Milwaukee Metal Festival has officially unveiled the final wave of artists, completing what organizers are calling an already stacked lineup. The latest announcement adds Machine Head, two separate sets from Napalm Death, Generation Kill (Featuring Rob Dukes of Exodus), Creeping Death, and Heavy//Hitter to the bill, rounding out the roster for next year’s event.
Fans who purchase a three-day festival pass will also receive free entry to the Thursday pre-party on June 4. The kickoff night gives attendees an early start to the weekend, with performances from Acid Bath, Killswitch Engage, Obituary, Agalloch, and many more, promising what organizers describe as the “best weekend ever!”
The festival will once again take over The Rave/Eagles Club, running from June 5 through June 7, 2026, with the pre-party launching festivities the night before on June 4. Three-day passes, two-day passes, single-day tickets, and a limited selection of reserved seating options are currently available. Full lineup details, ticket choices, and ongoing festival updates can be found here.
Milwaukee Metal Fest 2026 will continue its tradition of celebrating metal in all its forms, featuring death metal, doom, hardcore, metalcore, thrash, industrial, and underground extremity. Performances will be spread across multiple stages throughout the venue, and beyond the music, fans can explore a dedicated merch and collectibles floor offering exclusive band merchandise, vinyl, rare finds, and more throughout the weekend.
Bush have unveiled the official music video for the song “I Am Here To Save Your Life.” The clip was directed by Ben Alexis, who works as a photographer and videographer for Kobra Kult, a tour-focused agency that handles photography, video, and social media for bands and touring artists.
“I Am Here To Save Your Life” appears on Bush’s most recent album, I Beat Loneliness, which was released last July through earMUSIC. The track continues the band’s recent run of introspective material, pairing restrained visuals with a song rooted in emotional honesty.
The album was produced by Rossdale alongside Erik Ron, whose past work includes collaborations with Panic! At The Disco, Set It Off, and Bad Omen. I Beat Loneliness represents Bush’s tenth studio album, reflecting both the band’s longevity and their willingness to keep evolving rather than leaning on past formulas.
The band’s current lineup features Rossdale on vocals, Chris Traynor on guitar, Corey Britz on bass, and Nik Hughes behind the drums.
Fresh off the momentum of their recent single “Dead,” Atreyu are back with another release, unveiling “Ego Death,” a heavy yet reflective track centered on personal change and self-release. The song leans into the idea that growth sometimes requires leaving parts of yourself behind in order to move forward.
Musically, the track is driven by dense guitar work, a steady rhythmic push, and a chorus that lands with emotional weight rather than pure aggression. The band blends their heavier tendencies with melody, creating a balance that feels intentional and grounded. As the group explains: “Sometimes a piece of you has to die in order for you to truly live. “Ego Death” is peace.”
The release is paired with an accompanying music video, which can be viewed below. Fans can also stream or download the single through standard platforms.
Alongside the arrival of “Ego Death,” Atreyu have announced plans for a spring tour in support of Sevendust. The run begins April 20 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and wraps up May 20 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Full tour dates and ticket information are available here.
Sabaton have postponed their previously announced North American tour to give bassist Pär Sundström time to recover from what the band describes as “inflammation in his arms.”
The run was set to begin February 9 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and roll through the U.S. and Canada, including planned major stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston, before ending April 20 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Pop Evil and Wings Of Steel were slated as support.
On Wednesday, January 29, Sabaton shared a full statement on social media explaining the decision and what ticket-holders should expect next:
“Dear friends in the USA and Canada, unfortunately, we have to postpone our North American tour.
“Pär is currently dealing with inflammation in his arms, and after seeking medical advice, he’s been told to rest for now so he can properly heal. Performing on stage means everything to us, but health must come first.
“We are genuinely sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this causes. We’re already working hard to secure new dates.
“We were so excited to see you all, and that excitement hasn’t gone anywhere. We’re looking forward to the moment we can finally step on those stages!
“Thank you for your patience, your love and your constant support. It means the world to us!
“For now, please keep hold of your tickets. You will receive an e-mail notification from the official point of sale as soon as the status of the event changes or a new date is announced. Please note, the summer shows in Europe are not affected by this!
UK’s black metal legends, Winterfylleth, have signedwith Napalm Records. To celebrate this new partnership, the band has announced a new album, The Unyielding Season, set for release on March 27, 2026.
Making a stand, Winterfylleth’s ninth album is a social commentary wrapped in meticulously crafted poetry and prose. Where the preceding album, The Imperious Horizon (2024), described an ominous, malevolent force lurking in the distance, The Unyielding Season now explores said threat becoming a reality.
The raging wildfire to its predecessor’s calculating, icy cold, Winterfylleth’s first offering for their new record label is a reflection and a rebellion against the turmoils that are tearing individuals apart. It is a cry against the unsustainable weight of fear and pressure being imposed on the world by the agents of an unresting, unyielding force of evil.
The first glimpse into the infernal release is “Heroes of a Hundred Fields”. Winterfylleth weave an epic story into a raging battle hymn, describing brave minds joining forces against a common oppressor to fight for their freedom.
Winterfyllethabout “Heroes of a Hundred Fields”: “‘Heroes of a Hundred Fields’ is framed in a wartime, battlefield setting and uses the premise of soldiers coming together, united as brothers, to fight against a foe who is powerful, oppressive, and domineering. It talks about how people should come together and fight for the freedoms they have and not succumb to those who would attack them and try to weaken them (or take them away entirely). There have been so many ideas and schemes pushed into the world over the last few years that only serve to erode people’s personal freedoms, slowly, little by little, until they are gone. This song talks about ‘lighting the beacons of rebellion’ against those who would seek to undermine the way of life and freedom that we all – hopefully – hold dear.”
Where our surroundings grow more challenging every day, Winterfylleth offers a pause for respite and resistance. The world is on fire, and The Unyielding Season is a warning.
Winterfyllethabout The Unyielding Season: “2026 marks a year of big changes for Winterfylleth! A new label, a new member, a new album, and the landmark of 20 years making music together. We are enthused by what this new chapter will bring, and as a result, we are now able to share our ninth album, The Unyielding Season, with the world. It is also a powerful and virulent first output, through which we seal our new collaboration with Napalm Records.”
“In many ways, the new album is a reflection on – and a rebellion against – the turmoil and fears that are tearing the lives of many individuals apart. It is a cry against the unsustainable & constant weight of malevolence and pressure being pushed into the world by agents of an un-resting and unyielding force for evil. We hope the album resonates with you, stirs your soul, and gives you a source for hope. But, we also hope it makes you ask questions of your own circumstances and gives you pause to consider the unnerving state of the world we all share,” the band added.
Motionless In White has shared the official music video for their brand new single, “Afraid Of The Dark”. The song connects Motionless In White‘s past, present, and future — mixing metallic fury with electronic embellishments. The result is a fist-in-the-air anthem that will be instantly beloved by the Motionless faithful.
“20 years ago, I stepped into a tour van with my best friends, having no idea what was next every mile we drove down the road,” says Motionless In White singer Chris Motionless, pulling back the curtain on the song’s origin story, which is rooted in the band’s own history. “Funny enough, we broke down two hours later in the AM hours in a snowstorm. We had to sleep on the floor of a rest stop on the side of the Interstate and wait what felt like forever for a tow truck. We were forced to cancel the first few shows of our first tour ever, and to figure out how to scrape up every cent we could to try and get the van fixed and get back on the road. Nothing was ever going to stop us. There was never a doubt that we would find a way to live out our biggest dream and set a precedent for anything standing in our way.”
He continues: “On our 20-year anniversary, that spirit is burning just as hot as it was on that day. We refuse to settle, refuse to let any opposing force stop us from clawing our way up from hell, and we refuse to fear the dark of the unknown. I want the story of MIW to inspire anyone listening to not fear the unknown, but to run head first into it with everything they’ve got. This song is about taking control of your destiny and writing the script of your own future without any doubt or apprehension. For those of you who have been with us for any part of the last 20 years, this one is for you. If you mean it, you will make it.”
Motionless In White will spend the spring on tour supporting Bring Me The Horizon, including a performance at Madison Square Garden and at Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple festivals.
Motionless In White has always stood out from the crowd. Mirroring alternately brutal and breathtaking sonic artistry against elegant and enigmatic imagery, the gold-certified, Scranton, Pennsylvania quintet has organically drawn legions of fans under its spell since 2006. A steady grind has elevated them to arena headliners.
After earning three straight Top 5 debuts on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart, 2022’s Scoring The End Of The World bowed at #1 on the latter, in addition to securing the band’s highest position on the Billboard 200 at No. 12. The LP notably spawned their second RIAA gold-certified hit and first Active Rock No. 1, “Masterpiece”, which has leapt towards the platinum threshold. Insidious and innate versatility has enabled them to collaborate on popular tracks with everyone from Jonathan Davis of Korn and “Doom” composer Mick Gordon to Illenium and Knocked Loose.
Beyond sold-out headline tours and direct support slots for Bring Me The Horizon and Slipknot, the group hosts, curates, and headlines its own Apocalypse Fest in Scranton. Two decades into their career, these outliers prove to be as dynamic and dangerous as ever, with a slew of new releases on the horizon for Roadrunner Records. This era begins with the single “Afraid Of The Dark”, infusing tightly executed metalcore with gothic overtures, industrial grit, and an arrestingly uplifting message to “follow the light in your heart and be not afraid of the dark.”
A long-rumored piece of Savatage history is finally getting the full release treatment. Founding singer Jon Oliva says a live album recorded on June 29, 1990, at the Palace in Los Angeles (captured during the Gutter Ballet tour) is set to arrive “soon.”
The recording features Savatage’s touring lineup from that era: Jon Oliva on lead vocals and piano, his late brother Criss Oliva on lead guitar, Chris Caffery on guitar, Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, and Steve “Doc” Wacholz on drums.
Jon shared the update in a social media post on Monday (January 26), and he didn’t keep it vague. Here’s what he said about where things stand and why this particular night matters to him:
“The triple live album with Criss is being turned over to the record company this Monday, the 26th, and it will be coming out soon. This is live from the Palace in Los Angeles on the Gutter Ballet tour, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best shows we ever did. Criss and I were absolutely on fire that night — his playing was incredible, my singing was strong, and yeah… I was pretty funny too. We’ve remixed and mastered the entire show, and it sounds absolutely amazing. The song list is fantastic, and the energy from that night really comes through. This is truly a must-have for every real Savatage fan. I can’t wait for you all to hear it.”
If the setlist data is accurate, it’s the kind of track run that hits every corner of the early catalog and then some. According to Setlist.fm, the Palace show included:
City Beneath The Surface
White Witch
Of Rage And War
She’s In Love
Mentally Yours
24 Hrs. Ago
Legions
Strange Wings
Hounds
Temptation Revelation
When The Crowds Are Gone
The Dungeons Are Calling
Holocaust
Sirens
Power Of The Night
Hall Of The Mountain King
Gutter Ballet
Thorazine Shuffle
Devastation
There’s also a connection here to a release longtime fans already know: three songs from the 1990 Palace performance previously showed up on the 1995 live album Ghost In The Ruins – A Tribute To Criss Oliva. Those were “Gutter Ballet,” “When The Crowds Are Gone,” and the instrumental “Post Script,” which was recorded during soundcheck.
If this triple live set lands the way Jon describes, properly remixed, mastered, and with the full show intact, it’s a serious archival release for anyone who holds the classic Savatage era close.
Florida death metal vets Obituary have locked in a March headlining run, with Castrator and Intoxicated joining as support. The nine-date trek also includes two stops where Obituary will open for Acid Bath, making those nights the obvious outliers on what’s otherwise a straight headliner schedule.
Tickets for the headlining shows go on sale this Friday, January 30, at 10:00 a.m. local time at this location. Check out the itinerary below.
03/19 – Gainesville, FL – The Wooly (no Castrator) 03/20 – Birmingham, AL – The Canteen 03/21 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns (with Acid Bath, Herakleion, and Saint Avangeline) 03/22 – Memphis, TN – 1884 Lounge 03/24 – Oklahoma City, OK – 89th Street 03/25 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note 03/27 – Denton, TX – Rubber Gloves 03/28 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall (with Acid Bath and High On Fire) 03/29 – New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s
While the tour news is the immediate headline, drummer Donald Tardy has also been talking about what comes next for the band on the recording side. Last summer, he was asked by Bloodstock TV’s Oran O’Beirne whether Obituary were still targeting a new studio album in 2026 or 2027. His answer was cautious and very on-brand for a band that’s been doing this for decades.
“In the rock and roll industry, you make plans, and nothing ever sticks, and getting pushed back, it happens always. So I don’t wanna tell people that there’s gonna be a new album, ’cause is there? We don’t know. We’re having a damn good time. My brother [Obituary frontman John Tardy] and I are having a blast. Should there be one more record? Possibly. Possibly for the fans,” he explained (via Blabbermouth)
“Going on a 40-year career, we’re wondering, where do we go with this career of ours? And how much longer? Do we wanna do it? Can we do it? And should we? And so to answer the question, we love writing music, and we love the idea of a new album, but we will definitely take our time and write the best songs we possibly can, just like we did with Dying Of Everything,” Tardy continued.
“So ’26 and ’27 will be a writing process, and then the recording of it. So, we’re looking it as, if we’re still on this side of the ground and we could do it, there’ll be another one, simply because the fans deserve it. And we’re still having a good time doing what we do.”
Drumeo has released a new playthrough video spotlighting Dream Theater drum icon Mike Portnoy, this time featuring his performance of “Midnight Messiah”. The track comes from the band’s most recent studio album, Parasomnia, and gives viewers a close look at Portnoy’s approach behind the kit on newer material from the band.
The video continues Drumeo’s series of high-profile drummer features, offering fans a detailed view of Portnoy’s technique, timing, and musical choices as he works through the song. It also marks another moment of connection between Portnoy and Parasomnia, an album that has already drawn attention for its ambitious scope and modern edge.
In related news, Dream Theater have announced plans for a 40th Anniversary tour across Latin America, scheduled for April and May 2026. As part of the celebration, the band will perform Parasomnia in full during each show.
In addition to the complete album performance, the setlists will also include the epic track “A Change Of Seasons”, marking the song’s 30th anniversary. The tour is set to honor both the band’s latest chapter and a major milestone from their past, bringing together multiple eras of Dream Theater for fans across the region.
Powerwolf have released the fourth single from their upcoming live album, Wildlive (Live At Olympiahalle), due out February 13 via Napalm Records. The band continues to tease the release with a fiery performance that captures the scale and intensity of their recent live shows.
The latest single, “1589”, originally appeared on Powerwolf’s 2024 chart-topping studio album Wake Up The Wicked. On the live release, the track stands out as one of the most striking moments, elevated by an elaborate stage setup and dramatic pyrotechnics. The accompanying live video puts viewers directly inside the spectacle, going beyond a standard concert experience. Filmed in Munich during the band’s sold-out Olympiahalle show on the 2024 Wolfsnächte Tour, the footage reinforces Powerwolf’s reputation as a dominant live force.
Reflecting on the release, Powerwolf shared their thoughts on Wildlive (Live At Olympiahalle), saying: “We always knew that no words or short recap videos could truly capture what we experienced together during the Wolfsnächte 2024 tour. Every night was its own kind of magic – still, we wanted to find a way to hold on to those memories and share them in the most powerful way possible. That’s why we decided to record the full, massive, sold-out show at the Olympiahalle in Munich – to preserve just a piece of what we all felt on this tour. Wildlive (Live At Olympiahalle) is more than a live release. It’s a tribute and manifestation to the moments we created together.”
Formed in 2004 as an unconventional project, Powerwolf have since grown into one of the most successful metal acts worldwide. Wildlive (Live At Olympiahalle) documents that rise, presenting a performance that feels closer to a theatrical production than a typical metal concert. From a fire-breathing church organ and massive pyrotechnics to dark, operatic storytelling and constant crowd engagement, the show leans fully into heavy metal theater. The release will be available across multiple formats, including Blu-ray, DVD, CD, vinyl, and a range of collector-focused editions with exclusive bonus material.
Throughout Wildlive (Live At Olympiahalle), each song is paired with shifting digital backdrops, timed visual effects, and dramatic staging. Elements such as torch-bearing monks, falling snow over a burning piano, and a fiery execution scene add to the atmosphere. Songs like “Army Of The Night”, “Amen & Attack”, “Armata Strigoi”, and “Demons Are a Girl’s Best Friend” take on an even larger presence, while more emotional moments like “Alive or Undead” create a powerful contrast. The interaction between frontman Attila Dorn and organist Falk Maria Schlegel gives the performance a ritualistic feel from start to finish.
Rather than simply revisiting past highlights, Wildlive (Live At Olympiahalle) also signals a new phase for the band. Powerwolf continue to push beyond genre labels, turning their concerts into communal events built on metal, emotion, and spectacle. With this release, they underline once again that what they create is meant to be experienced as something larger than music alone.
Wildlive (Live At Olympiahalle) will be available in the following formats:
– 4-LP Vinyl Box Marbled Sun Yellow/Red: 2-LP Gatefold (Live At Olympiahalle) + 2-LP Gatefold (Live In Oberhausen 2022) – Napalm Records mailorder only (strictly limited)
– 2-LP Gatefold Silver (Live At Olympiahalle) – Napalm Records mailorder only (strictly limited)
– 1 x Blu-ray + 1 x DVD + 2-CD Mediabook (48p) (Live At Olympiahalle)
– 2-CD Digipac (24p) (Live At Olympiahalle)
– 2-LP Gatefold Black (Live At Olympiahalle)
– 1 x Blu-ray + 1 x DVD + 4-CD Earbook (96p) (Live At Olympiahalle + Live In Oberhausen 2022)
– Digital album
Pre-orders for Wildlive (Live At Olympiahalle) are available now.
