New Project From WIND ROSE Frontman Francesco Cavalieri

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In keeping with the spirit of creating unforgettable experiences and exclusive performances, the 2026 edition of 70000TONS OF METAL, The Original, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, will host the first-ever live on-stage performance of VBO. Also known as VICE BUSINESS ONLY, VBO, a turbo-charged fusion of synthwave swagger and heavy rock heat, is a newly formed project from Francesco Cavalieri, best known as the lead vocalist of Italian Power Metal band WIND ROSE, and electronic artist Simone Giusti.

Setting sail in January 2026 from Miami, FL to Nassau, The Bahamas and back, the 4-day floating festival will welcome VBO to its international stage, marking the band's Official Live Debut alongside 59 other acts from across the global Metal scene.

While details surrounding VBO have been kept intentionally limited, the project signals a new creative direction for Cavalieri, whose work with WIND ROSE has earned him recognition for his powerful vocal presence and theatrical performance style. With VBO, Cavalieri explores new musical territory, offering a sound distinct from his previous work, yet still grounded in the intensity and character-driven storytelling he is known for.

"We are VBO: VICE BUSINESS ONLY. Did you really think you could sail without us? What kind of party would it be without the bad boys? Forget about it..." said the band. "This is the plan, open your ears: we're bringing champagne, our passion and our asses to the stage of the most metal cruise in the world: Miami - Nassau. We will be performing two world premiere concerts of our 80's-flavored synthwave metal, and you will be the first witnesses of our rise to power, right on time to join us. And when we run out of champagne? We're going back to refill bottles from our friends in Vice City. If you like us, come and you'll be our guest of honor, you have our word. And for those who don't like us, we hope they enjoy swimming to Miami. Bring yourself a nice elegant dress... It will serve you in both cases."

Cavalieri will also perform separately with WIND ROSE, returning to 70000TONS OF METAL 2026 after the band's well-received previous appearance on the cruise. Fans will have the unique opportunity to see both sides of Cavalieri's musical identity in one epic setting.

Check out the band's shoutout video HERE

With 51 of 60 bands already announced and ticket sales in full swing, Sailors originating from over 80 Nations around the World should make sure to get ready and not miss the experience of a lifetime onboard this floating festival in the Caribbean - and join The United Nations Of Heavy Metal At Sea.

The currently-announced lineup for the 2026 sailing is:

• AMORPHIS
• ANTHRAX
• ARKONA
• BEAST IN BLACK
• BLOODRED HOURGLASS
• CEMETERY SKYLINE
• DARKANE
• DARK TRANQUILLITY
• DODHEIMSGARD
• DRAGONLAND
• DUST BOLT
• ELUVEITIE
• EREB ALTOR
• FIREWIND
• GAMA BOMB
• GROZA
• HAGGARD
• HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY
• HEATHEN
• HIRAES
• HIRAX
• HOUR OF PENANCE
• IGNEA
• ILLDISPOSED
• ILLUMISHADE
• IN MOURNING
• INSOMNIUM
• IZEGRIM
• KAMELOT
• KANONENFIEBER
• ORDEN OGAN
• PARADISE LOST
• PERSEFONE
• RHAPSODY OF FIRE
• ROYAL HUNT
• SATAN
• SATURNUS
• SEVEN SPIRES
• SKELETAL REMAINS
• SKYCLAD
• SOEN
• SOILWORK
• SUIDAKRA
• TRIBULATION
• TYR
• VADER
• VBO
• VIO-LENCE
• WIND ROSE
• WOLF
• XANDRIA