Emperor and Stratovarius Announced for 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise

I don’t know about you, but the year 2025 sounds like far-flung sci-fi bullshit to me. Still, that’s next year and it’s fast approaching, so new shows set for next year are popping up left and right. One annual show that just happens to take place on the water is the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise and they’ve got a doozy for their first band announcement — Emperor will be on the high seas.

Organizers took to social media to express their excitement of getting the influential black metal band on the upcoming cruise. Not only that, but they’ll be playing two very special sets while on the ship — one for In The Nightshade Eclipse and another for Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk.

“Sailors! Let’s kick things off by releasing the first band for 70000 Tons Of Metal 2025… Emperor! We are in for a treat as they will deliver two special sets for us, one dedicated to In The Nightside Eclipse, and the other to Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk. Who’s ready to set sail??”

Set to take place from January 30 until February 3, the cruise will feature a long list of bands to play on the boat as it makes its way through the Caribbean Sea from Miami, Florida to Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

In addition to the Emperor announcement, organizers also revealed that Stratovarius will also be onboard next year. In their case, Stratiovarious will be playing all of Visions for one show, while the other will be a selection of fan favorites.

“Please welcome Stratovarius on board 70000 Tons Of Metal 2025! Like every band traveling with us on The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, this power metal powerhouse will perform two electrifying sets for us: One will feature a performance of their album Visions in it’s entirety. The other set will highlight a special “Best Of” selection. We can’t wait to have you on board in January!”

So what do you think? These two bands enough to get you stoked to attend a heavy metal cruise in 2025? Let us know in th