This October, the underground converges once again in Elgin, Illinois, for Metal Threat Fest 2025. More than just a festival, this gathering has become a sanctuary for those who live and breathe the raw intensity of black, death, and extreme metal. Across four days, the event delivers rare performances, cult classics revisited, and the kind of atmosphere that can only exist when the global underground unites with unwavering passion.

Metal Threat Fest 2025 is set to hit Elgin, Illinois, from October 2 to 5, promising four days of relentless black, death, and extreme metal. Yet, this year’s edition is already being remembered for the turbulence behind the scenes, as a wave of visa denials and last-minute withdrawals has reshaped the festival’s lineup. Bands such as Satanic Warmaster, Destroyer 666, And Oceans, and Grave Desecrator will no longer perform, while Desaster has canceled due to health reasons. These unprecedented developments underscore the fragility of international touring in the current climate, even for veteran organizers and bands that have successfully navigated U.S. entry requirements for decades

The fifth edition of the Prague Death Mass festival is set to ignite the heart of Prague, Czech Republic, from October 29 to November 2, 2025. Building on its legacy as one of Europe’s most respected gatherings of extreme music, this year’s edition promises an unprecedented celebration of underground black metal and extreme sounds. Fans can expect an immersive experience where the intensity of the performances, the dark atmospheres of the venues, and the shared passion of the global metal community converge, transforming Prague into a ritualistic epicenter for the most devoted followers of the genre.

On September 12, 2025, Nile and Cryptopsy commenced their co-headlining U.S. tour, "The Underworld Awaits," with a sold-out performance at Chapel of Bones in Raleigh, North Carolina. This marks the beginning of a month-long journey across the United States, culminating on October 11 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The tour also features support from The Last Ten Seconds of Life and Cognitive, adding further depth to an already formidable lineup.