10 Dream Heavy Metal Tour Line-Ups

At the moment, the heavy metal underground is bursting with fantastic, ‘90s- and ‘00s-inspired groove metal bands, all of whom are ready to rocket themselves to popularity thanks to their energised and guttural anthems. Of these names, perhaps the very best are Dead Label, Alien Weaponry and Sumer, with each bringing a different approach to their pummelling sound.

Firstly, the Irish power trio Dead Label mix the crushing riffing of Machine Head with the incessant vocals of hardcore, making for a brutal, tightknit and no-nonsense take on their subgenre.

Alien Weaponry, meanwhile, invoke memories of Roots-era Sepultura in that they mix their heavy music with tribal world music, except this time stemming from Polynesian influence. With lyrics spoken in te reo (the language of New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people), these youngsters write poignant and original songs about prejudice and corruption.

Finally, Sumer are powerful prog stalwarts from London, as well as some of the best riff writers in the entire UK. Listen to tracks like “Pinch, Cut” and “The End of Sense” to become a devoted believer very quickly.

With DevilDriver – arguably the most consistent and hook-laden groove metal band of this century – at the helm, these three would quickly be legitimised, while an already-beloved headliner would doubtlessly have their game raised by such perfect openers.