Sick New World 2026 Expands: System Of A Down, Korn, Deftones, Slayer Headline Dual Festivals in Vegas and Texas

Dual Venues, Double Impact: Sick New World 2026 Returns With Expanded Lineup

When Sick New World announced its return for 2026, the heavy music community felt a surge of anticipation—and for good reason. This isn’t just another festival comeback. After the abrupt cancellation of the 2025 edition, organizers have not only revived the event, but doubled down: two separate festivals are set for Las Vegas and, for the first time, Fort Worth, Texas. The lineups? Nothing short of a nu-metal dream, stacked with legendary and genre-defining acts.

Las Vegas: Korn, System Of A Down, and a Multigenerational Cast

On April 25, the Las Vegas Festival Grounds will host a gathering that reads like a roll call of heavy music royalty. Korn and System Of A Down will headline, each carrying decades of influence and a devoted fan base. System Of A Down’s frontman, Serj Tankian, reflected recently to Metal Hammer on the timeless resonance of their music: “Our music is more timeless than we ever imagined, and that is the hugest compliment for any artist.”

Supporting acts in Vegas include Bring Me The Horizon, AFI, Evanescence, Danny Elfman, Cypress Hill, Knocked Loose, and Mastodon. The diversity is striking: from nu-metal’s pioneers to progressive and alternative heavyweights, Sick New World’s Vegas lineup underscores the festival’s commitment to representing every facet of heavy music. Additional sets by Acid Bath, Twin Tribes, Pig Pen, Carpenter Brut, and Bloodywood add further depth and individuality to the Vegas experience.

Texas Debut: Deftones, Slayer, and a Landmark Anniversary

Six months later, on October 24, the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth will host the festival’s first ever Lone Star edition. Here, System Of A Down will again headline, but this time joined by Deftones—fresh off critical acclaim for their latest album—and Slayer, who are marking 40 years since their iconic Reign In Blood. This anniversary is more than a number; it’s a milestone in the evolution of thrash and extreme metal, a point of pride for fans and musicians alike.

The Texas lineup shares many names with Vegas—AFI, Evanescence, Knocked Loose, Mastodon, Power Trip, and Ministry—but also boasts exclusive sets from The Prodigy, Boy Harsher, KMFDM, Sleep Theory, Haywire, Down, and Lords of Acid. The presence of local and international acts alike highlights Sick New World’s ambition: this is no mere satellite event, but a full-fledged celebration in its own right.

From Cancellation to Expansion: The Festival’s Evolution

In 2025, Sick New World faced an unexpected setback, forcing organizers to cancel a festival that was set to feature Metallica and Linkin Park. The disappointment rippled across the fan community, but the response from organizers was swift and strategic. Teaser campaigns, billboard placements, and persistent buzz throughout Las Vegas kept the festival in the public eye. The result? Not only a return, but an expansion—doubling the festival’s reach and cementing its reputation as one of heavy music’s most important annual gatherings (Knotfest).

For many fans, the dual events represent more than just a logistical shift. They signal a renewed commitment to the culture and community of heavy music. With System Of A Down anchoring both lineups, the festival celebrates not only its own legacy but the enduring appeal of artists who continue to shape the genre.

Generational Bridges and Musical Diversity

Sick New World’s 2026 lineups are notable for their intergenerational appeal. System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian captured this sentiment, describing last year’s festival as “mind-blowing” for its ability to unite fans old and new. Korn, Deftones, Slayer—these are names that evoke memories for longtime listeners and spark curiosity in younger ones. Alongside them, emerging acts like Knocked Loose and Haywire share the stage, proving that heavy music’s future is as vibrant as its past.

Each city’s lineup also reflects its own musical identity. Vegas leans into alternative and experimental sounds with Danny Elfman and Carpenter Brut, while Texas brings in electronic and industrial pioneers like The Prodigy and KMFDM. This blend ensures that each festival offers a distinct experience, tailored to its audience yet unified by a shared love for heavy, boundary-pushing music (BrooklynVegan).

Ticketing, Presale, and What’s Next

Presale for Las Vegas opens Thursday, October 23 at 10am PT, while Fort Worth’s presale begins Friday, October 24 at 10am CT. As excitement builds, the Sick New World website is expected to see a surge in traffic from fans eager to secure their spot at what may be the year’s most talked-about festivals.

Given the disappointment of 2025, organizers are pulling out all the stops: expanded lineups, city-specific sets, and a clear message that Sick New World is here not just to recover, but to redefine what a heavy music festival can be.

The Pulse of Heavy Music: Why Sick New World Matters

The festival’s evolution mirrors the shifting landscape of heavy music itself. As genres blend and audiences diversify, Sick New World’s dual events provide a platform for both legacy acts and new voices. Fans will see the past, present, and future of heavy music—sometimes within the same setlist, sometimes across generations sharing the same stage.

In the end, Sick New World 2026 isn’t just a return. It’s a declaration that heavy music remains vital, relevant, and deeply communal. For longtime fans, it’s a chance to revisit formative sounds; for newcomers, it’s an invitation to join a movement that refuses to stand still.

By staging two landmark events with stacked, thoughtfully curated lineups, Sick New World has signaled that heavy music festivals can adapt, grow, and thrive—even after setbacks. This return isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about reinvention and the power of community to keep music alive and evolving.