Along with the usual lineup of kickass bands including Killswitch Engage, Lacuna Coil, Chimaira and others, the 38-city, nine-week event has a lot more in store.

“We really wanted to make sure fans attending Music As A Weapon this year get the most bang for their buck,” frontman David Draiman said in a statement. “So we decided to bring in tattoo artists, the extreme sports complex, the gaming and vendor village to go beyond the usual live music experience and give the concerts the feel of a true event.

“If they’re going to part with their hard-earned money, we need to honor that and give them our all in return.”

The traveling “lifestyle festival” makes its first stop in Madison, Wis., March 20 and hits major cities around the country until is wraps up at Charter One Pavilion in Chicago May 16.