Metal news January 2026 is hitting different—the heavy music world is absolutely erupting this week, and if you’re not paying attention, you’re going to miss some of the biggest moves of the year. From thrash legends dropping their final weapons to deathcore titans announcing massive tours, the landscape is shifting beneath our feet. Strap in, headbangers—here’s everything you need to know in this week’s metal and hard rock news roundup. Catch more in the latest Rundown.
Megadeth Unleash “Puppet Parade” Ahead of Self-Titled Farewell Album
Dave Mustaine and the boys aren’t going quietly into that good night. Megadeth have dropped their fourth and likely final single, “Puppet Parade,” from their upcoming self-titled album landing this Friday, January 23rd. This is it, folks—the final studio album from one of thrash metal’s most iconic outfits, closing out a 40-year legacy that helped define the genre. The track carries that signature Megadeth ferocity with a moody, menacing edge that proves Mustaine still has venom in his veins. Released via Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint on Frontiers Label Group’s BLKIIBLK label, Megadeth features 10 tracks including a reimagined version of “Ride the Lightning”—a full-circle moment as Mustaine pays respect to his early days co-writing with Metallica. The city of La Vergne, Tennessee even proclaimed January 17th as “Megadeth Day” to honor the band’s monumental contributions to heavy music. With a farewell tour projected to span three to five years, this is your chance to witness thrash royalty one last time. Don’t sleep on grabbing limited edition vinyl variants before they’re gone forever.
Lorna Shore Announce Massive 2026 North American Headline Tour
Fresh off dominating 2025 with their critically acclaimed album I Feel the Everblack Festering Within Me, New Jersey’s blackened deathcore juggernauts Lorna Shore are ready to conquer North America once again. The band just announced a major headline tour kicking off April 17th in Buffalo, NY and wrapping May 22nd in their home state at Montclair, NJ. This 26-city rampage will tear through the U.S. and Western Canada—finally hitting Alberta for the first time—with support from the absolutely devastating Paleface Swiss and Signs of the Swarm. The tour also includes festival appearances at Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple, because when you’re this dominant, you play everywhere. Alongside the tour announcement, the band dropped a brand-new video for “In Darkness,” with frontman Will Ramos explaining the track is about growing up feeling distant and embracing that outcast identity many of us metalheads know all too well. Artist presale runs through Thursday using the code “DARKNESS,” with general on-sale hitting Friday, January 23rd at 9 AM local time. After the year Lorna Shore had, these dates will sell fast—secure your tickets immediately.
Dark Divine Embark on First-Ever North American Headline Tour
The horror-themed metalcore newcomers Dark Divine are officially stepping into the spotlight with their first full U.S. headline run, “The Shallow Graves Tour.” Kicking off March 4th in Worcester, MA and running through March 29th in Nashville, TN, this tour brings the theatrical darkness that’s been turning heads since the Orlando outfit exploded onto the scene. Joining them are Thriller Records labelmates Not Enough Space and Set For Tomorrow, with additional support from Bailey Spinn and Save Us on select dates. Since their 2021 debut, Dark Divine has been building a rabid fanbase through crushing festival performances and tours supporting heavyweights like Ice Nine Kills and Black Veil Brides. Their signature blend of theatrical horror aesthetics and punishing metalcore riffs makes them one of the most exciting young bands in the scene. Tickets went on sale January 16th—head to their official site to lock in your spot before these intimate venue shows sell out.
⚡ Atreyu Join Sevendust on Spring 2026 U.S. Tour
When legends link up, you pay attention. Atreyu have announced they’re hitting the road alongside Sevendust this spring, and the Orange County metalcore veterans are calling the Grammy-nominated outfit “legends” as they gear up for this high-impact run. Sevendust is touring in support of their 15th studio album One, dropping May 1st via Napalm Records, and the lineup is absolutely stacked with Fire From The Gods and American Adrenaline rounding out the bill. The tour kicks off April 16th in Carterville, IL and runs through May 20th in Knoxville, TN, hitting cities like Dallas, Denver, Birmingham, Indianapolis, and Baltimore along the way. Festival appearances at Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple are also on the schedule. Artist presales kicked off today, January 21st at 10 AM local using the code “ONE,” with general on-sale following Friday, January 23rd at 10 AM local time. This is modern metal intensity meets crossover energy at its finest—grab your tickets before they vanish.
☠️ Sepultura Announce Final North American Tour with Exodus, Biohazard, and Tribal Gaze
The end of an era is upon us. Brazilian thrash/groove metal titans Sepultura have announced the final North American leg of their “Celebrating Life Through Death” farewell tour, and the support lineup is nothing short of legendary. Bay Area thrash icons Exodus, hardcore heavyweights Biohazard, and Texas death metal destroyers Tribal Gaze will join the farewell trek that kicks off April 29th in Montclair, NJ and wraps May 29th at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. Originally launched in March 2024, the farewell tour was extended due to overwhelming demand and will now run through late 2026, giving fans around the world one last chance to witness the band that helped put South American metal on the global map. The tour hits major markets including Detroit, Atlanta, New Orleans, Chicago, Las Vegas, and San Diego, plus festival stops at Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple. After nearly 40 years and 15 studio albums, Sepultura’s influence on groove metal, thrash, and death metal cannot be overstated. Biohazard vocalist Billy Graziadei summed it up perfectly: “Hitting the road with Sepultura and Exodus is gonna be pure chaos and adrenaline.” General on-sale is this Friday, January 23rd at 10 AM local time, with VIP packages available now. This is your last chance to witness one of metal’s most influential bands—don’t miss it.
Stay heavy, stay loud, and we’ll see you in the pit.
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