Decibel Magazine Tours: A Legacy of Extreme Metal
Since 2012, Decibel Magazine has transitioned from the printed page to the stage by organizing an annual tour across the United States and Canada. These tours serve as a curated showcase of the extreme metal landscape, bringing together established legends and rising stars of the underground scene.
The Curation Strategy
The Decibel Tour is not merely a random collection of acts; it follows a specific formula designed to provide a diverse experience for fans. According to the metal blog No Clean Singing, the lineups typically consist of a seasoned death metal or black metal headliner supported by three distinct types of acts:
- The Dependable Powerhouse: A hard-touring band with a loyal and established fan base.
- The Critical Darling: A band that has received significant coverage and support within the pages of Decibel Magazine but is seeking a broader audience.
- The Underground Newcomer: A pit-friendly band early in their career, often featuring a charismatic frontman and deep ties to the metal underground.
To further integrate the local scene, some tour dates also feature local opening bands.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Inception: The annual tour began in 2012.
- Geography: Tours primarily cover the US and Canada.
- Genre Focus: Primarily centered on death metal and black metal.
- Lineup Structure: Usually features one headliner and three supporting acts.
- Consistency: The tour has run annually, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tour History and Lineups
Over the last decade, the Decibel Tour has hosted some of the most influential names in extreme music. From the early days of Behemoth and Watain to the return of Mayhem in recent years, the rosters reflect the evolving tastes of the metal community.
| Year | Featured Artists |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Behemoth, Watain, The Devils Blood, In Solitude |
| 2013 | Cannibal Corpse, Napalm Death, Immolation (Rotating openers: Magrudergrind, Cretin, Beyond Creation) |
| 2014 | Carcass, The Black Dahlia Murder, Gorguts, Noisem |
| 2015 | At The Gates, Converge, Pallbearer, Vallenfyre |
| 2016 | Abbath, High On Fire, Skeletonwitch, Tribulation |
| 2017 | Kreator, Obituary, Midnight, Horrendous |
| 2018 | Enslaved, Wolves In The Throne Room, Myrkur, Khemmis |
| 2019 | Cannibal Corpse (Feb 17-Mar 7), Morbid Angel, Immolation (Mar 8-Mar 14), Necrot, Blood Incantation |
| 2020 | Canceled due to COVID-19 (Scheduled: Mayhem, Abbath, Gatecreeper, Idle Hands) |
| 2022 | Obituary, Municipal Waste, Gatecreeper, Enforced, Spirit World |
| 2023 | Dark Funeral, Cattle Decapitation, 200 Stab Wounds, Blackbraid |
| 2024 | Hulder, Devil Master, Worm, Necrofier |
| 2025 | Mayhem, Mortiis, Imperial Triumphant, New Skeletal Faces |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Decibel Tour typically take place?
The tour is held annually across the United States and Canada.
What genres of music are featured on the tour?
The tour typically focuses on extreme metal, specifically headlining acts from the death metal and black metal genres.
Why was there no tour in 2020?
The 2020 tour, which was scheduled to feature Mayhem, Abbath, Gatecreeper, and Idle Hands, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How does Decibel Magazine select the supporting bands?
They generally select a mix of a dependable touring band with a strong fan base, a critically acclaimed band they have supported in the magazine, and a charismatic newcomer from the metal underground.
Who is headlining the 2025 Decibel Tour?
The 2025 tour is headlined by Mayhem, accompanied by Mortiis, Imperial Triumphant, and New Skeletal Faces.