Rockstadt Extreme Fest announced new headliner

In one of it’s very few and selected appearances in Europe this year, the band will celebrate 25 years since the release of the groundbreaking album Calculating Infinity, with a set comprised of all songs from the record, along with selected additions from their catalogue.

There’s no need to introduce this monumental piece of history. The Dillinger Escape Plan redefined technicality and concept among the metal scene, pushing the boundaries of extreme music and gathering legions of fans. Their influence among the contemporary metal scene is simply undeniable!

The band was formed in 1997 in Morris Plains, New Jersey by guitarist Ben Weinman, bassist Adam Doll, vocalist Dimitri Minakakis, and drummer Chris Pennie. The band’s use of dissonance, odd time signatures, polyrhythms and unconventional drum patterns became a staple of their sound… Although later albums incorporated more melody, and influences from a range of genres. The band’s lineup shifted numerous times throughout its existence. By the time the group dissolved, Weinman was the only remaining founding member. The final lineup also included longtime members Liam Wilson on bass, Greg Puciato as lead vocalist, and Billy Rymer on the drum kit. Alongside then-newcomer Kevin Antreassian as rhythm guitarist.

About the band

The Dillinger Escape Plan achieved critical success, releasing six studio albums during its existence, the first being Calculating Infinity (1999). Critics noted this album as a landmark release in hardcore punk and heavy metal music. The album has achieved a cult status selling well over 100,000 copies. This made the band the highest-selling artist on Relapse at the time. The Dillinger Escape Plan has won various nominations from award shows and publications such as the PLUG Independent Music Awards, Revolver, Kerrang!  and Metal Hammer. In 2017, the band won an AIM Award for “Outstanding Contribution to Music”.

Prior to the release of their final album, Dissociation (2016), the group announced that they would be disbanding at the end of the album’s touring cycle. Their final shows took place at Terminal 5 in New York City from December 27th to 29th, 2017. In December 2023, the band announced that they are reuniting for three shows in New York in June 2024 with original frontman Dimitri Minakakis, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Calculating Infinity.

Unfortunately, Whitechapel are forced to cancel this year’s appearance due to unforseen logistical issues. As for My Dying Bride, they cancelled all shows for 2024, without giving a proper explanation and with a lack of communication for some time now. Of course, Rockstadt Extreme Fest organizers will try to reschedule for 2025. Replacements will be announced, along with the full lineup and daily timetable up and running later this month!

For more information about the lineup, read the previous articles here and here.

Tickets are available here.