For decades, Arch Enemy has stood as a global powerhouse, synonymous with precision, brutality, and melodic perfection. As one of the most influential forces in metal, they have conquered stages worldwide and defined the very blueprint of modern melodic death metal. For this band, led by founder Michael Amott, standing still has never been an option—evolution is their only constant. The year 2026 marks the dawn of a monumental new era. Following the success of their Blood Dynasty cycle, Arch Enemy is stepping into a bold new chapter of their storied history. With the arrival of the formidable Lauren Hart as their new frontwoman, the band has transformed into a revitalized and more lethal version of itself. Lauren Hart brings a raw, unbridled energy and a commanding vocal ferocity that fuses perfectly with the band’s legendary twin-guitar assault. This transition is far more than a lineup change; it is a powerful rebirth. Arch Enemy is ready to reclaim the throne, proving that their darkest and most intense era is only just beginning.

The Black Dahlia Murder has proven, despite tragedy, to be an unstoppable force. Formed in Oak Park, MI, in 2001, the melodic death unit has spent two decades working their collective ass off in the near-relentless cycle of drop-killer album/tour-hard-and-long, earning the love and respect of the metal community. 

The Black Dahlia Murder’s most recent full-length, Verminous, was released on April 17, 2020, via Metal Blade Records. Without compromising one iota of heaviness, the record stands among the band’s most dynamic, rousing, and emotional releases to date. Louder Sound crowned Verminous, “absolutely excellent,” while Blabbermouth wrote, “This is a deeper and smarter realization of the Michigan crew’s tried and tested formula, and one blessed with several of the finest songs they have ever written… File next to Nocturnal and Ritual as an unquestionable career peak.” 

Unfortunately, in May 2022 the band were dealt a crushing blow with the suicide of larger-than-life vocalist – and co founder – Trevor Strnad at the age of 41, those close to him believing the mental health problems he had long dealt with were behind him at this juncture. Understandably, the members were left reeling by this, and spent many days racked with grief and wondering if this meant the band was over. But having put so many years of work and love into the band no one was willing to give up on it, with the decision made for guitarist – and founding member – Brian Eschbach to step into the vacated vocalist position with former guitarist Ryan Knight returning to take his spot, alongside guitarist Brandon Ellis, drummer Alan Cassidy and bassist Max Lavelle, who have all racked up many years with The Black Dahlia Murder. 

The Black Dahlia Murder took to the stage with the reformed lineup consisting of remaining and returning members of the band playing a hometown memorial show for Trevor Strnad at Detroit’s Saint Andrew’s Hall on Oct. 28, 2022. In April of 2023, the band headlined Decibel Magazine’s Beer & Metal Fest in Philly, which kicked off the start of the band’s North America Verminous Remnant Tour that featured support from Terror, Frozen Soul, Fuming Mouth, and Phobophilic and marked the band’s final tour promoting the album Verminous. 

The Black Dahlia Murder has a final string of one-off performances this September including stops at Virginia’s Blue Ridge Rock Fest and Worcester, Mass’ New England Metal & Hardcore Fest before they take some time off of the road to focus on writing and recording their 10th full-length studio album.