Well it’s summer and you know what that means, it’s time for the Vans Warped Tour to begin its 2-month journey across America.This year’s incarnation of the festival boasts 50+ bands, and like the past several years, there is an impressive contingent of heavier bands from across the spectrum of metal sub-genres.  With so many bands on the lineup, it’s easy to be overwhelmed, but Metal Insider is here to help. Contributor Nathan Katsiaficis has taken it upon himself to highlight a selection of some of the best acts on the tour–in no particular order–including some newer acts and some that might be slightly outside of the metal genre, but still merit your attention.  If you manage to catch a majority of the bands below, you’ll be sure to have a hell of a good time!

Check out the full lineup here, and grab tickets for your date here.

Tune in HERE on Friday, June 13th to watch a livestream featuring 30 different bands from the first date of the tour.

Stray From The Path

Long Island hardcore/metallers Stray From The Path bring one of the most unforgivingly aggressive live shows I’ve ever witnessed.  Granted the last time I saw them was at a tiny 200-capacity venue, but I’m interested to see how they handle playing a larger stage. You can check out SFTP’s most recent full-length release, Anonymous here. Or just jam their most recent music video, for the song, “Black Friday,” below!  Stray From the Path will be playing on the Monster Energy Stage for the full tour, all summer long!

[youtube]http://youtu.be/pvxaCKyzwXU[/youtube]

I The Breather

I The Breather have had an interesting career full of highs and lows–with a stint on 2012’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, followed by several lineup changes and a long break from touring.  Luckily this seems to have helped the band, as their new material, from the two tracks released thus far, suggests astronomical growth in their music. The band has a new album, Life Reaper, out on Sumerian Records on July 15th.  If you’re on the fence about seeing them at Warped, watch the video below, it should convince you of the epicness that awaits you in their live set. ITB are on the tour all summer, catch them on the Ernie Ball Stage!

[youtube]http://youtu.be/21HMCO7NpgU[/youtube]