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Get Ready To Rumble Metalheads!

Wacken Metal Battle is an international band contest, established in 2004, that aims at discovering new talent and supporting the scene worldwide. With this, the Wacken Open Air supports up & coming artists on a global scale, offering its resources and stages.

About the W:O:A METAL BATTLE

The Metal Battle has grown to include 62 countries that hold national heats and are eligible to send the winners to Wacken. An international jury votes on the performances, the best groups receive financial support from the Wacken Foundation as well as instruments and equipment provided by Metal Battle’s partners. Last but not least, the contest offers the possibility to get in touch with people from the music business worldwide. The contest has supported several bands throughout the years and has been a pivotal career launchpad for bands like Drone, Torture Squad, Battle Beast and Hammercult, to name a few.

previous metal battle winners

  • WINNERS 2022 PHANTOM EXCALIVER

  • WINNERS 2022 SABLE HILLS

  • WINNERS 2019 VARANG NORD

  • WINNERS 2018 DIE FROM SORROW

  • WINNERS 2017 JET JAGUAR

  • WINNERS 2016 ZOMBIES ATE MY GIRLFRIEND

  • WINNERS 2015 VESPERIA

  • WINNERS 2013 CRIMSION SHADOWS

  • WINNERS 2014 IN MUTE

  • WINNERS 2012 HAMFRED

  • WINNERS 2011 HAMMERCULT

  • WINNERS 2010 BATTLE BEAST

  • WINNERS 2008 THE FADING

  • WINNERS 2007 TORTUNRE SQUAD

  • WINNERS 2006 DRONE

  • WINNERS 2005 GORILLA MONSOON

  • WINNERS 2004 RECKLESS TIDE