Forget everything you know about music festivals; 70000TONS OF METAL is setting the bar astronomically high. Picture this: lounging on a Caribbean island, sunbathing on a pristine white beach before you find yourself in a hot tub aboard a luxurious cruise ship, the Independence of the Seas. With the ocean breeze on your face, you’re stationed in front of The Pool Deck Stage—the world’s largest open-air structure to ever sail the open seas. This isn’t just any music festival; it’s the United Nations of Heavy Metal at Sea, where metal fans from across the globe converge to headbang to their favorite bands.
Set to sail from January 30th to February 3rd, 2025, the festival embarks from Miami, Florida—known as the Cruise Capital of the World—and heads to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This thirteenth edition of the festival promises to be an unmissable event with 60 heavy metal bands from various subgenres performing on four stages throughout the cruise. With each band playing twice, the festival will host a total of 120 shows, ensuring that the 3,000 metalheads aboard have the ultimate heavy metal experience.
Among the first 13 bands announced for the 2025 lineup are:
- BENIGHTED – Performing two special sets featuring the “Carnivore Sublime” album and a “Best Of” compilation.
- CANDLEMASS – Celebrating “40 Years Of Doom”.
- EMPEROR, FLOTSAM & JETSAM, IN EXTREMO, KALMAH, MAJESTICA, SAMAEL, STRATOVARIUS, TANKARD, and THE KOVENANT – Each delivering unique dual performances.
The destination, Ocho Rios, offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Attendees can explore the famous Dunn’s River Falls, enjoy river-tubing, embark on scenic Land Rover® tours, or participate in Artist Escorted Shore Excursions, sharing unique experiences with their favorite musicians. The day onshore complements the high-energy metal festival with options for bamboo rafting, luxury yacht tours, or even a visit to Bob Marley’s childhood home.
In addition to the intense lineup and stunning location, the festival also emphasizes sustainability. Attendees have the option to purchase a Carbon Offset when booking, supporting the Greentrippers Improved Cookstoves project in Ghana, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
70000TONS OF METAL 2025 is not just a festival; it’s an immersive experience that combines the thrill of live heavy metal music with the luxury of a cruise and the beauty of the Caribbean. Whether you’re there for the mosh pits or to soak up the sun, this festival guarantees memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to rock the boat like never before!
