Photo by Alex Markides
During its initial run from 1999 to 2018, the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival cultivated a well-earned reputation for functioning as a barometer in heavy culture. The annual gathering at the famed Palladium in Worcester, MA assembled a line-up of the very best from world of hardcore and metal - converging circles of heavy music in the same space for a multi-day celebration of music intended to fire up the pit.
Following a brief reset, the fest would mark its triumphant return in 2023, welcoming the likes of Parkway Drive, Lamb of God, Hatebreed and Shadows Fall for the first showing in five years. Now, the fest has announced their return for 2024 and the two-day event offers a stacked showcase complete with anniversary sets, important firsts and rarities to boot.
The 2024 New England Metal and Hardcore Fest will be headlined by Killswitch Engage who will be performing a special 25th anniversary set. Detahcore juggernaut Slaughter to Prevail will top the second date, with standout sets from Machine Head, Converge, Suicidal Tendencies, Full of Hell, Shadow of Intent, Incendiary and many more.
The New England Metal & Hardcore Fest will also feature the first Nails live since the band confirmed their first nerw album in eight years in is on the way. Additionally, rare performances from Bane and The Red Chord are featured along with a stellar showcase of emerging talent including Brand of Sacrifice, 200 Stab Wounds, Foreign Hands, Upon Stone, BRAT and more.
"I think this lineup is one of the top five best in the festival's history," sharted fest founder, Scott Lee. "It will appeal to all fans of all genres of extreme music."
"The place where it all began for us was The Worcester Palladium our first show and our first Metal Festival," added KsE vocalist Jesse Leach. "Here we are, 25 years later, returning to the same venue to perform a unique set to celebrate our legacy as a band We are honored and excited to be a part of this legendary festival once again. 25 years of Killswitch Engage!"
See the complete line up below. Get tickets and info - HERE
