We’re counting down to the 2024 edition of 70000 tons of Metal! This is by far one of our personal favorite metal cruises where every artist is a headliner. Metalheads from around the globe share an insane experience of four days with very little to no sleep of nonstop metal shows. From big pool deck experiences to the intimate Star Lounge, there’s something for all metalheads regardless of subgenre, and we love it all. 2023 marked a significant return for the cruise after all cruises generally faced a halt due to the pandemic. The event’s future was uncertain, but it returned, giving sixty unique artists a go. This year we saw a number of acts having their first experience on the boat to artists having some notable silver-to-gold member status returns. We managed to capture all sixty bands, and as we countdown to the 2024 edition, we will share artist spotlights from the 2023 expedition leading up to the 2024 voyage. Artist Number 15: Dragonforce.
Dragonforce had an extensive 2023 touring schedule, and somehow, they made it to their overall third appearance at 70000tons of Metal. The first was in 2013, the second in 2016, and the 2023 run introduced their newest member, bassist Alicia Vigil, who joined in 2022 after long-time bassist Frédéric Leclercq departed to join German thrash legends Kreator. However, this appearance also saw them without vocalist Marc Hudson who was unable to make it. The UK power metal giants took the Pool Deck stage on the second day, January 31st, at 8:00 PM for their first set and the following day, Day 3, February 1st, at 11:45 PM for their second set at the Royal Theater. Due to scheduling constraints, we only attended their first set.
While Dragonforce may bring dragons, pinball machines, and basically anything goes on the stage, this show made wonders involving performing in a hot tub. The crowd was packed, and rightfully so. Dragonforce’s evolution over the years, from supporting Kamelot in 2015 to headlining venues like Brooklyn’s Saint Vitus with beer-drinking antics and humor, showcases their journey of bringing video games, nostalgia, Metal, and innovation to the stage. Witnessing their growth has been impressive.
As for their current status, Dragonforce’s new album, Warp Speed Warriors, is set to release on March 15th, 2024, suggesting a continued busy touring schedule into next year. Their recent fall trek with Amaranthe, Nanowar of Steel, and Edge of Paradise showcased a lineup featuring bands that have either performed at 70000tons of Metal or are set to make their first appearance in 2024.
Dragonforce
70000 tons of Metal will return on January 29th, setting sail from Miami, FL to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and back on February 2nd with another batch promising sixty bands to perform twice throughout the waves of adventure. The announcements have been moving fast this year as tickets have already gone on sale, and, well no updates since our last post but, in case you missed it, 37 bands out of 60 have been revealed thus far:
2024 70000tons of Metal artists:
Aborted
Angra
Blind Guardian
Blood Red Throne
Crypta
Dalriada
Depressive Age
Draconian
Dynazty
Epica
Equilibrium
Fleshgod Apocalypse
Grave Digger
Heidevolk
Infected Rain
Iotunn
Kataklysm
Legion of the Damned
Lord of the Lost
Marduk
My Dying Bride
Mystic Prophecy
Nanowar of Steel
Nervosa
Nile
Omnium Gatherum
Saor
Scar Symmetry
Serenity
Sodom
The Halo Effect
Thyrfing
Tygers of Pan Tang
Unleashed
Victory
Warkings
Wind Rose
2023 Artist Spotlight:
