Metal & Hard Rock News – December 15, 2025: Major Tours, New Music & Festival Buzz
Here’s a snapshot of the biggest developments across heavy metal, metalcore, power metal, and hard rock over the past 24 hours — from major tour announcements to new releases and festival updates.
🤘 BABYMETAL Tease Potential Amy Lee Collaboration
BABYMETAL revealed they’re eager to collaborate with Amy Lee of Evanescence, signaling another bold genre-blending move following recent high-profile partnerships. A collaboration between the Japanese metal phenomenon and the gothic hard rock icon could mark one of the most intriguing crossovers in modern heavy music. Metal Mantra recently covered Evanescence’s latest spotlight moment, highlighting renewed mainstream momentum for the band.
📀 Rotten Sound Unleash New Album Mass Extinction
Finnish grindcore veterans Rotten Sound have released their latest album, Mass Extinction, delivering another uncompromising blast of extreme metal aggression. The record reinforces the band’s reputation as one of grindcore’s most relentless forces and arrives amid a strong wave of underground metal releases.
🎤 Evanescence Bring Jacoby Shaddix Onstage
Evanescence surprised fans by welcoming Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach onstage for a live performance of “Bring Me To Life” at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas. The collaboration delivered a nostalgic yet powerful moment underscoring the song’s lasting impact on modern hard rock and alternative metal.
📅 Infected Rain Announce Spring 2026 U.S. Tour
Infected Rain have announced a spring 2026 U.S. tour, continuing their steady rise within the global metal scene. The Moldovan metalcore outfit’s expanding North American presence reflects growing demand for their emotionally charged and technically aggressive sound.
🛠️ Caliban Release Deluxe Edition of Back From Hell
German metalcore mainstays Caliban have released a deluxe edition of Back From Hell, featuring unexpected cover tracks from Tears For Fears and Suicide Silence. The expanded release highlights the band’s versatility while offering longtime fans new material alongside the original record.
🔥 Milwaukee MetalFest 2026 Adds Major Acts
Milwaukee MetalFest has announced new additions to its 2026 lineup, including Pig Destroyer and Weekend Nachos, fueling early anticipation for next year’s event. The expanding lineup continues to position the festival as a key destination for extreme and underground metal.
🤟 HAMMERFALL Announce 2026 North American Tour
Power metal veterans HAMMERFALL have unveiled their Freedom World Crusade 2026 North American tour, joined by Evergrey and Elvenking. The announcement brings major momentum for fans of melodic and traditional heavy metal.
🚩 Kreator & Carcass Confirm 2026 U.S. Tour
Thrash metal titans Kreator have confirmed a May 2026 U.S. tour with death metal pioneers Carcass. The pairing promises one of next year’s most aggressive tour packages, uniting two influential forces in extreme metal.
