Pedal to the metal

Like swallows to Capistrano, metal bands and metal fans will flock to the Palladium in Worcester in April for the 11th annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. The most comprehensive fest for aggressive music on the East Coast, if not the country (if not the planet), Metalfest opens April 17 with heavy hitters All That Remains, Acacia Strain, Suffocation, Napalm Death, plus scads more. On April 18, dozens more take to the theater’s two stages, with the mightiest of the day being Lamb of God, As I Lay Dying, Children of Bodom, and God Forbid.

Tickets are $40 for Friday, $45 for Saturday, and $79 for a two-day pass, on sale tomorrow through Tickets.com. Check for schedules and full lineups here.

--- Scott McLennan