British grindcore pioneers Napalm Death are embarking on a North American tour this spring. The legendary band will bring their intense sound to cities across the United States and Canada, with support from Denver's Primitive Man on most dates. Select shows will also feature the recently re-emerged New Jersey metalcore act Deadguy.
Fans can anticipate a powerful lineup as Napalm Death, known for their relentless energy, takes the stage. The tour is set to begin in early May, promising a series of impactful performances for metal enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- Napalm Death embarks on a North American spring tour.
- Primitive Man will support on most dates.
- Deadguy joins for specific performances.
- The tour includes a special Rocks Off Cruise in New York City.
- Several festival appearances are part of the schedule.
Tour Kick-Off and Featured Support
The tour officially kicks off on May 8th in Tampa, Florida, following Napalm Death's appearance at the Welcome to Rockville festival on May 7th in Daytona Beach. This initial festival date will not feature support acts.
Primitive Man, known for their supremely heavy sound, joins Napalm Death for the majority of the tour. The Denver-based band recently released their album, Observance, adding fresh material to their live sets. Their inclusion promises an evening of intense and crushing music.
Additionally, New Jersey metalcore pioneers Deadguy will join the bill for several specific dates. Deadguy recently made a significant return to the music scene, releasing their first album in three decades, titled Near-Death Travel Services. Their presence offers a unique blend of metalcore history and renewed ferocity.
Fast Fact
Napalm Death formed in 1981, making them one of the earliest and most influential bands in the grindcore genre. Their debut album, Scum (1987), is considered a landmark release.
Notable Dates and Special Events
The tour itinerary includes several key stops and unique events. One highly anticipated performance is the Rocks Off Cruise in New York City on May 22nd. This special event will feature both Napalm Death and Primitive Man, offering an intimate and distinct concert experience on the water.
New York City also hosts a separate show at Racket on May 21st, preceding the cruise. Fans in the Northeast will have multiple opportunities to catch the bands.
Beyond the headline shows, Napalm Death is scheduled for appearances at major festivals. These include Welcome to Rockville in Daytona Beach, Florida, on May 7th, and Sonic Temple in Columbus, Ohio, on May 14th. They will also perform at Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 20th.
"Bringing together these bands creates a truly powerful experience for fans of extreme music. Each band offers something distinct, from Napalm Death's grindcore legacy to Primitive Man's crushing weight and Deadguy's raw metalcore energy."
Canadian Leg and Additional Collaborations
The tour extends into Canada, with multiple dates planned across various provinces. Canadian stops include Moncton, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Fredericton, New Brunswick; Quebec City, Quebec; Montreal, Quebec; Toronto, Ontario; Waterloo, Ontario; and London, Ontario.
Some Canadian dates feature additional notable acts. For example, the Quebec City show on May 29th will include Pig Destroyer. The Boston, Massachusetts, show on May 30th boasts an even larger lineup, featuring Acid Bath and Pig Destroyer alongside Napalm Death and Primitive Man.
Genre Spotlight: Grindcore
Grindcore is an extreme fusion genre of heavy metal and hardcore punk, characterized by its abrasive sound, short songs, fast tempos, and often politically charged lyrics. Napalm Death is widely credited with pioneering the genre.
The tour continues through the Canadian prairies, with dates in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Edmonton, Alberta; and Calgary, Alberta. The final announced date is in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 14th.
Full Tour Itinerary
Here is a comprehensive list of the announced dates for Napalm Death's North American tour:
- May 7: Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome to Rockville (Napalm Death only)
- May 8: Tampa, FL @ Orpheum
- May 9: Miami, FL @ Churchill’s (with Deadguy)
- May 11: Atlanta, GA – Terminal West (with Deadguy)
- May 12: Asheville, NC – Eulogy (with Deadguy)
- May 13: Nashville, TN – Eastside Bowl (with Deadguy)
- May 14: Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple (Napalm Death only)
- May 15: Saginaw, MI – The Vault (with Deadguy)
- May 16: SECRET – To Be Announced Soon
- May 17: Huntington, WV – The Loud
- May 19: Richmond, VA – The Broadberry
- May 20: Baltimore, MD – Maryland Deathfest (Napalm Death only)
- May 21: New York, NY – Racket (with Primitive Man)
- May 22: New York, NY – Rocks Off Cruise (with Primitive Man)
- May 23: Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom (with Deadguy)
- May 24: Portland, ME – Geno’s Rock Club
- May 26: Moncton, NB – Tide & Boar Ballroom
- May 27: Halifax, NS – Marquee Ballroom
- May 28: Fredericton, NB – The Cap
- May 29: Quebec City, QC – Salle Montaigne (with Pig Destroyer)
- May 30: Boston, MA – Roadrunner (with Acid Bath, Pig Destroyer)
- June 1: Montreal, QC – Fairmount
- June 2: Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
- June 3: Waterloo, ON – Maxwell’s
- June 4: London, ON – London Music Hall
- June 5: Detroit, MI – Crofoot Pike Room
- June 6: TBD
- June 9: Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre
- June 10: Regina, SK – The Exchange
- June 11: Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern
- June 12: Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room
- June 13: Calgary, AB – Palace Theatre
- June 14: Vancouver, BC – The Pearl (with Deadguy)
The tour offers a comprehensive schedule for fans across North America to experience these influential bands. Additional dates may be announced, including the currently listed "TBD" slots.