2024 is going to be a big year for albums and live shows. January isn't even over and there've already been too many awesome tour announcements to keep track of.
With that in mind, we asked our readers to pick which band they're most excited to see perform onstage this year. The results ranged from breakthrough stars to old-school titans.
See the the top five vote-getters ranked accordingly below.
5. Mr. Bungle
After the pandemic took them and every other band off the road, Mr. Bungle frontman Mike Patton took a mental health break from the road. So it really wasn't until last year that the avant-metal lunatics — who include thrash icons Scott Ian and Dave Lombardo among their ranks — got back in the routine of playing shows again.
In 2024, they have a busy tour itinerary in the first half of the year, beginning with shows in Japan and Australia, then a U.S. trek, and finally a trip to Europe. Bungle heads should eat well this year.
4. Judas Priest
Judas Priest have a big 2024 ahead of them.
The Metal Gods will be releasing their new album, Invincible Shield, in March, and then Rob Halford and Co. are coming Stateside for a round of tour dates later in the spring, giving North American audiences their first opportunity to hear some of the new material in the live setting.
Over 50 years into their career, Priest still never disappoint onstage, but given that they'll have fresh tunes to pull out for the first time since 2018's Firepower, this year feels like an extra-special moment to see Priest.
3. Sleep Token
Well, this isn't surprising. Sleep Token were the breakout metal band of 2023, releasing what Revolver and our readers consider to be the best album of last year, and leveling their live show up to arena sizes.
Later this spring, they'll come back across the pond for their first U.S. headlining tour as bona fide titans of heavy music. Naturally, our Sleep Token-worshiping readers are pumped to attend these Rituals. So are we.
2. Pantera
Pantera made their big return to the stage at the end of 2022, and then played their first U.S. shows in over 20 years throughout 2023. In 2024, our readers still have a hankering to witness their fucking hostility in action.
The re-constituted Cowboys From Hell — featuring Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante playing in place of the late, great Abbott brothers — have another leg of dates on the docket with Lamb of God that kick off in February, and later this year they'll come back around in support of Metallica.
If you don't have one already, run — don't walk — to get your ticket.
1. TOOL
Our readers recently named TOOL one of the best live bands of 2023, and the prog-metal conjurers are already on track to receive the same accolades in 2024.
Nearly five years onward from their long-gestating return album, Fear Inoculum, TOOL are bigger than they've ever been (see: the back-to-back shows they just played at Madison Square Garden) and their live performances aren't just a show, they're a third-eye-opening psychedelic journey.
Just keep your phone in your pocket — no need to piss off Maynard.
