Hatebreed and Black Dahlia Murder, with Napalm Death, Exodus, Despised Icon and First Blood

Connecticut's Hatebreed comes out of that whole late-'80s/early-'90s Youth Crew, "We're all about unity and positivity, and we'll kick the ass of anyone who says different" mindset fostered by the New York and Boston hard-core scenes. It has managed to bash out four albums of monochromatic metalcore--the latest being the brand-new Supremacy (Roadrunner)--without ever risking a new idea.

It's a fierce live act, every song a throbbing assault on the wildly moshing crowd, so save your money for the show rather than the CDs. Jamey Jasta's bark is clear enough that you'll be able to figure out the chorus on the first go-round and pump your fist along with all the other thick-necked yahoos on the second.

Detroit's Black Dahlia Murder released a hell of a full-length debut with Unhallowed. Its blend of death-metal speed and crunch with black-metal screeching was unnervingly powerful. On Miasma, last year's follow-up, it fell off somewhat, heading dangerously close to routine Darkest Hour-like melodic metalcore territory. Black Dahlia's also a kick-ass live act, though, so it should be easily able to put across even substandard material in a thoroughly circle-pit-inspiring manner.