Australia’s heavy music fans are set to experience another voyage of chaos and riffs as the Hellbound Heavy Metal Cruise returns in 2027. Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural edition, which sold out in under 10 minutes, organisers have confirmed the second sailing will take place January 17–21, 2027 aboard the Carnival Splendor.
The first Hellbound cruise, scheduled for October 2026, became the fastest sell-out in Choose Your Cruise’s 15-year history. More than 2,500 passengers will board the maiden voyage, headlined by Parkway Drive and featuring Polaris, Northlane, The Butterfly Effect, Make Them Suffer, In Hearts Wake, and Belle Haven. The rapid sell-out highlighted the strength of Australia’s heavy music scene and the appetite for alternative festival formats.
Hellbound has been pitched as more than just a floating concert. Organisers describe it as a community for metal fans, complete with themed nights, immersive activities, and multiple live stages. The 2027 edition will again feature a port stop at Tangalooma on Moreton Island, offering fans a brief recovery window amid the nonstop energy of the cruise.
The lineup for Hellbound II will be revealed on February 2, 2026. Tickets go on sale February 5, following a presale on February 4. Pricing tiers and capacity details have not yet been announced, but demand is expected to be equally intense given the success of the first voyage.
The return of Hellbound reflects a broader resurgence of heavy music in Australia. Metal and hardcore acts are increasingly headlining major festivals, destination-style events, and arena tours. Festival cruises have gained traction globally over the past decade, but Hellbound represents one of the most ambitious attempts to bring that model to Australian audiences.
While organisers have not confirmed whether Hellbound will become an annual fixture, the speed of its initial sell-out suggests strong potential for expansion. For now, fans can look forward to another four nights of heavy riffs, community spirit, and unforgettable performances at sea in 2027.
The Ton may still be buzzing over Bridgerton season 4, but fans are already speculating…
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson is facing intense public scrutiny after his ex-fiancée,…
The knives are out at the box office as Paramount’s Scream 7 slashes into theaters…
The season opens with King Kong storming an Apex Cybernetics camp on Skull Island. The…
— Andy Cohen, Bravo’s Real Housewives producer and reunion host, offered a heartfelt tribute to…
Key Points Apple is expected to unveil a refreshed MacBook Air alongside its low-cost MacBook…