Castle – West Coast Touring Plan Disclosed
Hits total: 363 | This month: 363
Inkcarceration 2025 Lineup Unveiled: The Ultimate Rock & Metal Experience
The highly anticipated Inkcarceration Festival has just released its 2025 lineup, and it promises to be one of the most electrifying weekends of the year. Held at the historic Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, from July 18-20, 2025, this festival is set to shake the very walls of the iconic location, which famously served as the filming site for The Shawshank Redemption.
This year’s Inkcarceration Festival is bringing some of the biggest names in rock and metal to the stage. Headliners Slipknot, Falling in Reverse, Five Finger Death Punch, Marilyn Manson, Three Days Grace, Lamb of God, and Knocked Loose are just a few of the over 60 bands that will rock the stage across the weekend.
Whether you’re a die-hard metalhead or a rock aficionado, this year’s festival will feature an array of performances that will keep fans headbanging from start to finish. With such a star-studded lineup, attendees can expect to experience unforgettable performances, set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Ohio State Reformatory.
What makes Inkcarceration uniquely special is its setting: the Ohio State Reformatory—a place that fans of The Shawshank Redemption will instantly recognize. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to roam the same corridors where the iconic film was shot, taking in the rich history of the site while rocking out to some of the best in music. The reformatory’s sprawling grounds, once a prison, add a fascinating layer to the festival atmosphere, combining music, history, and an undeniable sense of adventure.
In addition to the stellar music, Inkcarceration is also home to America’s Rock & Metal Tattoo Festival, where fans can get inked by some of the top tattoo artists in the world. The festival brings together an incredible lineup of tattoo artists, each showcasing their talent and artistry on-site. Whether you’re looking to add to your collection or get your first tattoo, Inkcarceration is the perfect place to do it.
With so many incredible artists under one roof, attendees can book tattoo appointments, browse the best of the tattoo world, and even take part in live tattoo competitions throughout the weekend.
For those looking to secure their spot at this epic event, Weekend GA, VIP, and Single Day passes are now available for purchase, with options starting at just $1 down. Whether you’re in it for the full festival experience or just a day of rocking out, Inkcarceration offers a variety of ticket options to suit your needs.
Inkmates can now lock in their tickets to be part of this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a festival that combines world-class music, the best in tattoo artistry, and a truly legendary setting.
Mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend that promises to be filled with great music, unforgettable memories, and a celebration of everything rock, metal, and tattoos. Inkcarceration 2025 is shaping up to be a festival like no other, and you won’t want to miss it.
Secure your passes now and prepare for an event that will leave you talking long after the music stops. The walls of the Ohio State Reformatory are about to echo with some of the best in rock and metal—will you be there to hear it?
To celebrate 35th anniversary of their Cause Of Death album, the legendary Floridians Obituary announce a headlining North American tour. Scheduled in April and May, this touring run features support from Nails, Terror (USA-LA), SpiritWorld and Pest Control.
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The saga of new King Diamond and Mercyful Fate continues! Mercyful Fate has been working on a new album since 2020 in tandem with frontman King Diamond working on his own solo records, and it seems they’re still in the demoing process. According to Mercyful Fate bassist Becky Baldwin in an interview with The Metal Voice, the new King Diamond record is in the works this year and then 2026 will be the time for new Mercyful Fate.
“So, it’s in the kind of demoing process at the moment. Instrumentally, it’s mostly there,” said Baldwin. “And so the next step is for King to work on it, but King also needs to put out the King Diamond album this year, hopefully. So [the King Diamond album] should be this year and then he’ll do a European tour, and then it’s Mercyful Fate time. So it’s kind of like, yeah, there’s an order that things need to happen. So, hopefully this year we’ll be able to start on finishing the album, like finishing it in terms of lyrics.
“‘The Jackal Of Salzburg’, that song has already been performed live. That’s gonna be on the album. King has done some really amazing things with the demo version that he’s been working on. And then, yeah, towards the end of the year, probably [Mercyful Fate will release] some singles hopefully. Or if not, then next year.”
The new Mercyful Fate record will be the band’s first since 9 in 1999. Mercyful Fate in 2025 is currently King Diamond alongside guitarists Hank Shermann and Mike Wead, bassist Becky Baldwin who joined in 2024, and drummer Bjarne T. Holm. As Baldwin noted, so far as we’ve heard is the new single “The Jackal Of Salzberg” in a live setting. Mercyful Fate returned to the stage in 2022 for the first time since 1999 for a full tour, and then played two shows in 2024 – Summer Breeze Brazil 2024 and then a show at the Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile.
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The follow-up to Mastodon‘s 2021 record Hushed And Grim seems to be coming this year, and it’s gonna be a pretty creepy concept album! At least that’s what Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor said in a recent interview with Metal Hammer.
According to Dailor, the new stuff is very all over the place, and that includes some of the heaviest Mastodon we’ve heard in a long time! “[The songs are] all over the place,” said Dailor. “I hear some punk rock in there, but then I hear some insane prog and I hear the heaviest version of ourselves poking its head out again. You can talk all day about what you want to do, but at the end of the day it governs itself – it pulls you where your heart is.”
Elsewhere, Dailor notes that he’s working on a story for the new record and that it’ll revolve around “supernatural horror.” So to recap – insane new Mastodon concept album about some terrifying shit in the works, which Dailor later notes he doesn’t “see a world in which it does not come out in 2025.”
Mastodon has been keeping themselves plenty busy over the past year outside working on new music. Mastodon hit the road in 2024 to celebrate 20 years of Leviathan alongside Lamb Of God, which resulted in a collaborative song between the two legendary bands. Mastodon also dropped a completely remastered version of their 2008 progressive metal classic Crack The Skye.
Mastodon will also hit the this May for a tour with headliners Coheed And Cambria and special guests Periphery. The tour kicks off on May 10 at Salem Civic Center in Salem, VA and wraps up about a month later on June 8 at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee, IA. Tickets are available here.
5/10 Salem, VA Salem Civic Center
5/11 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Coliseum
5/13 Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheater
5/15 Wilmington, NC Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
5/16 Charleston, SC Firefly Distillery
5/17 Augusta, GA William B Bell Auditorium (no Mastodon)
5/19 Estero, FL Hertz Arena
5/21 Huntsville, AL Orion Amphitheater
5/22 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
5/24 Virginia Beach, VA The Dome
5/25 Bridgeport, CT Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
5/26 Saratoga Springs, NY Broadview Stage at SPAC
5/28 Portland, ME Cross Insurance Arena
5/30 Syracuse, NY Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
5/31 Scranton, PA The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
6/1 Youngstown, OH Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre
6/3 Fort Wayne, IN Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
6/4 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center Arena
6/6 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
6/7 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
6/8 Waukee, IA Vibrant Music Hall
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Edge Of Paradise – New Album Details Disclosed
Directed by Margarita Monet & No Face Studios
Frontwoman Margarita Monet commented: “’Death Note’ is an intense battle for identity and connection, powered by soaring melodies and an aggressive sound. In a world where digital forces aim to seize control, and greed and conquest have dehumanized existence and stripped away individuality, two souls stand in defiance. Together, they fight to preserve the essence of being alive. Bound by loyalty, determination and human spirit, they risk everything to stand united against the rising tide of control to reclaim what it means to be truly human.”
01. Death Note
02. Give It To Me (Mind Assassin)” [eat. Ludovico’s Ben V.]
03. Prophecy Unbound
04. Sad Life Of A Rose
05. Rogue (Aim For The Kill)
06. Hear Me
07. The Other Side Of Fear
08. Martyr (Monster)
09. Relive Again
10. Falling Light
Hits total: 10 | This month: 10
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is set to take place between June 12 and 15 on the Bonnaroo Farm, located just 60 miles southeast of Nashville in Manchester, TN. This year’s festival is hardly heavy, though it does feature Megadeth opening for Tyler, The Creator and Queens Of The Stone Age as one of the headliners for the Sunday show. The Friday show also features Insane Clown Posse, should anyone feel the urge to get real weird with things. Tickets are available here.
As for the two aforementioned bands, Megadeth is currently working on a new record and Queens of the Stone Age has a bunch of rescheduled shows from last year for this June. Check ’em out below.
6/19 Boston, MA MGM Music Hall at Fenway
6/11 Boston, MA MGM Music Hall at Fenway
6/18 Cincinnati, OH The Andrew J Brady Music Center
6/20 Madison, WI Breese Stevens Field
6/21 Chicago, IL Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
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As 2024 draws to a close, the hard rock and heavy metal scenes continue to deliver electrifying live performances. From legendary acts to modern icons, the touring landscape has been packed with powerhouse performances, and many bands are planning extensive tours into 2025. Let’s look at the top touring heavy metal and hard rock acts of the year, ranked by their number of planned concerts and the excitement they’ve generated among fans.
With 25 concerts scheduled through November 2025, Metallica leads the pack in both longevity and power. The thrash metal giants continue to reign as one of the most influential bands in rock history, and their upcoming tour promises to keep them at the forefront of the live music scene. Whether performing their classic hits or showcasing material from their latest album, Metallica’s high-energy live shows remain a must-see experience.
Guns N’ Roses, one of the most iconic hard rock bands of all time, has 21 concerts lined up through July 2025. Their reunion tour, which sees Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan back together, is still going strong. Known for their explosive live performances and a setlist that spans decades, Guns N’ Roses remains a favorite among fans who crave nostalgia and high-octane rock anthems.
With 31 concerts planned through August 2025, Iron Maiden proves that metal isn’t just a genre—it’s a way of life. The band’s iconic stage setups, impressive setlists, and Bruce Dickinson’s commanding presence continue to thrill audiences worldwide. As they take their “Legacy of the Beast” tour to new heights, Maiden proves that heavy metal and performance artistry go hand in hand.
Despite their lineup changes over the years, AC/DC remains an indomitable force in the hard rock world. With 13 concerts scheduled through May 2025, the band is set to continue delivering their timeless brand of high-energy rock. Hits like “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell” keep fans coming back for more, and their legendary live performances show that rock ‘n’ roll is far from dead.
With 4 concerts planned through August 2025, Def Leppard is still rocking the stage. Known for their anthemic hits like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Photograph,” Def Leppard’s enduring popularity is a testament to the band’s ability to connect with multiple generations of fans. Whether opening for other legends or headlining their own shows, their electrifying live performances are never to be missed.
With 13 concerts scheduled through September 2025, System of a Down’s socially-conscious lyrics and eclectic sound continue to captivate audiences. Their shows are an intense, cathartic experience, with a mix of aggression and melody that has made them a unique voice in metal. Fans are eagerly awaiting their performances, which have been sporadic in recent years, making each show even more special.
The Scorpions are living legends, with 15 concerts scheduled through July 2025. Known for their classic hits like “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Wind of Change,” the German band continues to thrill audiences with their hard rock anthems. Their ability to evolve while retaining their signature sound ensures their live shows remain as electrifying as ever.
With 9 concerts scheduled through June 2025, Slipknot remains at the forefront of modern heavy metal. Their chaotic stage presence, theatrical performances, and unrelenting aggression make every show an intense spectacle. Slipknot’s fans are some of the most loyal and enthusiastic in the world, and their live shows continue to be an essential experience for metalheads everywhere.
Despite being a band that frequently generates mixed opinions, Nickelback remains a staple of the hard rock scene with 11 concerts planned through July 2025. Their success isn’t just in the studio; their live performances continue to draw large crowds, who sing along to hits like “How You Remind Me” and “Rockstar.” Nickelback’s tours are always a reliable source of arena rock excitement.
With 9 concerts scheduled through September 2025, Avenged Sevenfold continues to captivate fans with their intricate blend of metalcore, hard rock, and progressive metal. Their live shows are a testament to their evolving sound, with a mix of new material and fan-favorite tracks. The band’s ability to surprise and innovate on stage ensures their continued popularity.
As we move into 2025, these acts, along with a wealth of other hard rock and metal bands, are set to bring electrifying performances to stages across the globe. The hard rock and heavy metal communities remain as passionate and powerful as ever, with these bands leading the charge in the live music scene. Whether it’s the legends of yesteryear or the contemporary giants, 2024 has been a year of unforgettable tours and performances. Here’s to even more headbanging, mosh pits, and loud anthems in the years to come.
In 2024, the heavy metal and hard rock scene is alive and well, with some of the biggest names in the genre embarking on massive tours. Here are some of the top live heavy metal tours for 2024 and beyond:
These are just a few highlights from the massive world of heavy metal and hard rock tours in 2024. Fans of aggressive guitar riffs, heavy beats, and unforgettable live performances will have plenty of chances to see their favorite bands in action. Whether you’re into classic rock, metalcore, or thrash, 2024 promises to deliver some of the best live music experiences in the heavy metal world.
On Friday, December 13, METALLICA returned to Los Angeles for their fourth “Helping Hands Concert & Auction”, a star-studded event that exemplified the band’s commitment to philanthropy and its loyal fanbase. Held at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, the event saw METALLICA perform both an acoustic and electric set, along with a stellar lineup of supporting musicians. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel for the second consecutive year, the evening was a major success, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting All Within My Hands, METALLICA’s charitable foundation. This year’s event marked another milestone in the band’s ongoing efforts to support workforce education, combat hunger, and provide disaster relief to local communities.
METALLICA’s acoustic performance was one of the most anticipated parts of the night, offering a rare opportunity to hear the legendary band in an intimate, stripped-down setting. The setlist was a mix of classic METALLICA tracks, deep cuts, and a few surprises.
The band kicked off the acoustic portion with Low Man’s Lyric, a track that hadn’t been performed since 1998. This was a moment that delighted long-time fans, showcasing METALLICA’s ability to reinvent their material for a more subdued performance. The inclusion of Helpless, a Diamond Head cover, was another throwback, having not been performed since 2018.
Arguably the most surprising part of the acoustic set was the live debut of Away From Home, a cover of Bachman–Turner Overdrive, which received a warm reception from the crowd. The inclusion of SistaStrings, a classically trained duo named 2023’s “best instrumentalists” by the Americana Music Association, added a unique and rich texture to the acoustic arrangements, particularly on If Darkness Had a Son—a live debut of its acoustic version—and Nothing Else Matters, which has long been a staple of METALLICA’s live performances. The subtle strings provided a softer contrast to the heavier elements of the songs, proving once again how versatile METALLICA’s music can be when reimagined.
The electric portion of the evening was where METALLICA unleashed their full, unrelenting energy. Kicking things off with Orion, the instrumental track from Master of Puppets, the band quickly shifted gears into fan favorites like The Shortest Straw and Until It Sleeps. As the audience was treated to a mixture of crowd-pleasers and rarities, it became clear that METALLICA had curated a set that balanced both their history and their forward momentum.
One of the evening’s highlights was The Unforgiven II, which hadn’t been performed live since 2015. This track was made even more special by the addition of Avi Vinocur on guitar, providing a fresh layer to the song’s melancholic tones. Another exciting moment was Hit The Lights, with Jeff Ament (of Pearl Jam) joining the band on bass for a raucous rendition of the track that took the crowd back to METALLICA’s thrash roots.
As always, the band ended the electric set with the iconic Master of Puppets, a song that never fails to electrify the crowd, drawing everyone into a unified roar. METALLICA’s musicianship and commitment to their craft were on full display throughout the entire performance, ensuring that this event was a memorable one for everyone involved.
Beyond the electrifying performances, what truly sets the Helping Hands Concert & Auction apart is its philanthropic purpose. Every dollar raised from ticket sales and the auction went directly to All Within My Hands (AWMH), METALLICA’s non-profit foundation. Established in 2017, AWMH supports a variety of causes, including workforce education, hunger relief, disaster response, and other essential services. The foundation is uniquely transparent, with all operational costs covered by the band and its supporters, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to the causes it supports.
This year, the event raised an impressive amount for AWMH’s ongoing projects. Previous “Helping Hands” events have already raised millions of dollars, and METALLICA’s commitment to giving back has had a profound impact on the communities the band has visited. In 2022 alone, the foundation raised nearly $3 million at the concert, directly benefiting those in need.
One of the most significant initiatives of AWMH is the Metallica Scholars Initiative, a groundbreaking program that funds career and technical education programs, which have been vital in helping individuals improve their skills and find long-term employment opportunities. AWMH also helps fight food insecurity, providing millions of meals to those in need, and aids in disaster relief efforts. METALLICA’s role in funding these programs is invaluable, and their fans continue to support these endeavors by participating in the auctions and buying tickets.
This year’s Helping Hands Concert & Auction was another testament to METALLICA’s enduring legacy—not just in the world of music, but also in their philanthropic efforts. By blending high-quality performances with meaningful charitable contributions, METALLICA has set an example of how artists can use their platform for good.
The evening was a unique blend of heavy metal and heart, offering something for every fan of METALLICA, whether they were there for the music or the cause. The band’s ability to deliver powerful acoustic and electric performances while staying true to their commitment to helping others shows just how much they have grown as artists and as individuals. As the night came to a close, the sense of unity in the room—brought about by METALLICA’s music and the incredible impact of AWMH—was undeniable.
With a foundation that has raised over $15 million in support of workforce education, hunger relief, and disaster recovery, METALLICA continues to prove that they are more than just a band—they are a force for good. The “Helping Hands Concert & Auction” may be an annual event, but its impact will resonate for years to come, with METALLICA at the forefront of both musical innovation and charitable giving.
Setlist (Acoustic):
Setlist (Electric):
In conclusion, the Helping Hands Concert & Auction is more than just a night of great music—it’s a chance for METALLICA to give back to the communities that have supported them throughout their career. With a stellar performance and a continued commitment to meaningful causes, METALLICA once again proved that their influence extends far beyond the stage.
