The heavy metal world never sleeps, and 2025 has already brought a whirlwind of exciting announcements, nostalgic celebrations, and a fair share of drama.

From iconic bands dropping new gear and albums to unexpected controversies involving legendary figures, metalheads around the globe have plenty to talk about.

Here’s a roundup of the latest news shaking the metal scene.

Dave Mustaine and Megadeth fans are gearing up for a bittersweet event.

The band announced *Megadeth Behind the Mask*, a worldwide cinematic premiere scheduled for January 22, 2026, coinciding with the release of their final studio album.

This event promises an intimate look back at 40 years of Megadeth, featuring unseen stories, a full retrospective interview with Mustaine, and a special track-by-track commentary on the new album.

Fans will have the unique opportunity to hear the entire album in cinemas across more than 35 countries before its official release.

Mustaine’s excitement is palpable as he invites fans to “fire this up and pass the popcorn.

” While it’s uncertain if the film will reach all regions, including Ukraine where cinemas operate sporadically due to ongoing conflict, the anticipation is global.

Adding to the nostalgia, Megadeth recently released a video chronicling all the bassists who have played with the band—a surprisingly small number compared to their many guitarists.

This retrospective cements Megadeth’s legacy as a band that defined thrash metal while preparing for a poignant farewell.

Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary celebration just got supercharged with the release of a new signature instrument collection by Fender, Fender Custom Shop, and Jackson.

This exclusive lineup honors the legendary band’s signature sound, featuring custom guitars and basses inspired by Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers.

Highlights include Dave Murray’s limited edition Stratocaster, built specifically to play the iconic “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” live, complete with NOS Olympic White finish and Seymour Duncan pickups.

Janick Gers’ signature Stratocaster boasts a 7.25-inch radius and Duncan JB Jr.pickups, while Steve Harris’ precision bass includes a maple neck, precision split pickup, and mirrored pickguard.

Adrian Smith’s Jackson SC1 anniversary model features Demarzo and Fender noiseless pickups, Floyd Rose tremolo, and a compound radius fingerboard, designed to capture his melodic solos perfectly.

Fans and players alike are excited about these instruments, though many eagerly await the promised 50th anniversary documentary—which remains conspicuously absent as autumn has passed.

Judas Priest is gearing up for a massive summer 2026 European tour titled *Faithkeepers*, which is stirring up intense speculation among fans.

The tour kicks off in Germany and will cover several countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Netherlands, France, and Spain.

The title *Faithkeepers* hints at a deep dive into the band’s early days, possibly spotlighting their legendary 1970s era.

This would be a welcome treat for diehard fans, especially since their recent tours largely overlooked those classic years.

The timing is significant, as Judas Priest recently regained rights to their first two studio albums and reissued their debut *Rocka Rolla*.

Moreover, Judas Priest is already preparing to record a follow-up to their latest album *Invincible Shield* during their summer break, fueling rumors that the *Faithkeepers* tour could herald a new chapter culminating in a 2027 album release.

At 56 years strong, Judas Priest shows no signs of slowing down, much to the delight of the metal community.

After a relatively quiet period since 2023, Guns N’ Roses dropped two new singles, *Nothing* and *Atlas*, revealing different facets of the band’s evolving sound.

*Atlas* delivers a driving, modern rock vibe, while *Nothing* offers a more introspective, atmospheric experience highlighted by eerie keys and emotional guitar work.

Slash’s guitar solo on *Nothing* has been praised as the best the band has produced in decades, reigniting hope for the upcoming full-length album Slash promised.

Although the new tracks don’t quite match the explosive energy of *Appetite for Destruction*, they exceed expectations compared to recent releases, signaling a promising future for the band’s next record.

In a surprising and somewhat divisive move, the Osborne family released a limited-edition t-shirt targeting Roger Waters, featuring a provocative image of Ozzy Osbourne peeing a rainbow onto a brick wall styled after Pink Floyd’s *The Wall*.

The shirt, available for only 48 hours to mark Ozzy’s birthday, escalates an ongoing feud sparked by Waters’ harsh criticisms of Ozzy and his TV era.

While many fans appreciate the playful jab at Waters, others feel the merch crosses a line by referencing *The Wall*, a sacred Pink Floyd symbol unrelated to Ozzy or his legacy.

Even some Ozzy fans voiced discomfort online, calling the design poorly executed and disrespectful to Pink Floyd’s broader legacy.

This controversy coincides with the first Ozzy Osbourne birthday without the legendary “Prince of Darkness,” prompting reflection on his irreplaceable impact on heavy metal.

Despite the merch drama, Ozzy’s influence remains a cornerstone of the genre.

Swedish death metal veterans The Crown announced their retirement after more than three decades, planning a farewell world tour kicking off in March 2026 in Barcelona and concluding with a final show in Gothenburg.

Known for blending death metal brutality with thrash speed and technicality, The Crown leaves a lasting mark on extreme metal.

Meanwhile, American thrash metal band Sacred Rake welcomed Brazilian drummer Eduardo Ba as their new permanent member, replacing longtime drummer Dave Mlean.

The band is finishing their upcoming album *Into the Abyss* and preparing for a European tour in summer 2026, much to the excitement of their fans.

2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for heavy metal, blending nostalgia with fresh creativity and a dash of controversy.

From Megadeth’s cinematic farewell and Iron Maiden’s killer guitar gear to Judas Priest’s epic tour and Guns N’ Roses’ promising new singles, metal’s heartbeat remains strong and vibrant.

Meanwhile, the Ozzy Osbourne family’s merch stunt reminds us that even legends aren’t immune to drama.

For metal fans worldwide, it’s a thrilling time to be alive.