Milwaukee Metalfest has announced a fresh wave of additions to its 2026 lineup, headlined by ARMORED SAINT and a special set from John Bush performing ANTHRAX material from his era with the band. Also added are WAKING THE CADAVER, 9 DEAD, CARDIAC ARREST, THE SUFFERING, and GORED EMBRACE. The revived festival has been steadily building an impressive bill that spans classic heavy metal, thrash, death metal, and extreme subgenres.
Bush's ANTHRAX set is expected to be a major draw, covering the "Sound Of White Noise" and "Stomp 442" era that many fans consider the band's creative peak. Bush fronted ANTHRAX from 1992 to 2005, delivering four studio albums that took the band in a heavier, groove-oriented direction distinct from the Joey Belladonna era. Songs like "Only," "Fueled," and "Inside Out" showcased Bush's powerful baritone and helped ANTHRAX navigate the shifting musical landscape of the 1990s. The opportunity to hear these songs performed live by their original vocalist is a rare treat for fans, as Bush has seldom revisited the material since his departure.
ARMORED SAINT's inclusion brings one of the most respected names in classic American heavy metal to the bill. The Los Angeles-based band, led by Bush's longtime partnership with guitarist Jeff Duncan, has maintained a fiercely independent career since their formation in 1982. Their most recent album "Punching The Sky" was widely praised as one of their strongest efforts. Milwaukee Metalfest, originally a staple of the Midwest metal scene through the 1990s before its dissolution, has been successfully revived as a multi-day event celebrating the full spectrum of heavy music. The festival takes place at multiple venues across Milwaukee, creating an intimate club atmosphere that distinguishes it from the larger outdoor festival experiences. Additional lineup announcements are expected in the coming weeks, with organizers teasing "several major headlining acts" still to be revealed.