Cover photo by Evil Robb Duchemin

The Legendary “New England Metal & Hardcore Festival” (NEMHF) is officially back this fall, bringing a powerhouse lineup to The Palladium Outdoors in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

This year’s event will be headlined by Lorna Shore, one of metal’s most talked-about acts in recent years, and backed by a crushing roster that includes Cannibal Corpse, Kublai Khan TX, The Black Dahlia Murder, and many more. Fans can also expect a special send-off, as Bury Your Dead will perform their final show ever—reuniting their classic lineup featuring Matt Bruso, Mark Costello, Brendan “Slim” MacDonald, and Aaron “Bubble” Patrick.

Founded in 1999, NEMHF quickly became a fixture in the hardcore and metal scenes, previously hosting genre giants like Megadeth, Lamb of God, and Meshuggah. After a successful revival in 2023, the festival returns in 2025 for a one-day celebration that promises to be anything but minimal.

“We’ve done this fest over a bunch of formats over the years—two days, three days, you name it,” said co-founder Scott Lee. “This time, it’s one day, but we didn’t cut corners. This lineup is stacked from top to bottom. We’re bringing you the best of the best. All gas, no breaks.”

The full lineup includes:

• Lorna Shore (Headliner)
• All Out War
• Bayway
• Big Ass Truck
• Bury Your Dead (Final Show – Classic Lineup)
• Cannibal Corpse
• Chamber
• Despised Icon
• Drain
• Full of Hell
• Gates to Hell
• Gideon
• Guilt Trip
• Hard Target
• Kublai Khan TX
• Madball
• Municipal Waste
• PeelingFlesh
• Sanguisugabogg
• Shadow of Intent
• Teeth
• The Black Dahlia Murder
• Varials
• Vomit Forth

With iconic veterans and rising stars side by side, the 2025 NEMHF is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated heavy music events of the year.

For tickets and updates, follow NEMHF on Instagram or visit the official website.