MTV2's inaugural Headbangers Ball Tour is set to launch later this month, with rockers Killswitch Engage [ tickets ], Lamb of God [ tickets ] and Shadows Fall [ tickets ] leading the charge.

The three groups will all rotate in the headlining slot, according to a press release. Unearth [ tickets ] will open the first leg of the tour, and God Forbid [ tickets ] supports on the second.

"This tour will easily be one of the best tours Killswitch has ever done," the band's Howard Jones said in a statement. "And having 'Headbangers Ball' involved, a show we all grew up watching, is icing on the cake. I know us and Shadows Fall are looking forward to playing a full set--not just 20 minutes--for all the kids we saw at Ozzfest. And it's always fun to watch Lamb of God play."

Killswitch Engage issued its latest album, "Alive or Just Breathing," in 2002. Vocalist Jesse Leach left the band shortly after its release, and has since been replaced by Jones, of fellow Massachusetts band Blood Has Been Shed.

Shadows Fall--which also hails from Massachusetts--released its latest album, "The Art of Balance," in 2002. Richmond, VA-based quintet Lamb of God issued its most recent LP, "As the Palaces Burn," in May.

MTV2 revived its "Headbangers Ball" series this summer. The program features old and new videos by metal bands, along with artist interviews. The original "Headbangers Ball" ran on MTV from 1987 through 1995.

All three of the tour headliners are featured on the first-ever "MTV2 Headbangers Ball" album, a two-disc set that is scheduled for release by Roadrunner Records on Oct. 7. The album features 40 tracks from a mix of established acts and up-and-comers, including Godsmack, Slayer, Hatebreed, Cold, Marilyn Manson, Mushroomhead, Ill Nino, Spineshank, Chimaira, Staind and Eighteen Visions.