Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur is set to become the focal point for metal and punk music enthusiasts as “Metalverse”, an international-scale music festival, has been officially announced.
The two-day festival will take place from 30 April to 1 May at Megastar Arena Kuala Lumpur, running from 3pm until 12 midnight.
Organised by Vox Nation Live, “Metalverse” is envisioned as more than a music festival. It is a dedicated platform celebrating metal and punk as living cultures, rooted in honesty, intensity, and the deep sense of unity that defines their global community.
According to Shawn Chang, CEO of Vox Nation Live, “Metalverse” was created to address a long-standing gap in the regional live music scene.
“Malaysia has one of the most passionate and informed metal and punk communities in the region, yet festivals that truly respect and prioritise these genres are still extremely limited. Metal and punk are not trends; they are cultures built on authenticity and connection. ‘Metalverse’ exists to honour that identity and to finally give this community a stage that reflects its true scale and spirit,” he said.
He added that the festival also aims to bridge local fans with the global heavy music movement.
“Our goal is to place Malaysian audiences directly within the global metal and punk ecosystem, rather than on its sidelines.”
The decision to host “Metalverse” at the Megastar Arena KL was a strategic one, striking a balance between intimacy and production capability.
“This venue allows us to deliver a powerful, close-range experience where fans can feel every riff, every breakdown, every moment while still supporting world-class production standards. Its central location also ensures accessibility for fans across the Klang Valley and beyond,” Shawn explained.
With six international acts already confirmed, “Metalverse” promises a line-up curated with intent that are guided by relevance, live performance impact, and fan demand.
“We didn’t want to book bands simply based on numbers or nostalgia. These are artists who are shaping the modern metalcore, post-hardcore, and punk scenes today. These bands are known for their explosive live shows and genuine connection with their audiences. Just as importantly, these are names Malaysian fans have been asking for, but rarely get to experience live here in Malaysia,” he shared.
Among the major acts confirmed are Of Mice & Men and Blessthefall, both widely recognised for their emotional intensity, musical evolution, and powerful live performances.
Designed as a fully immersive event, “Metalverse” places equal emphasis on experience and execution.
“This is not just about standing in front of a stage. Every element from stage design and lighting to scheduling and crowd flow has been carefully planned. ‘Metalverse’ is about two days of shared energy, where fans, artists, and the community come together and experience heavy music the way it’s meant to be felt,” said Shawn.
The local artist line-up will be revealed closer to the festival date, a decision made to ensure meaningful visibility for Malaysian acts.
“The local heavy music scene is evolving rapidly, and it deserves proper attention. Announcing local artists closer to the festival helps create momentum and positions them as a core part of the “Metalverse” story, not just as fillers, but as contributors to the culture,” he noted.
Other than the two specially invited indie acts, Midnight Fusic and Spooky Wet Dreams, “Metalverse” differentiates itself through its genre-focused approach.
“‘Metalverse’ is not a mixed-genre festival trying to please everyone. It is intentionally built for metal and punk fans, from the artist selection and pacing to the overall atmosphere. We believe in quality over quantity, and in creating experiences that stay with fans long after the lights go down,” Shawn stressed.
Beyond entertainment, “Metalverse” carries a larger mission: accessibility.
“Malaysian fans are incredibly passionate and well-informed, yet many still have to travel overseas to see their favourite bands perform live. ‘Metalverse’ is our statement that Malaysia is not just ready… we are relevant, capable, and deserving of being a key stop on the global heavy music circuit,” he said.
With strong early support from the local metal and punk community as well as industry partners, “Metalverse” is positioned as the foundation of a long-term vision.
“This is only the beginning. Our goal is to grow ‘Metalverse’ into a major annual music festival, one that expands in scale, reputation, and influence year after year. We want it to be a festival artists actively want to be part of, and one fans proudly mark on their calendars,” Shawn concluded.
For more information, visit https://www.ticketmelon.com/voxnationlive/MetalverseRockFestival
