2023 has been an amazing year for heavy metal tours and there are even more awesome shows coming!
From mainstream metal/rock to industrial, death metal, prog, and more, there is a show suited for anybody’s tastes. But what are the sickest metal tours taking place this year that you need to see?
Among the array of awesome shows happening in 2023, here are the ten metal tours you should absolutely be on the lookout for.
Metallica
The thrash metal titans are hitting the road this August for an epic tour that will involve them playing for two nights in each city they visit. With unique set lists and unique guests playing alongside them on each night, this is easily going to be one of the most thrilling shows of the year; actually, this tour is going to be so intense that, although it starts in 2023, it will be continuing into 2024.
Mastodon / Gojira / Lorna Shore
While the first leg of their tour came to an end recently, these three amazing metal bands will be hitting the road once again later this year for another trek. Mastodon and Gojira have made a name for themselves over the course of their career, becoming some of the genre’s biggest headliners. And Lorna Shore – just wow, what those guys have done in such a relatively short amount of time is astounding. This is a tour you don’t want to miss out on.
Rob Zombie / Alice Cooper / Ministry / Filter
For you horror buffs out there looking for a theatrical experience, don’t miss out on Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper’s chilling and thrilling tour this summer and fall. Accompanied by Filter and industrial metal titans Ministry, the “Freaks on Parade Tour” is going to be a wild experience.
Dethklok / Babymetal
Another absolutely amazing tour to take place later this year is Dethklok and Babymetal’s “Babyklok Tour.” Given that both bands are known to put on stunning and exciting live performances, being able to see the two acts together is going to make for one of the most exhilarating metal tours of 2023.
Liturgy / BIG|BRAVE
With each band having released new music this year, Liturgy and BIG|BRAVE have joined forces to bring audiences one of the most fascinating and unique metal tours of the year. With Liturgy’s avant-garde approach to black metal and that of BIG|BRAVE’s doom folk, this tour will feature an array of captivating and brilliant compositions that will surely mesmerize crowds.
Ghost /Amon Amarth
Ghost has been awfully busy when it comes to touring, and even though the band toured the States last year, they are making another trek later in 2023. This time around though, they are being joined by Viking metalheads Amon Amarth.
Cynic / Atheist
As two of death metal’s most iconic acts, Cynic and Atheist will be joining forces for one of the most creatively intriguing tours to take place this year. With these two bands, you get a little bit of everything – death metal that is forward, speedy, and crushing, as well as death metal that is cerebral, psychedelic, and meditative. It’s the perfect all-in-one billing.
Coheed and Cambria / Deafheaven
On the more proggy side of things, Coheed and Cambria is heading out for a very special tour where they will be playing songs off their new album, as well as playing No World For Tomorrow in full. Black metal darlings Deafheaven will also be accompanying the band, making this tour an experience packed with thrills.
Disturbed / Theory Of A Deadman / Breaking Benjamin / Jinjer
Packed to the brim with some of metal and rock’s biggest names, Disturbed’s upcoming headlining tour looks to be an awesome time. Featuring the likes of Theory Of A Deadman, Breaking Benjamin, and Jinjer, every night on this tour will surely bring a welcoming dose of nonstop excitement.
Pantera
How could we not mention Pantera? Along with touring with Metallica, the band will also be hitting the road with Lamb of God this year (as well as playing several metal festivals). For a lot of folks, this will be the first time they have seen the band in over 20 years (and for others, it will be their first time).