Sick New World is looking likely to make it’s return, at System Of A Down’s recent stadium stops in New Jersey, Chicago, and Toronto, giant screens lit up with visuals teasing the nu-metal and alt-rock festival’s 2026 return. Fans immediately clocked the tie in, especially since Korn, Avenged Sevenfold, and Deftones, past Sick New World heavyweights, were sharing those stages.
The festival’s website has also quietly refreshed with a new mailing list sign-up, signalling organisers are gearing up for something big after the disappointment of 2025’s cancellation.
Check out the teaser video below:
Who’s Headlining in 2026?
As reported by Lambgoat, speculation is already running wild. System Of A Down seem like an obvious pick given the timing of the tease, but the bigger rumour is Metallica. They were originally locked in to co-headline the scrapped 2025 edition, with reports suggesting both they and Linkin Park were set to pocket a staggering $5 million each for their slots. Metallica’s 2026 European tour leaves just enough wiggle room for a festival stop stateside.
System Of A Down Performing at Sick New World 2023 | Photo Bridget Bennett (Getty Images)
The Road Back After 2025’s Collapse
Sick New World’s 2025 cancellation, vaguely blamed on ‘unforeseen circumstances’ was a major blow for the festival circuit. Fans who had already booked trips to Las Vegas were left holding the bag, with little in the way of answers.
Now, the return tease feels like an attempt at redemption. For a festival built on nostalgia and the crossover appeal of nu-metal’s biggest survivors, rolling out heavyweights like System Of A Down, Korn, and Deftones at the teasing stage is a strong opening move.
If Metallica does step in, it would mark the most ambitious Sick New World yet, linking the old guard of nu-metal with one of metal’s most enduring titans. After a messy 2025, the festival is looking to prove it can deliver more than just hype. Watch this space!
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