Last year, there was speculation that the vaunted New England Metal and Hardcore Fest would not be returning with a late announcement, but the fest is back and all systems are go once again. There was no hesitation with this year's announcement as the first wave of bands has been revealed!

The fest will be held over two days, April 21 and 22, at the Palladium in Worcester, Mass. The lineup is diverse as always, including a mix of thrash, power metal, melodic death metal, hardcore and more. Performing on Friday, April 21 will be Testament, Sepultura, Prong, Kublai Khan, the Last Ten Seconds of Life, Varials, Left Behind and Precious.

With more announcements still to come, it's already shaping up to be another stellar year with Sabaton, Katatonia, Hammerfall, Amorphis, Caspian, Delain, Swallow the Sun, Battle Beast, Leaves Eyes and Circuit of Suns all hitting the stage on Saturday, April 22.

Pre-sale tickets will start this week on Wednesday, Dec. 7 and more information can be found at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival website.

As more tours are announced, expect to see more bands added to the two-day lineup as the fest typically sees a convergence of metal and hardcore tours that are taking place in the surrounding area.

Top 50 Hard Rock + Metal Live Acts of All Time

10 Insane Onstage Accidents

More From 96.5 KNRX