In a raw and revealing episode of The Vulgar Display of Podcast, Jamey Jasta—the iconic frontman of Hatebreed and host of The Jasta Show – joined for a deep dive into the ever-shifting landscape of heavy music. Known not just as a performer, but as a tastemaker and advocate for the genre, Jasta opened up about the challenges and triumphs of organizing large-scale events like Milwaukee Metal Fest and the long-awaited return of the Summer Slaughter Tour.
After a lukewarm reception to the 2024 edition of Summer Slaughter, Jasta took the reins to reshape the tour from the ground up. This year’s U.S. leg represents a new era for the iconic traveling fest, and with Jasta’s vision and leadership at the helm, the lineup hits harder than ever. Hatebreed will headline the 2025 run, backed by a crushing supporting cast that includes Bleeding Through and Fugitive (on select dates), alongside Malevolence, Gridiron, Escuela Grind, and Incite—a perfect blend of modern aggression and genre-defining legacy acts.
Jasta’s passion for the scene is evident not only in his music, but in the way he curates and organizes these cultural touchstones. During the podcast, he explained the behind-the-scenes struggles of putting together a tour of this scale—navigating visas, securing venues, and keeping egos in check—all while maintaining a clear vision for what Summer Slaughter represents: brutality, unity, and a showcase for what’s next in heavy music.
The newly revamped Summer Slaughter Tour 2025 kicks off on July 8th in St. Petersburg, FL at Jannus Live and rips through the U.S., making stops in major cities like Atlanta, San Antonio, Dallas, Philadelphia, and more. Here’s the full list of announced dates:
- 07/08 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
- 07/09 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
- 07/11 – San Antonio, TX – Vibes Event Center
- 07/12 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
- 07/13 – Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory
- 07/15 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
- 07/16 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
- 07/17 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
With a tour lineup that bridges generations and styles—from metalcore titans to underground wrecking crews—Summer Slaughter 2025 is poised to reignite the fire that made it one of the most anticipated metal tours in the world. As Jasta noted on the podcast, “Metal isn’t dead. It’s just waiting for the right moment—and the right people—to bring it roaring back.” If this year’s lineup is any indication, that moment has arrived.
The Barn 