From January 30 to February 3, 2025, the Independence of the Seas once again transformed into the loudest, most headbanging cruise on the planet. 3,000 metalheads from 81 nations set sail from Miami to Ocho Rios, Jamaica – and back – for the 13th edition of 70000TONS OF METAL. With 60 bands playing two sets each, fans were treated to over 120 explosive performances across four insane stages. If you weren’t there… you seriously missed out.
SEPULTURA’s Final Farewell at Sea
A moment etched in metal history: SEPULTURA said their emotional goodbye during their final ever show on the open seas. On the massive Pool Deck Stage, the Brazilian legends delivered a blistering set, closing with “Roots Bloody Roots” and “Refuse/Resist” while the crowd roared under the stars. The perfect storm of energy, nostalgia, and power.
DIRKSCHNEIDER – Classic Metal Masterclass
UDO Dirkschneider owned the Royal Theater with a set that was pure metal gold. From “Metal Heart” to “Balls to the Wall,” it was a hit parade that reminded everyone why UDO is still a force of nature on stage. Old school attitude, eternal energy.
SWALLOW THE SUN feat. BALLET FINLAND – Doom Meets Grace
One of the cruise’s most magical moments came when Finnish doom masters SWALLOW THE SUN teamed up with BALLET FINLAND for a jaw-dropping performance of Plague of Butterflies. Haunting, elegant, powerful – the perfect collision of sorrow and beauty. Metal like you’ve never seen it before.
HAMMERFALL – Double Trouble with a Viking Twist
HAMMERFALL brought the thunder not once, but twice! Their Pool Deck set was pure festival glory – fists in the air, beer flying, and choruses screamed by thousands. Then, in the Royal Theater, they cranked it up even more with tight riffs, soaring vocals, and fan favorites like “Let the Hammer Fall” and “Hearts on Fire.” This was power metal perfection.
The Rising Force – STRIKER, LUTHARO & PAINFUL
The underground was loud and proud this year:
STRIKER from Canada electrified the crowd with a high-voltage mix of speed and heavy metal swagger.
LUTHARO delivered an intense blend of melody and aggression, with frontwoman Krista Shipperbottom stealing the spotlight.
PAINFUL, straight out of Germany, unleashed a fierce black metal assault that had heads banging deep into the night.
These bands may be under the radar – but not for long.
Because 70000TONS isn’t just about headliners or viral moments—it’s about the collective power of an entire fleet of bands, united by riffs and roaring waves.Whether you moshed, crowd-surfed, danced, or just stood in awe, one thing is certain:70000TONS OF METAL 2025 was pure, relentless magic.
Photos, Footage & Full Metal Flashbacks
If you want to relive the madness, check out the official recap video – shot, edited, and produced by Martin Schmidt / Picture-Rebels.com for Music-Rebels.com.
We also captured a massive gallery of live photos that bring the heat, sweat, and passion right back to your screen. Don’t miss it:
Next Voyage: 70000TONS 2026
Mark your calendars – the next edition of 70000TONS OF METAL sets sail January 29 – February 2, 2026, heading from Miami to Labadee, Haiti. New destinations, more metal, bigger madness. All info at: 70000tons.com
You in?