The 2025 edition of Sick New World may have been cancelled months ago, but new signs suggest the nu-metal mega-festival could be preparing for a return.
During the System Of A Down/Korn/Avenged Sevenfold stadium stops in East Rutherford, NJ (August 27–28) and Chicago, IL (August 31–September 1), fans spotted visuals featuring Tim Burton-inspired characters paired with the festival’s signature swirling backdrop. The imagery strongly resembles the branding that defined Sick New World’s first two editions, immediately fueling speculation that an announcement may be imminent.
Next up, the tour heads to Toronto for two nights on September 3rd and 5th—and fans will be keeping a close eye out for more teasing, or perhaps even an official reveal.
The timing is especially interesting given past comments from System Of A Down drummer John Dolmayan, who addressed the festival’s uncertain future earlier this year. Sharing his disappointment after the 2025 event’s cancellation, he assured fans: “SNW will be back, and so will we if the fans demand it!”
Dolmayan’s statement carried more weight than most. Beyond performing at the festival’s first two years, System Of A Down’s longtime manager David “Beno” Benveniste also co-founded Sick New World, making the drummer’s words feel less like speculation and more like a promise.
A Festival That Quickly Defined a Scene
First launched in 2023, Sick New World became an instant phenomenon, bringing together nu-metal and alt-metal icons for a massive Las Vegas takeover. Its debut lineup featured System Of A Down, Korn, Deftones, Incubus, Evanescence, and more, followed in 2024 by an even heavier lineup topped by Slipknot and SOAD.
The planned 2025 edition was set to expand beyond nostalgia, with Metallica and Linkin Park headlining alongside Queens Of The Stone Age, Evanescence, AFI, Gojira, and a rare reunion of Acid Bath before organizers abruptly scrapped the event due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
Now, with teasers appearing across stadium screens and Dolmayan’s reassurance still echoing, the buzz around Sick New World’s future is louder than ever.
For now, there’s no official word—but the signs point to something swirling just over the horizon.
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I read this as sick sad world and was like “Daria?” 😂
And they played nothing but Rammstein before the bands came on… is that a hint?
David I def heard them, but there were a lot of other bands they played but the sound was low low.
PinKie McLean Rammstein was blasting when we walked in to the pit
David we were already by the stage at that point. The sound was so not loud. We actually were bummed not to have it louder
PinKie McLean ah. I was 3 in line, so I was first in, and it was blasting.
Maybe they learned their lesson after burning the budget on metalica, and couldn’t sell out
Colton Dustin Charette everyone always gets so mad about this!! The truth is Metallica sucks. And it does suck to suck!! Lesson hopefully learned indeed!
Tiphani Ann Metallica sold out all the other shows and festivals they played since it didn’t cost $500 a ticket, especially since Sonic temple cost less, over more days, with better bands and Metallica played twice. The promoters severely over estimated their brand value and found out the hard way.
Colton Dustin Charette it not Metallica fault it Velvet Hammer the founder fault.
Scott Stefani I never said it was Metallicas fault.
I got the same pic
Media: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10161971203245098&set=p.10161971203245098&type=3
Just glad I saw them in New Jersey after 19 years!!!
Media: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=24197347633270863&set=p.24197347633270863&type=3
Omg Khiara Archibald we going
I can’t wait
It was ass
I saw it too but that means nothing sorry🤷♂️
It appeared at the Chicago concert too
They were being lazy and re used footage. That’s all
Needs to be a substantial price decrease or a second day added. I’ll take one or the other.
Ava Lean
I’m not fixing make more travel plans just for you to cancel again.
If system plays
I miss old school warped, it hit EVERY state and was only 60 bucks a ticket.
I haven’t been able to find it yet but I heard John Dolmayan posted on Insta December 2024 that SNW would be back and so would they if fans demand it! I think they support SNW and Las Vegas!