We’ve officially survived the January freeze, and if the first few weeks of 2026 were any indication, our eardrums are in for a brutal, beautiful year. We’ve already seen Ghost drop that surprise live album in January, and Slipknot has been teasing “The End, So Far… Again” vibes with those cryptic billboards.
But as we hit mid-February, the real heat is just starting to rise. Here is what’s landing on your playlists and hitting the stages as we move deeper into the year.
The Spring Drop: New Music on the Horizon
The studio sessions from late ’25 are finally hitting the light of day. Here’s what we’re tracking:
- Avenged Sevenfold (Expected March 2026): Rumors of a “heavier, more technical return” are swirling. After the experimental shift of their last record, word on the street is they’ve gone back to the dual-lead-guitar shredding that built the kingdom.
- Spiritbox: After dominating January’s “Most Anticipated” lists, Courtney and the boys are slated to drop a full-length LP this April. Expect more of that “pretty-meets-punishing” vocal work that’s redefining the genre.
- The Legends Return: Keep your eyes peeled for Metallica. While they haven’t confirmed a date, the “72 Seasons” cycle is winding down, and there are whispers of a new EP or a massive collaborative project dropping before the summer festivals.
The Main Stage: 2026 Tours You Can’t Miss
The “Stadium Summer” is shaping up early. If you haven’t secured your spots yet, now is the time to start justifying the credit card bill.
The “Industrial Revolution” Tour: Nine Inch Nails & Deftones
This is the big one. Starting in late May 2026, Trent Reznor and Chino Moreno are hitting 20 cities together. It’s a masterclass in mood, atmosphere, and sheer volume.
The “Legacy of the Beast: Part III”: Iron Maiden
Maiden is proving that “retirement” isn’t in their vocabulary. Their 2026 run is hitting the smaller “secondary” markets they missed last year, so if you’re tired of driving four hours to the city, check the local dates. The stage production is rumored to be their most pyro-heavy yet.
Knocked Loose / Bad Omens Co-Headliner
For the younger crowd (and those of us who still like a good pit), this tour is the gold standard for 2026. Expect chaos, high-production visuals, and a lot of “blegh.”
Z-Rock’s “One to Watch”
Keep an eye on Vended. They spent January tearing through small clubs in the Midwest and are slated for a massive festival run this summer. The DNA is there (literally), but the sound is carving its own path through the modern metal scene.
What’s On Your Radar?
The year is young, and the riffs are plenty. Whether you’re waiting for that vinyl to ship or you’re counting down the days until the gates open at the amphitheater, 2026 is shaping up to be the loudest year on record.
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