All photos by @shotbyhvnter

The maiden voyage of the Headbanger's Boat proved a joyous congregation of likeminded people from all walks of life, intent on reveling in their shared love of heavy music. Headed by genre heavyweights Lamb of God, the five-day tour from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas was punctuated by two sets from the Virginian veterans, one of which included a live performance dedicated to their seminal Ashes of the Wake LP. 

Along with a myriad of fan-focused encounters with the bands aboard the ship, each day at sea included a stacked itinerary ranging from band roundtable discussions to drum offs to parties with the likes of Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach selecting the tunes. 

The live slate of performances for the inaugural Headbanger's Boat certainly lived up to the moniker, with a roster of vital bands all taking turns leading the voyage. With sets from Mastodon, GWAR, Hatebreed, Testament, Lacuna Coil, Fit For An Autopsy, God Forbid, Municipal Waste, Vio-lence and more, the bill aboard the boat was one that spanned both subgenre and generation. 

With the cruise selling out entirely, Lamb of God has forged what has the makings of a new annual tradition - metal's year-ending getaway designed to bring together the fans and the bands in an ultimate destination experience. Having already confirmed the return of the Headbanger's Boat in 2024, the second excursion will welcome Dethklok, Chimaira, Poison the Well, At the Gates, Soulfly, Exodus, Napalm Death, Corrosion of Conformity and more as Lamb of God once again serves as masters of ceremony on the high seas. 

“The sense of connection and family that was shared on the Headbangers Boat has been overwhelming.” says Lamb of God Guitarist, Mark Morton. “We were all reminded of the power that music has to bring joy, inspiration and healing. We are beyond grateful to have had the chance to bring so many people from the heavy metal community together to share and celebrate this music we all love. And it doesn’t end here! We are thrilled to announce Headbangers Boat 2…”

Visit Headbanger's Boat online for more information and cabin reservations - HERE. See the exclusive gallery of images from the inaugural Headbanger's Boat below. 

 

LAMB OF GOD

MASTODON

HATEBREED

TESTAMENT

GWAR

LACUNA COIL

MUNICIPAL WASTE

FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY

GOD FORBID

VIO-LENCE

DJ JESSE LEACH