Posts in category: MetalMania Live

Here at MetalMania Live, you know our creed: every song played is the live version. We bring you the raw, untamed energy of heavy metal and hard rock as it’s meant to be heard – ripped straight from the stage, capturing the electrifying essence of a band in full flight. So, when major news hits the metal world, especially concerning live performances and tours, you can bet your last earplug we’re dialed in. And let us tell you, the recent developments in the heavy metal universe are electrifying, promising an onslaught of incredible live experiences for fans worldwide.

The buzz is palpable with some of the biggest names in the genre making waves. Let’s dive into the latest from the stage and the road, because for MetalMania Live, if it’s not live, it’s not us!

Spiritbox Electrifies and Announces Massive 2025 Tour! Kicking things off, the Canadian progressive metal sensation Spiritbox recently delivered an absolutely electrifying live performance of their track “Soft Spine” on none other than Jimmy Kimmel Live! This wasn’t just a TV appearance; it was a powerful statement of their escalating presence in the metal landscape. Their raw energy and captivating stage presence were undeniable, a perfect example of why MetalMania Live always plays the live version – because that’s where the true magic happens. Fresh off that high-profile showcase, Spiritbox has unveiled the dates for their highly anticipated 2025 U.S. tour, promising fans across the nation an opportunity to witness their explosive live show up close and personal. This band is a force, and their live performances are truly something to behold.

Six Feet Under Unleashes “Midnight In Hell” Tour! The death metal titans, Six Feet Under, are set to embark on their “Midnight In Hell” tour across the U.S., bringing their signature guttural assault to stages nationwide. Joining them for this brutal expedition are formidable acts like Exhorder, Wretched, and Incite, guaranteeing a relentless night of crushing riffs and relentless rhythm. When you hear Six Feet Under on MetalMania Live, you’re experiencing the unbridled power of their live sound, feeling every monstrous riff and every guttural roar as if you were right there in the mosh pit. This tour is poised to deliver exactly that intensity.

Metallica Continues European Domination with No-Repeat Weekends! Across the Atlantic, the legendary Metallica continues to decimate stages on the European leg of their monumental M72 tour. True to their innovative “no repeat weekends” concept, each city receives two distinct nights of pure, unadulterated Metallica, featuring entirely different setlists and a rotating lineup of killer opening acts. This ensures that every single performance is unique, fresh, and an unforgettable live experience. It’s a testament to their dedication to their craft and their fans, providing an ever-evolving showcase of their vast catalog – a dream come true for those of us who live for live music. We’re talking pure, live Metallica, every note searing!

Slipknot Honors Fallen Brothers at Knotfest Iowa! In a deeply poignant and powerful moment, Slipknot paid a heartfelt tribute to their late members, Joey Jordison and Paul Gray, during their headlining set at Knotfest Iowa. This was more than just a performance; it was a raw, emotional acknowledgement of the immense impact these foundational members had on the band and the broader metal community. These are the moments that define live music – shared experiences of loss, remembrance, and the enduring power of music to connect us all. Hearing a band like Slipknot, live, pour their hearts out on stage, is exactly why we do what we do at MetalMania Live.

Dark Angel: Three Decades Later, Back on North American Stages! And finally, a truly monumental announcement for thrash metal purists: the legendary Dark Angel is embarking on their first North American tour in over 30 years! This is a moment decades in the making, a chance for a new generation of fans to witness the raw, uncompromising thrash assault that defined an era, and for long-time devotees to relive the glory. This is a band whose live reputation precedes them, and the anticipation for their return to the North American stage is absolutely immense. When Dark Angel hits the road, you know the only way to hear it is live, and that’s exactly what MetalMania Live delivers!

From groundbreaking tour announcements to powerful tributes and long-awaited returns, the world of live heavy metal is as vibrant and explosive as ever. Stay tuned to MetalMania Live, because we’re your ultimate source for the sounds that truly matter: the live ones!

At MetalMania Live, we crank one thing and one thing only—live metal and hard rock. Every scream, every solo, every riff? Raw, real, and ripped straight from the stage. No studio tricks, no overdubs—just the loud, unapologetic sound of metal the way it was meant to be heard: live and in your face.

This week, the metal world delivered a sonic earthquake of announcements—from surprise album drops to legendary returns. Let’s break it all down, MetalMania style.

🎸 Deftones Announce New Album “Private Music” – First Single Out Now

They’re back, and it’s not quiet.

Deftones have officially announced their next album, Private Music, set to drop this August. The first single, “My Mind Is A Mountain,” is already streaming and it’s everything you’d expect from the alt-metal pioneers—brooding atmosphere, soaring dynamics, and that unmistakable Chino Moreno mystique. We’ll have our ears peeled for a live cut of this track, and you better believe it’ll hit our setlist the second it does.

Deftones’ return means one thing at MetalMania Live: we’re one step closer to more hauntingly heavy live recordings from one of metal’s most genre-defying bands.

⚒️ Tony Iommi: New Solo Album in the Works

The riff father himself, Tony Iommi, is back in the lab—crafting a brand-new solo album.

This time, the Black Sabbath legend is reportedly focusing on a single vocalist to carry the weight of the album’s vocal duties. That’s right, one frontman to rule them all. No word yet on who’s holding the mic, but knowing Iommi, it won’t be a lightweight.

We’re already fantasizing about the inevitable live versions of these tracks. Whether it’s a dark, doom-soaked riffstorm or something a bit more experimental, you’ll hear those performances live-only right here on MetalMania Live.

📚 Ozzy Osbourne Readies Final Memoir

The Prince of Darkness is cracking open the vault one last time.

Ozzy Osbourne has confirmed his final memoir will be released this October. No ghostwriters. No filters. Just pure Ozzy. Expect the unhinged, the untold, and the unholy. From Sabbath to solo chaos, medical miracles to musical mayhem—it’s all going on paper.

And while this may be his last book, the live Ozzy catalog is eternal. We’ve got the wildest, most iconic live cuts from Ozzy’s long career rolling 24/7 on MetalMania Live—because when it comes to madness, there’s only one king.

🤘 Babymetal x Bloodywood: A Fusion of Cultures and Chaos

Here’s a collab that melted the internet.

Japanese kawaii-metal icons Babymetal have teamed up with Indian folk-metal rebels Bloodywood for a ferocious new track, “Kon! Kon!”—set to appear on Babymetal’s upcoming album METAL FORTH.

It’s heavy, it’s global, and it’s got a message. The fusion of pop-metal energy and folk-metal aggression makes this one of the most exciting crossovers of the year. Now we wait for the live version to land, because once it does? You’ll only hear it here—live, loud, and unleashed on MetalMania Live.

🎧 Bring Me The Horizon Drops Surprise 23-Track Album “Lo-Files”

Talk about shock and awe.

Bring Me The Horizon just surprise-dropped Lo-Files, a sprawling 23-track compilation album that jumps between genres like a mosh pit with no rules. This one’s more experimental, more atmospheric—but don’t let that fool you. There are riffs. And once these new tracks start hitting the stage?

We’ll be spinning every live version they unleash. MetalMania Live doesn’t play studio surprises—we wait for the on-stage explosions.

🗞️ Other Headlines: Metal’s Weekly Pulse

• Ashes of Ares, Dayseeker, Ice Nine Kills, We Came As Romans, Mammoth, and Feuerschwanz are all teasing new music or tour updates.
• Buckcherry, Green Carnation, Biohazard, and Puscifer have also dropped hints of fresh material and upcoming shows.
• Accept, Queensrÿche, Powerwolf, Born of Osiris, Loathe, and Shadows Fall are all in motion—with potential live releases coming down the line.
• K.K. Downing and Mastodon’s Brann Dailor both commented on the epic “Back to the Beginning” performance, sending fans into nostalgia overdrive.
• In sad news, Tim Cronin, drummer of Monster Magnet, has passed away. MetalMania Live salutes him with a tribute block of Monster Magnet’s live cuts—because the stage is where legends live forever.
• And yes, Ozzy received a custom cross from Yungblud. Because of course he did.

🔥 Upcoming Releases – July 2025

We’re watching these release dates like hawks, waiting for live tour dates and recordings to drop:

July 11:

• Mosara – Rumour of a Funeral
• Front Row Warriors – Running Out of Time
• Floating – Hesitating Lights
• Angerot – Seofon
• Diamond Head – Live and Electric ✅ (Already queued on MetalMania Live)

July 18:

• Slaughter To Prevail – Grizzly
• Scardust – Souls
• Erra – “Gore of Being” (single)

July 25:

• Alice Cooper – The Revenge of Alice Cooper
• Bruce Dickinson – More Balls To Picasso
• Gwar – The Return Of Gor Gor

Every band listed? We’re watching. And once those live recordings hit, they’re going straight into our rotation.

⚡ MetalMania Live: Where the Stage Never Sleeps

If it wasn’t recorded live, it doesn’t get played. Period.

From stadium anthems to festival freakouts, MetalMania Live is your home for nonstop live-only metal and hard rock. Every scream, every riff, every drumstick snapped in half—it’s all real, raw, and live.

Turn it up. Leave it on. Metal lives here.

The reverberations from Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” concert are still shaking the foundations of the metal world. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a seismic event, a poignant farewell that saw the godfathers of heavy metal take their final bow on stage. MetalMania Live, the radio station that lives and breathes live Metal and hard rock – where every single track we spin is the raw, untamed live version – was, of course, tuning in for every thunderous moment. This historic night, filled with unexpected turns and unforgettable tributes, proved precisely why the live experience is paramount to the metal ethos.

The air in Birmingham, England, crackled with anticipation as tens of thousands gathered to witness history. Black Sabbath, with Ozzy Osbourne at the helm, delivered a set that reminded everyone exactly why they forged the genre. From the iconic riffs of “War Pigs” to the crushing weight of “Iron Man” and the relentless drive of “Paranoid,” every note was a testament to their enduring legacy, performed with the intensity only a live setting can truly capture.

Celebrity Stirrings: Engagements and Mosh Pit Mayhem

Beyond the monumental music, the “Back to the Beginning” spectacle delivered some truly memorable celebrity moments that further cemented its place in rock and roll folklore. In a move that sent shockwaves through the crowd and across social media, Slipknot’s own turntablist, Sid Wilson, got down on one knee and proposed to Kelly Osbourne! The sheer audacity and romance of such a public, high-octane proposal at a legendary metal show added an unexpected layer of personal drama to the already epic event. You just don’t get that kind of unscripted magic from a studio recording.

And speaking of unscripted, who knew Aquaman was such a metalhead? Jason Momoa, the charismatic actor and undeniable force of nature, wasn’t content to simply watch from the sidelines. During Pantera’s absolutely crushing set, eyewitnesses reported that Momoa dove headfirst into the mosh pit, embracing the raw energy and becoming one with the metal faithful. His presence, actively participating in the very fabric of the live show, underscored the inclusive and passionate spirit of the metal community. Pantera’s set, featuring undeniable classics like “Cowboys From Hell” and “Walk,” already brought the house down, but Momoa’s unbridled enthusiasm amplified the spectacle, proving that even Hollywood royalty can’t resist the undeniable pull of a live metal assault.

Reverence and Raw Power: Musical Tributes Aplenty

The sheer influence of Black Sabbath was on full display through the incredible tributes offered by some of metal’s biggest names. Metallica, a band profoundly shaped by Sabbath’s pioneering sound, delivered a truly thunderous set. They honored their forefathers with impeccably heavy renditions of Black Sabbath classics, demonstrating their deep respect and showcasing how the foundational riffs of Sabbath continue to inspire new generations of headbangers. Metallica’s performance, which included deep cuts like “Hole in the Sky” (played for the first time in over 15 years) and their first-ever live performance of “Johnny Blade,” was a powerful reminder of the direct lineage and enduring impact of Black Sabbath on the genre they helped create.

Not to be outdone, Guns N’ Roses also paid their respects with a set that featured multiple Black Sabbath covers. Axl Rose and company blasted through songs like “It’s Alright,” “Never Say Die!”, “Junior’s Eyes,” and the iconic “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,” showcasing the timelessness of Sabbath’s songwriting and their indelible mark on hard rock and heavy metal. These live interpretations, filled with the distinctive energy of GN’R, further amplified the celebratory atmosphere of the farewell.

Beyond the Stage: Industry Shifts and Sad Farewells

Beyond the monumental “Back to the Beginning” concert, the metal world continues to evolve and mourn. Linkin Park, a band that carved its own unique path in the metal landscape, has seen a significant surge in Spotify listeners, solidifying their position as one of the most streamed and beloved acts in the genre. This upward trend underscores the enduring power of their music and the continued relevance of their sound for a global audience, proving that even after their initial breakthrough, the impact of live performances and fan engagement continues to propel their popularity.

On a somber note, the metal community also mourned the passing of Kevin Riddles, a true legend from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene. Riddles, an original member and bassist for Angel Witch, passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer. His contributions to the NWOBHM movement helped lay crucial groundwork for countless bands that followed, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the heavy metal world. MetalMania Live salutes his enduring influence and offers our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans.

The “Back to the Beginning” concert was more than just a show; it was a living, breathing testament to the power of live music and the unbreakable spirit of metal. From the electrifying performances to the surprising celebrity moments and heartfelt tributes, it was an event that will be talked about for generations to come, reminding us all why the live experience, the very essence of what MetalMania Live champions, is the ultimate expression of this powerful genre.

At MetalMania Live, we don’t just play music; we unleash the fury, the power, and the unbridled energy of live metal and hard rock. In a world saturated with polished studio recordings, we stand as a bastion of authenticity, a sanctuary where every song played is the live version. We believe the true essence of heavy music isn’t found in sterile perfection, but in the sweat, the roar of the crowd, the spontaneous solos, and the sheer, unadulterated force that only a concert can deliver.

The Unfiltered Power of the Stage: Our Manifesto

Why settle for anything less than the real deal? A live metal or hard rock performance is a primal scream, a collective release of energy between band and audience that transcends the confines of a controlled studio environment. It’s about witnessing a shredding guitar solo stretch into uncharted territory, feeling the thunder of a double-bass drum attack reverberate through your chest, and hearing the raw, unpolished vocals that truly convey the emotion of the moment.

This is the very core of MetalMania Live. We are dedicated to bringing you these explosive, unforgettable moments. From the legendary thrash titans to the new wave of heavy hitters, we curate a sonic assault that embodies the spirit of the mosh pit and the exhilaration of headbanging in unison. We delve into the history, the intensity, and the sheer sonic impact of these vital recordings, translating the live experience directly to your speakers.

Fueling the Fandom: Why MetalMania Live

Our commitment to live metal isn’t just born of passion; it’s a strategic move to connect with the legions of fans who crave this authentic experience. When you’re searching for “live metal radio,” “hard rock concert recordings,” “best live metal bands,” or “unreleased hard rock jams,” MetalMania Live is designed to be your definitive destination. We understand that our audience hungers for the visceral impact of live music and an escape from the mundane. We cater to those who have felt the ground shake at a show, and those who dream of it.

By focusing on high-quality, engaging content that dives deep into specific live performances and iconic bands, we ensure that our articles are not just informative but also highly shareable and optimized for search engines. We strategically utilize keywords that metal and hard rock enthusiasts are actively searching for, making it easier for you to discover us and immerse yourself in the world of unchained sound. Our tone is raw, energetic, and knowledgeable, speaking directly to the fan who knows that a live version isn’t just an alternative – it’s often the superior experience.

Tonight’s “Metallica Live” Special: A Dive into Orlando’s WorldWired Power!

Prepare for the ultimate sonic assault every Friday night on MetalMania Live! We’re talking about “Metallica Live,” the radio show where we dedicate an entire evening to one legendary Metallica concert, start to finish. That’s right, at MetalMania Live, we only play live Metal and hard rock music – every song played is the live version, and “Metallica Live” is the pinnacle of that commitment. Forget studio perfection; here, you’ll experience the raw power, the blistering solos, the crowd’s thunderous roar, and the band’s unfiltered energy as if you were right there in the front row. From their early thrash days to their stadium-filling anthems, “Metallica Live” transports you directly to the heart of a Metallica performance, showcasing why they remain one of the most electrifying live acts in music history. Don’t miss your weekly dose of unadulterated live Metallica, exclusively on MetalMania Live!

And speaking of iconic live acts, prepare yourselves because tonight’s “Metallica Live” radio show features a truly special, handpicked live recording by Metallica themselves! We’re turning back the clock to July 5, 2017, for a monumental concert at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, as part of their epic WorldWired Tour. This was a night of pure, unadulterated Metallica power, showcasing their incredible longevity and their unwavering connection with their fanbase.

The atmosphere in Orlando that night was electric, primed by powerful opening sets from Avenged Sevenfold and Volbeat, setting the stage perfectly for the metal titans. Metallica then delivered a colossal performance, meticulously crafted with a diverse setlist that spanned their legendary catalog. Fans in attendance raved about the band’s commanding stage presence, the innovative stage production, and the sheer power of their performance. You could feel the ground shake as they tore through fan favorites and showcased tracks from their then-recent Hardwired… to Self-Destruct album.

This particular show holds a special place, not just for the fans who were there, but because it was professionally recorded and is available as a 2CD set or digital download on LiveMetallica.com, allowing its raw energy to be preserved and shared. Reviewers and fans alike lauded the setlist’s incredible balance, blending newer material with timeless classics. Expect to hear everything from the explosive “Hardwired” and “Atlas, Rise!” to thrash masterpieces like “Master of Puppets,” “One,” and “Seek & Destroy.” The band also unleashed fan favorites such as “Fuel,” “The Unforgiven,” “Wherever I May Roam,” “Sad But True,” and the epic “Fade to Black,” all culminating in the iconic “Nothing Else Matters” and “Enter Sandman.” This was a set designed to satisfy every corner of their vast fanbase.

So, tune in tonight to MetalMania Live and immerse yourself in this incredible piece of live music history. Experience every riff, every drum hit, every powerful vocal, exactly as it resonated through Camping World Stadium. Because at MetalMania Live, we believe there’s nothing quite like the untamed, unscripted power of live Metal and hard rock music – every song played is the live version. Prepare for a headbanging journey back to 2017 with Metallica!

Here at MetalMania Live, we live and breathe the raw energy of the stage! That’s why our radio station is dedicated only to playing live Metal and hard rock music – every single song you hear is the live version, a direct conduit to the electrifying atmosphere of a concert. We believe the true spirit of heavy music comes alive in front of a roaring crowd, and we’re here to bring that experience directly to your ears. Forget studio polish; we deliver the unadulterated power, the extended solos, the crowd chants, and the palpable intensity that only a live performance can offer.

As the summer heats up and beyond, the global metal and hard rock scene is absolutely exploding with an insane array of festivals and tours. From the colossal gatherings that shake the very foundations of cities to intimate club gigs, there’s an undeniable buzz in the air. This isn’t just about music; it’s about a community uniting, headbanging in unison, and celebrating the power of the riff.

Let’s dive into some of the monumental events that are currently electrifying fans worldwide, all of which represent the pinnacle of live performance that MetalMania Live champions:

North American Powerhouses: A Feast for the Senses

Across the Atlantic, the United States is hosting some of the most anticipated metal and hard rock gatherings.

• Aftershock Festival (Sacramento, California): This juggernaut continues to solidify its reputation as a must-attend event for any serious rock and metal fan. Known for its sprawling lineup featuring a diverse range of heavy hitters, Aftershock consistently delivers an unforgettable weekend of sonic assault. Recent iterations have seen legends like Slayer, Slipknot, Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, Pantera, and Judas Priest commanding the stages, offering unparalleled live experiences. The sheer scale and depth of talent make it a cornerstone of the live music calendar.
• Milwaukee Metal Fest (Milwaukee, Wisconsin): A true institution in the metal world, Milwaukee Metal Fest has been a beacon for extreme metal enthusiasts since its inception. This multi-day event consistently boasts a “stacked lineup” as Loaded Radio aptly puts it, featuring iconic bands and rising stars alike. Imagine the sheer force of acts like DOWN and Black Label Society ripping through their sets – that’s the kind of raw, unbridled energy you get here, and exactly the kind of live performances we crave at MetalMania Live.
• Sonic Temple (Columbus, Ohio): This festival has rapidly become a titan in the rock and metal landscape, celebrated for its consistently strong and impactful lineups. Previous years have witnessed titans like Metallica, Linkin Park, and KoRn dominating the stages, delivering explosive performances that resonate long after the final note. The energy radiating from the Ohio crowds is legendary, and the bands bring their absolute A-game.

European and International Dominance: Global Riff Worship

Beyond North America, the global metal family is gathering in force at some of the world’s most iconic festivals.

• Download Festival (United Kingdom): Arguably one of the most revered and influential rock, punk, and metal festivals globally, Download is an annual pilgrimage for tens of thousands of dedicated fans. From the hallowed grounds of Donington Park, bands unleash ferocious live sets, creating an atmosphere of pure sonic bliss. The history made on these stages is etched into the annals of heavy music, and every performance is a testament to the enduring power of live rock and metal.
• Wacken Open Air (Wacken, Germany): The undisputed “world’s largest heavy metal festival” needs no introduction. Held annually in the quiet German village of Wacken, this is more than just a festival; it’s a rite of passage. Thousands descend upon this legendary site to witness an unparalleled lineup of bands from every corner of the metal spectrum, delivering live sets that become part of Wacken lore. The sheer spectacle and camaraderie are unmatched.
• Mystic Festival (Gdańsk, Poland): This Polish gem has carved out a niche for itself by offering a truly diverse and compelling lineup of metal acts. Mystic Festival consistently brings together an eclectic mix of subgenres, ensuring there’s something for every metalhead. The intimate yet powerful setting allows for truly immersive live experiences.
• Inferno Metal Festival (Oslo, Norway): For those who crave the darker, more extreme edges of metal, Inferno Metal Festival is the ultimate destination. Located in the birthplace of black metal, this Norwegian institution focuses on the most ferocious and uncompromising bands, delivering raw, intense, and unforgettable live performances that capture the very essence of extreme music.
• Elbriot Festival (Hamburg, Germany): This Hamburg-based festival is a powerhouse, consistently showcasing a potent mix of international headliners and formidable local talent. The energy of the German crowd is a force to be reckoned with, creating an electric atmosphere for every live band that steps onto the stage.
• Rockstadt Extreme Fest (Râșnov, Romania): Deep within the historical landscapes of Romania, Rockstadt Extreme Fest stands tall as a premier event for extreme metal. Its focus on the heavier side of the genre ensures a relentless barrage of blistering live sets from some of the most intense bands on the planet.

Iconic Tours: Legends on the Road

While festivals offer a concentrated dose of live music, individual band tours continue to crisscross the globe, bringing the live experience to every corner. These are the moments where fans get up close and personal with their heroes, experiencing the raw power of their music in its most direct form.

• Iron Maiden: The legends continue their relentless “Run For Your Lives World Tour,” delivering their signature operatic metal and breathtaking stage production to legions of fans across Europe and beyond. Every Iron Maiden show is a masterclass in live performance, a theatrical journey through decades of metal anthems.
• Korn: The pioneers of nu-metal are back on the road, bringing their uniquely heavy and emotionally charged sound to various locations, including a highly anticipated run through Canada. Korn’s live shows are renowned for their visceral intensity and deep connection with their audience.
• Metallica: The undisputed kings of thrash metal continue their monumental M72 World Tour. With a promise of two distinct setlists over two nights in each city, no two shows are the same, offering fans a truly unique and diverse live experience. Whether they’re headlining a festival like Sonic Temple or tearing through their own stadium shows, Metallica’s live prowess remains unparalleled.

Beyond the Horizon: More Live Experiences Await

And let’s not forget other significant events that celebrate the vibrant culture of live metal and hard rock:

• Knotfest: Curated by the inimitable Slipknot, Knotfest is more than just a festival; it’s an immersive celebration of rock and metal culture. With various iterations popping up globally, Knotfest brings together a curated lineup of bands that embody the aggressive and innovative spirit of the genre, all delivering electrifying live sets.

This is just a glimpse into the thriving world of live metal and hard rock. At MetalMania Live, we are committed to bringing you the pulse of this incredible scene, playing only live Metal and hard rock music – every song played is the live version. Tune in and feel the roar of the crowd, the thundering drums, the soaring guitars, and the commanding vocals, all captured from the stage, just as it happened. Because for us, the only way to truly experience metal is live!