Get ready to mark your calendars, metalheads! THORNHILL, Australia’s powerhouse of alternative metal, is set to conquer North America in May 2026, and you won’t want to miss this. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: they’re bringing along 156/SILENCE, FOX LAKE, and VIANOVA for what promises to be an unforgettable tour. Kicking off on May 1st at the iconic El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, the band will crisscross the continent, wrapping up on May 31st at The Showbox in Seattle. THORNHILL themselves have teased, 'We’re bringing our biggest and best show yet, and we can’t wait to share the stage with you.' Sounds like a metal lover’s dream come true, right?
Now, let’s rewind a bit. Last September, THORNHILL dropped their single and music video, 'Mercia', just as they were hitting U.S. arena stages as direct support for SLEEP TOKEN’s sold-out 'Even In Arcadia' tour. 'Mercia' is a track that perfectly encapsulates the band’s signature blend of raw intensity and emotional depth, echoing the visceral themes of their 2023 album, 'Bodies'. Released via UNFD, 'Bodies' stormed the charts, debuting at No. 4 on the ARIA albums chart and No. 8 on Spotify U.K.’s top album debuts. It also secured Top 40 spots on multiple Billboard U.S. charts, including Hard Music, Rock, and Independent Albums. But here’s the controversial part: can THORNHILL’s relentless innovation in heavy music sustain their momentum, or are they risking overexposure with back-to-back tours and releases? Let’s discuss in the comments!
THORNHILL’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Melbourne, the band has earned a reputation for pushing artistic boundaries, blending nuanced rock with heavy metal in ways that defy their influences. Their 2019 release, 'The Dark Pool', earned them Triple J’s 'Feature Album' and numerous 'Best Of The Year' accolades. Then came their 2022 album, 'Heroine', which solidified their status as one of Australia’s most innovative heavy acts. Debuting at No. 3 on the ARIA albums chart and No. 1 on the Australian albums chart, 'Heroine' was even nominated for an ARIA award. And let’s not forget their 2023 and 2024 standalone singles, 'Viper Room' and 'Obsession', along with their live album, 'Live On Tour!', which captured their global performances.
2024 was a banner year for THORNHILL, as they supported SILENT PLANET on a North American tour, joined POLARIS in Europe, and appeared at the Impericon festival alongside heavyweights like AS I LAY DYING and AUGUST BURNS RED. They also toured North America with NORTHLANE and performed at Froth & Fury Fest in Adelaide, ending the year with a headlining European run. But this raises a question: with such a packed schedule, how do THORNHILL maintain their creative edge without burning out?
Critics have hailed 'Bodies' as some of THORNHILL’s strongest work to date. Boolin Tunes praised it as a standout release, while Semper Metallum raved, 'Bodies' presents itself as a raw, untamed beast, dripping with style throughout its 11 tracks... not only a musical marvel, but a visual one too. The album builds on their critically acclaimed catalog, cementing THORNHILL as one of modern heavy music’s most compelling voices.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to their sound, THORNHILL’s 2026 North American tour is shaping up to be a must-see event. And this is the part most people miss: with their relentless drive to innovate and connect with fans, THORNHILL isn’t just a band—they’re a movement. Will you be part of it?
Here are the tour dates—mark your calendars and grab your tickets fast:
- May 01 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
- May 02 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
- May 04 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
- May 06 - San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center
- May 07 - Dallas, TX @ The Studio at The Bomb Factory
- May 08 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Midtown
- May 10 - Daytona, FL @ Welcome to Rockville
- May 11 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
- May 13 - Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
- May 14 - Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
- May 15 - Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl
- May 17 - Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple
- May 18 - Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
- May 19 - Boston, MA @ Royale
- May 20 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall
- May 22 - Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
- May 23 - Detroit, MI @ The Majestic Theatre
- May 24 - Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theatre
- May 26 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
- May 27 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
- May 29 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
- May 31 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
What do you think about THORNHILL’s upcoming tour and their place in the heavy music scene? Are they the future of metal, or is their rapid rise too good to be true? Sound off below!
