The world’s flagship heavy metal voyage is officially gearing up for its next expedition.

70000TONS OF METAL, widely recognized as the original and largest heavy metal cruise on the planet, has revealed the first wave of bands set to perform during its 2027 voyage. The initial roster announcement includes 14 renowned acts spanning various subgenres:

• Æther Realm
• Arch Enemy
• Brainstorm
• Die Apokalyptischen Reiter
• Enforcer
• Evergrey
• Equilibrium
• Melechesh
• Moonspell
• Mors Principium Est
• Obscura
• Thulcandra
• Uli Jon Roth
• Warbringer

These acts represent just the beginning of the festival’s massive 60-band bill, with 46 additional performers scheduled to be announced in the coming weeks.

Scorpions sets highlight return

A major focal point of the initial roster is neoclassical guitar pioneer Uli Jon Roth. Celebrated for his groundbreaking work with German rock legends Scorpions and his fusion of classical structures with rock guitar technique, Roth will deliver two distinct performances during the cruise.

Both sets will honor the 50th anniversaries of iconic Scorpions records: one set will feature the album Virgin Killer played in its entirety, while the second will focus heavily on In Trance.

“As part of his two sets on 70000TONS OF METAL, Uli will be paying tribute to two iconic SCORPIONS albums, both celebrating their 50th anniversary,” said Andy Piller, CEO, Founder, and ‘Skipper’ of the festival. “In his first set, Uli will perform ‘VIRGIN KILLER’ in its entirety. In his second performance, he’ll heavily focus on ‘IN TRANCE’. We’re delighted he’s joining the party!”

Beyond his performances, Roth—who also founded the Sky Academy masterclass seminars—brings five decades of musical influence to the floating festival.

Voyage details and logistics

The 2027 edition of 70000TONS OF METAL will take place from January 14 -18, 2027.

Designed as an immersive environment, the festival offers round-the-clock live shows, artist-hosted events, and meet-and-greets. Attendance is strictly limited to 3,000 passengers to maintain the close community atmosphere that has earned the event its nickname, the United Nations of Heavy Metal at Sea.

Sailing from Miami, Florida, United States to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and back, the four-day event will be hosted aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. The ship features four distinct performance spaces, headlined by the Pool Deck Stage—the largest open-air stage structure ever built on a cruise vessel.

Though worlds apart in rhythm, Miami and Puerto Plata share a passionate celebration of oceanfront living. Both destinations represent two distinct yet captivating flavors of coastal tropical charm.

Miami stands as a glamorous, fast-paced global metropolis renowned for its iconic Art Deco architecture, vibrant nightlife, multicultural Latin energy, and sun-drenched Atlantic beaches. In contrast, Puerto Plata offers a relaxed escape along the Dominican Republic’s northern Amber Coast. Framed by lush mountains and golden sands facing the Atlantic Ocean, it captivates travelers with a heritage dating back to the 16th century, colorful 19th-century Victorian streetscapes, and natural wonders like the Damajagua waterfalls.