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SCRANTON, PA — The Doom Crew is officially back in full force as Zakk Wylde has announced the return of the Berzerkus Festival for 2026, featuring a lineup so heavy it might actually crack the East Coast fault lines. After a legendary debut in 2024, the “Berzerker-in-Chief” is expanding the chaos to two massive back-to-back shows this August. Headlined by groove-metal titans Lamb of God and Wylde’s own Black Label Society, the festival promises a “congregation of heft” that spans across Pennsylvania and New York.

TL;DR: The Key Takeaways

• The Headliners: Lamb of God will close out both nights, supporting their brand-new powerhouse album Into Oblivion.
• Wylde Overload: Zakk will pull triple duty, performing with Black Label Society, his Sabbath-tribute act Zakk Sabbath, and hosting the entire festival.
• The NOLA Connection: Sludge metal royalty Down (featuring Phil Anselmo and Pepper Keenan) joins the bill along with crossover icons Suicidal Tendencies.
• Beyond the Riffs: Both dates feature a “Ride for Dime” (honoring Dimebag Darrell), a curated car show, strongman competitions, and a hot sauce eating contest.

A “Battleship” Lineup: The Heavy Hitters of 2026

Building on the success of his recent Engines of Demolition LP, Zakk Wylde is using the 2026 Berzerkus run to solidify his festival’s status as a premier metal destination. While the inaugural 2024 event featured an eclectic mix with Cody Jinks and Rival Sons, 2026 is leaning hard into pure, unfiltered aggression.

Lamb of God arrives at the top of the bill following the massive success of their latest full-length, Into Oblivion. Frontman Randy Blythe and company are expected to deliver a set heavy on new material and career-defining anthems. Joining them is Down, making a rare East Coast appearance that is already sparking rumors of new music from the NOLA supergroup. Suicidal Tendencies will also be on hand to ensure the mosh pits remain at peak intensity with their signature crossover-thrash assault.

We Also Recommend – Lamb Of God Albums Ranked From Worst To Best (This List Isn’t Up For Debate At The Top)

The Doom Crew Infrastructure: Dark Chapel and More

Zakk Wylde isn’t just bringing his guitar; he’s bringing his entire musical family. The lineup includes Dark Chapel, the burgeoning side project of longtime BLS guitarist Dario Lorina. Dark Chapel has been making waves in early 2026 for their unique blend of grunge and bluesy hard rock, with Lorina’s vocals often drawing comparisons to Chris Cornell and Layne Staley.

For the Scranton stop at Montage Mountain, Wylde is leaning into the nostalgic fun with a trio of “Obvious” tribute acts:

• Fan Halen (Van Halen Tribute)
• Bonfire (AC/DC Tribute)
• Use Your Illusion (Guns N’ Roses Tribute)

More Than Just Music: Ride for Dime and Strongman Glory

Berzerkus is being billed as a “lifestyle festival,” incorporating fan-driven experiences that celebrate biker and metal culture. The “Ride for Dime” will see hundreds of motorcycles descending on the venues to honor the memory of the late Pantera guitarist and Zakk’s close friend, Dimebag Darrell Abbott.

Attendees can also test their mettle in a Strongman Competition, witness a curated car show, or sacrifice their taste buds in the High River Sauces Hot Sauce Eating Contest. For the Scranton faithful, a Battle of the Bands will take place, giving local talent a chance to prove they belong on the same mountain as the heavy hitters.

Check This Out – The 13 Best Metal Guitarists Right Now: Loaded Radio’s Definitive 2026 Ranking

FAQ: Berzerkus Festival 2026

When and where is Berzerkus 2026 taking place?

The festival hits two locations: August 28 at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA, and August 29 at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY.

What bands are playing Berzerkus?

The main lineup features Lamb of God, Black Label Society, Down, Suicidal Tendencies, Zakk Sabbath, and Dark Chapel. The Scranton date includes additional tribute acts Fan Halen, Bonfire, and Use Your Illusion.

Band Bio: Black Label Society

Formed in 1998 by guitar legend Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Pantera), Black Label Society (BLS) has spent nearly three decades as the gold standard for groove-laden “Biker Metal.” Known for their fanatical “Doom Crew” following and Wylde’s signature pinch harmonics and blistering solos, the band has released eleven studio albums. Their latest effort, Engines of Demolition (2025), debuted at the top of the hard rock charts, proving that the BLS chapter is still being written in blood and riffs.

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Against The Current are back on the cover of Rock Sound, celebrating their past, present and future.

15 years as one of the scene’s most beloved bands, Against The Current are stepping into a new era with the same passion and drive that got them to this point. Celebrating a milestone year in 2026, Chrissy Costanza reflects on the community that sits at the heart of their band, their newfound independence, and why their future feels brighter than ever.

Get your magazine alongside a world exclusive t-shirt design, only at SHOP.ROCKSOUND.TV

You can also pick up a special ‘Chrissy’ cover variant, with deluxe A4 poster print, at SHOP.ROCKSOUND.TV

The post Against The Current Are On The Cover Of Rock Sound appeared first on Rock Sound.

Reaper Entertainment is proud to officially announce the signing of GRAVE DANCE COMPANY. The newly formed band brings together musicians connected to two influential names in the dark rock scene: Jack Frost and End Of Green. GRAVE DANCE COMPANY was not created as a calculated project, but born from a special moment – out of friendship, shared history, and […]

Source

Bringing it on.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KOMODO UNLEASH SECOND STUDIO ALBUM BATTLE PASS — OUT MAY 29, 2026
Panama City, Panama — Panamanian metal force Komodo are ready to hit the next level with the release of their highly anticipated second studio album Battle Pass , arriving on all digital platforms May 29, 2026 via Soman Records.
Forged through relentless touring, international recognition, and a fearless creative evolution, Komodo have built serious momentum leading into this release. The band claimed victory at the Wacken Open Air Metal Battle Central America, shared stages during Sepultura Farewell Tour , and took home “Band of the Year” and “Metal Single of the Year” at the Rockzany Music Awards. With performances across seven countries, they’ve proven they’re not just another rising act, they’re a band with teeth.
Instead of rushing into a traditional album cycle, Komodo took a sharp left turn after 2022. They ditched the conventional formula and embraced a “Battle Pass” mindset inspired by gaming culture. Rather than writing an album front to back, they focused on crafting standalone singles, each with its own identity, visual style, and sonic direction. No filler, no safety net, just high-impact releases.
That gamble paid off.
Battle Pass is the culmination of that era. It pulls together this series of singles along with four brand-new, unreleased tracks into a 10-song record that hits hard from every angle. The sound is dynamic and unapologetic, blending the razor-sharp aggression of Megadeth , the melodic ambition of Avenged Sevenfold , and the unpredictable vocal edge reminiscent of System of a Down . You get crushing breakdowns, soaring melodies, and hooks that stick whether you like it or not.
What makes this record stand out is its contrast. It’s heavy without being one-note, melodic without losing bite. You can hear the freedom in it. No label pressure, no forced cohesion. Just a band doing exactly what they want, and doing it well.
Now they’re wrapping that chapter up and kicking the door open to the next one.
With Battle Pass , Komodo deliver a record that not only defines where they’ve been but sets the tone for where they’re headed. And if this is them “between phases,” the next full-scale assault ought to be something else entirely.
Album Details:
Title: Battle Pass
Release Date: May 29, 2026
Tracks: 10 (including 4 unreleased)
Location: Panama City, Panama
Label: Soman Records
Production Credits:
Produced by Komodo
Recorded at Ilicito Studios
Recording Engineer: Azael Buendía
Mixed by Ignacio “Nacho” Molino (except “The Lingering,” mixed by Ernesto Shnack)
Mastered by Daniel Ovie
Co-Produced (select tracks): Ivan Marchosky
Streaming & Purchase:
DistroKid: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/komodo18/battle-pass
Bandcamp: https://somanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/battle-pass
Komodo aren’t slowing down either. With work already underway on album number three, 2026 is shaping up to be their biggest year yet.
Fear the Komodo.




Connect:
Website: https://www.fearthekomodo.com
Main Hub: https://bio.site/fearthekomodo
Contact:
Email: fearthekomodo@gmail.com
Management: Edgardo Quijada

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