 9 Lisbon, PT Vagos Open Air
August 6 – 9 Kortrijk, BE Alcatraz Open Air
August 7 Walton-on-Trent, UK Bloodstock Open Air
August 12 – 16 Dinkelsbühl, DE Summer Breeze
August 13 – 15 Sulingen, DE Reload Festival
August 14 – 16 Eindhoven, NL Dynamo Metalfest
October 30 – November 3 Miami, FL Headbangers Boat

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Lamb of God is Randy Blythe (vocals), John Campbell (bass), Mark Morton (guitar), Willie Adler (guitar) and Art Cruz (drums). Formed in 1994, the Richmond, Virginia based band has released nine critically-acclaimed albums, received five GRAMMY® Award nominations, sold over 3 million albums, packed arenas around the world, and tallied over one billion streams and counting.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative forces in modern heavy music Lamb of God’s most recent collection, Omens, arrived in late 2022 , marking their sixth consecutive album to debut in the Top 15 of on the Billboard 200. Kerrang! noted that the album finds the band “as reliably heavy, violent, and pissed off as ever,” and Consequence said the “album will break you down to nihilistic pieces.”

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MOSH THE ROCK ISLAND METALFEST 2026 (Sooke, BC) Opens Band Submissions

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on November 13, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest, proudly presented by Royalty Entertainment, is now accepting band submissions for its 2026 lineup! Applications are open until November 30th, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic event, taking place on August 9th at FRED MILNE PARK in Sooke, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island, Canada.

This all-day, open-air festival is a celebration of metal and hard rock, welcoming fans of all ages to a family-friendly atmosphere filled with heavy riffs and high energy. Mosh the Rock extends heartfelt thanks to the local community for their incredible support and can’t wait to bring the noise back to Sooke in 2026!

Bands from all subgenres of METAL are encouraged to apply. Send your EPK, including photos, music links, bios, and more to: MoshTheRock26[@]gmail[.]com.

Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural year in 2025, Mosh the Rock 2026 is already shaping up to be even bigger and louder!

Founded by Royal Savoie, event promoter, music manager, and host of THRASHCAN on 101.9 FM CFUV.CA in Victoria, BC, Mosh the Rock made its debut with a killer lineup featuring bands from across British Columbia, including: Torrefy (Victoria), Thirteen Goats (Vancouver), Yegg (Nanaimo), Mutual Trauma (Victoria), Dead After Dark (Penticton), Burnt Lung (Vancouver), Pharm (Kelowna), Cybörg (Victoria), Joker’s Revenge (Nanaimo), Blacktop Social (Nanaimo), and Wolf Venom (Sooke).

Get ready for Mosh the Rock 2026 is coming, and it’s going to be louder than ever.

More info: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563939716534

Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA – Opens Band Submissions For 2026

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on October 26, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

One Band To Rule Them All! and Play Wacken Open Air!

One band to rule them all! Wacken Metal Battle Canada returns for 2026 battles across the country to send one independent metal band to play at Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s most prestigious and largest metal festivals.

Band submissions for Canada are now open until November 30th.

The national final for 2026 battles will be held in Montreal, QC.

“Canadian metal bands, this is your chance once again. This is the first step to a world of opportunity waiting for you. We invite you to play some great shows, expand your audience, and ultimately have your shot at playing Wacken Open Air,” adds WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.

Canadian bands interested in participating can apply at https://www.metal-battle.com/countries/ (please select Canada as your country)

Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/

The 2026 WMBC champion will receive the following:
– A slot at the 2026 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

Canadian Battle Cities:
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Island, BC
BC Interior
Edmonton, AB
Toronto, ON
Hamilton, ON
Ottawa, ON
Montreal, QC
Quebec City, QC

Watch – Wacken Metal Battle 2025 – Aftermovie | Have You Heard the Future of Metal? – https://youtu.be/nCulXiLlaSw

List of previous WMBC national winners: Killotine (Hamilton, ON – 2025), Beguiler (Toronto, ON – 2024), Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC – 2023), The Slyde(Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows(Toronto, ON – 2013).

The 2025 Canadian Battle Final took place on May 31st at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre, where Hamilton, Ontario’s KILLOTINE, the Ontario regional winner, delivered a standout performance that earned them the top national title. A panel of industry judges selected KILLOTINE to represent Canada at the prestigious International Wacken Battle, held during Wacken Open Air from July 30th to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany, where over 85,000 metal fans from around the globe gathered.

Joining KILLOTINE on stage at the Canadian final were fellow regional champions: SOULTHIEF (Eastern Canada Winner – Ottawa, ON), BEYOND SUFFERING (Alberta Winner – Calgary, AB), and YEGG (British Columbia Winner – Nanaimo, BC). The event also featured a special guest headliner: Vancouver’s Arrow In The Quiver, the 2024 BC Final winner.

The national judging panel included a lineup of respected figures from the Canadian metal and music industry: Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers), JJ Tartaglia (Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada), JJ Caithcart (Founder of SCRAPE Records and Host of Different Stages Radio), Kris Schulz (Founder of Empower Through Music and Owner of Horizon School of Music), Abelardo Mayoral (Founder and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), Stan Schinners (Owner of Broken Neck Radio), Justin Dobbin (Owner and President of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios).

For the last 9 years of battles (2013-2016, 2018-2019, 2023-2025), Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to COVID, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled.

As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2026 will be the 35th edition of the festival and will be held from July 29th to August 1st. The 2026 event is nearly sold out with a line-up that includes Def Leppard, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Savatage, Powerwolf, Emperor, Sepultura, and Running Wild, among others. Details here.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among over 55 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience, along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter, where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final. The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2026 and compete against the winners of other participating countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official
X.com/MetalBattleCan
Instagram.com/wmbcanada.official

Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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IRON FORTRESS DEATH FEST 2025: Inaugural Death Metal Gathering Takes Place In Indianapolis On October 18th | Set Times Posted

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on October 9, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

Iron Fortress Records presents the inaugural IRON FORTRESS DEATH FEST 2025, a full day of death metal depravity featuring a sample of the Iron Fortress label roster that is taking place in just over one week.

The IRON FORTRESS DEATH FEST is a label showcase that highlights the supreme debauchery of what Iron Fortress Records has to offer and includes sets by Gored Embrace, Chorus Of Demons, Hamarr, Swampgrave, Dysmorphia, 1 Body 6 Graves, Scab Hag, Ripped Open, Coagulating, Cell Intruder, Ectospire, and Cryptual. 

IRON FORTRESS DEATH FEST will take place Saturday, October 18th at The Black Circle in Indianapolis, Indiana, beginning at 2:00pm. Tickets will be $30 day-of the event, but can be acquired for $20 in advance.

Ben DePaoli, sole owner and operator of Iron Fortress Records and this event, states, “It’s time to gather into the inner sanctum of the Iron Fortress and explore its stench ridden corridors! IRON FORTRESS DEATH FEST was put together to showcase the Iron Fortress Records label roster which is chock full of young and underground death metal bands eager for bloodshed. I can’t wait to gather all these incredible bands into one cavernous day of death metal. Come hang out, watch some brutality, mingle with the bands and I, throw back some demon juice, and headbang until you need a pain pill for your newly formed spinal injury!”

View the full IRON FORTRESS DEATH FEST lineup and set times below. Tickets are available now at THIS LOCATION.

IRON FORTRESS DEATH FEST Lineup – October 18th, 2025:
Doors 2:00
Ripped Open 3:00-3:25
Ectospire 3:40-4:05
Cell Intruder 4:20-4:45
1 Body 6 Graves 5:00-5:25
Cryptual 5:40-6:05
Scab Hag 6:20-6:45
Coagulating 7:00-7:25
Dysmorphia 7:40-8:05
Swampgrave 8:20-8:45
Hamarr 9:00-9:25
Chorus of Demons 9:40-10:05
Decedent 10:20-10:45

https://linktr.ee/ironfortressrecords

https://www.ironfortressrecords.com

https://ironfortressrecords.bandcamp.com

https://www.instagram.com/ironfortressrecords

Source: EARSPLIT PR

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WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Opens Band Submissions | One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2026

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on October 3, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

One Band To Conquer Them All! After another successful year in 2025, to send one unsigned and independent American band to play the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals, Wacken Open Air, Wacken Metal Battle USA announces submissions for the 2026 battle are now open as of October 1st until December 1st

“I am beyond stoked to bring back the Wacken Metal Battle to the US. Every year we get invited to participate is an opportunity to grow. This year will be no different. We will be bringing back some cities that haven’t participated in a few years, and we will be adding at least one new city/state to the competition. Do you have what it takes to represent the US at Wacken? Sign up now!” – Eric Dow – Artist & Promoter Relations.

American bands interested in participating can apply at https://www.metal-battle.com/countries/ (please select the United States as your country)

Watch – Wacken Metal Battle 2025 – Aftermovie | Have You Heard the Future of Metal? – https://youtu.be/nCulXiLlaSw

Wacken Battle Trailer Video – https://youtu.be/fjMugRXEc5g

The 2026 WMBU champion will receive the following:

  • A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
  • Full professional backline provided.
  • $1,000 USD towards flights to Germany.
  • VIP camping at the festival.

At the 2025 WMBU national finals held this past June at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ, Southern California and Arizona-based band MOURNING HIGH emerged as the seventh champion selected to represent the United States at the prestigious international showdown, Wacken Open Air, that took place from July 30th to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany, where over 185,000 attendees from around the world gathered.

Mourning High, crowned the West Coast Winner, competed alongside five other standout American bands: PRIME PROPHECY (New Jersey), WHAT’S WRONG (Pacific Northwest), PONTIFEX (Florida), FIREHAZE (East Coast), and BROKEN TIME (Texas).

A panel of seasoned industry professionals, including Jeff Buttermark (FM Management), Shawn Quinn (Napalm Records/FM Management), and Rob Caggiano (formerly of Anthrax and Volbeat), ultimately selected Mourning High as the top U.S. act to perform at the International Wacken Battle.

Spotify – 2025 WMBU National Finalists Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5q7Or6tHAsWsAGg8zQSVgZ

List of previous WMBU national winners: Cascade Effect (2024 – San Diego), Fadrait (2023 – San Diego), Mythraeum (2022 – San Diego), Monarch (2019 – San Diego), Voices of Ruin (2018 – Anaheim), and Corpse Hoarder(2017 – Philadelphia).

For the last 7 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), Wacken Metal Battle USAhas hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to COVID, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2026 will be the 35th edition of the festival and will be held from July 29th to August 1st.

The 2026 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Def Leppard, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Powerwolf, Emperor, Sepultura, and Running Wild, among others. Details here.

Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among over 55 other countries’ champions, and represent the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience, along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter, where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2026 and compete against the winners of 30 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
MetalBattleUSA.com
Facebook.com/metalbattleusa.official
X.com/MetalBattleUSA
Instagram.com/metalbattleusa.official

Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL – Opens Band Submissions For 2026 Line Up

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on October 1, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

July 31st – Aug 2nd – Camping & Extreme Music In Alberta’s Badlands – Drumheller, AB

Hashtags #LAHXIV, #LAHOA, #LAHOA2026

Set against the rugged backdrop of Alberta’s badlands, where sculpted sandstone, wind-carved hoodoos, and sweeping canyons dominate the landscape, Canada’s most decibel-breaking extreme music gathering, the Loud As Hell Open Air Festival, returns for its 14th edition in 2026. From July 31st to August 2nd, Drumheller’s Dinosaurs Down Stampede will erupt with the ferocity of rising Canadian and international metal acts, roaring through the heart of the nation’s largest dinosaur fossil beds.

Band submissions for the 2026 edition officially open on October 1st and will be accepted until October 31st. This is your band’s chance to join one of the loudest and most brutal festivals in Canada, where underground talent meets prehistoric fury.

Bands interested in performing can apply at the following link: https://loudashell.ca/

Early Bird tickets go on sale December 1st, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to lock in the loudest weekend of the summer at a killer price. Get ready for prehistoric heaviness and decibel-shattering performances in one of Canada’s most surreal landscapes. Loud As Hell is coming… and it’s going to be louder than ever.

The 2025 edition of Loud As Hell delivered three relentless days of headbanging, moshing, and pure metal chaos, featuring over 40 bands from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.

Acts like Revocation, Insurrection, First Fragment, Gorgatron, Filth, Opal in Sky, Judicator, Beguiler, Gore Pig, Spit On Your Grave, Hazzerd, Cyborg Octopus, and Thirteen Goats tore through the badlands with crushing performances. The festival even hosted a heavy metal wedding, adding a unique twist to the weekend’s sonic carnage (video).

LAH 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist –https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cu3CgEX8n2g2MQbADNJmg

Live LAH 2025 – Revocation – https://youtu.be/53fF_FyqfNo

Live LAH 2025 – Cyborg Octopus – https://youtu.be/yts7VX21Y5s

Live LAH 2025 – Judicator – https://youtu.be/JYQ9m2aD8Fk

Since launching in 2012, Loud As Hell Open Air Festival has cemented its place as a cornerstone of Canada’s extreme music scene, showcasing hundreds of bands from across the country and around the world, save for a brief pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the years, the festival has hosted heavyweights like Beyond Creation, Striker, Green Jelly, The Convalescence, Jungle Rot, Narcotic Wasteland, Into Eternity, Goatwhore, Fit for An Autopsy, Archspire, Unleash The Archers, Protest the Hero, AngelMaker, and many more, drawing metalheads from coast to coast for a weekend of sonic devastation.

In 2026, Loud As Hell returns for its 14th edition, presented by Loud As Hell Productions, Jurassic Ink Custom Tattoo, Prairie Fire Events, and Asher Media Relations. Renowned for delivering one of the most punishing lineups in Western Canada, the festival promises another unforgettable experience packed with crushing performances, freak shows, burlesque acts, clinics, vendors, and yes, dinosaurs. Loud As Hell isn’t just a festival. It’s a full-throttle celebration of metal mayhem.

More info:
LoudAsHell.ca
Facebook.com/LoudAsHellFestival

Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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MACHINE HEAD Festivals – September, October & December 2025 | Dates, Cities, Ticket Info Listed

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on September 3, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

MACHINE HEAD FESTIVALS:

TICKETS: https://www.machinehead1.com/pages/tour

SEPTEMBER 2025:
🇺🇸 20th • Louder Than Life, Louisville, KY

OCTOBER 2025:
🇺🇸 5th • Aftershock @ Discovery Park, Sacramento, CA

DECEMBER 2025:
🇦🇺 5th • Good Things – Melbourne, Australia
🇦🇺 6th • Good Things – Sydney, Australia
🇦🇺 7th • Good Things – Brisbane, Australia

Source: Machine Head Bandsintown

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WITCH CROSS – Upcoming September Live Dates, Cities, Venues & Ticket Info

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on August 23, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

From Witch Cross Facebook:

SEPTEMBER SEES US ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

Get your tickets by clicking on these links:

https://facebook.com/events/s/witch-cross-with-firmament/1855094342016549/

https://kupfticket.com/en/events/steel-city-sorcery-festival-vii

SEE YOU OUT THERE!

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