Metallica Has Assembled One of the Year’s Heaviest Support Line-Ups
Metallica's 2026 M72 World Tour brings together Pantera, Gojira and Avatar in a line-up that reflects metal's past, present and evolving future.
As the tour sweeps across Europe – the upcoming weekend hitting the lights in Dublin – it offers more than stadium spectacle. It provides a snapshot of where heavy metal music stands today.
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Metallica’s successful M72 World Tour continues into 2026, and although the band has yet to announce a new studio album following 72 Seasons, interest in the world’s biggest heavy metal act remains as strong as ever. The upcoming European stadium dates will not only attract tens of thousands of fans but also showcase some of the most significant names in modern metal.
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For many concertgoers, the support line-up has become almost as important as the headliner itself. With Pantera, Gojira and Avatar joining selected dates, Metallica has assembled a programme that spans classic groove metal, progressive metal and theatrical live performance.
Metallica Continues to Build on the M72 Format
The M72 World Tour will continue throughout 2026 with stadium shows across major European cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, London, Dublin and Budapest. The tour maintains the band’s popular “No Repeat Weekend” concept, where Metallica performs two shows in the same city with different setlists and different support acts.
When will Metallica return to the studio?
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The format has been a major success since its introduction alongside 72 Seasons, giving fans the opportunity to experience two unique concerts rather than a traditional stadium tour.
Pantera Brings Metal History to the Stage
Pantera remains one of the most influential metal bands to emerge from the 1990s and played a defining role in shaping the groove metal genre. Following a lengthy hiatus, the band returned to the stage in 2022 with original members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown joined by Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante.
Their live performances serve both as a celebration of Pantera’s legacy and an introduction to a new generation of metal fans.
Gojira Represents the Modern Metal Movement
French metal powerhouse Gojira has spent the past two decades establishing itself as one of the most respected bands in heavy music.
Known for technical precision, progressive songwriting and lyrical themes centred on the environment, nature and human development, the group has earned both commercial success and critical acclaim through albums such as Magma and Fortitude.
Avatar Delivers Theatre and Spectacle
Swedish band Avatar has built a dedicated international following through its blend of melodic death metal, alternative metal and theatrical stagecraft. The group’s distinctive visual identity and charismatic frontman Johannes Eckerström have helped establish Avatar as one of the most memorable live acts in contemporary metal.
Their performances combine music, storytelling and visual spectacle into a highly immersive concert experience.
Any Album News?
One of the most frequently discussed questions among fans is when Metallica will return to the studio. So far, the band has not announced plans for a follow-up to 72 Seasons, and its primary focus appears to remain on touring and live performances.
Even without new music on the horizon, Metallica’s popularity shows little sign of fading. With a successful touring concept and a support line-up featuring some of the most compelling and monstrous names in modern metal, the band continues to set the standard for stadium rock in the 21st century.
