Dates
No 2027 dates yet. Heats and the final show here once the country partner adds them.
Rules
Two sets apply. Read both before you apply.
Bahrain rules
Set by the country partner01PROCESS
- Open to bands officially based in Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar. All band members must be aged 21 or over to apply. Application deadline is November 18, 2026. Selected bands will compete in the Bahrain Metal Battle on January 29, 2027 at Diggers, Manama. The winner of the Bahrain Metal Battle must compete in the regional Arabia Metal Battle in Dubai (Date TBA). The winner of the Arabia Metal Battle will represent the region at the international Wacken Metal Battle 2027 at Wacken Open Air in Germany.
02DEADLINES AND DATES
- Applications Open - October 18. Applications Close - November 18. Bahrain Metal Battle - January 29. Regional Arabia Metal Battle (in Dubai) - TBA
03SET TIMES + RULES
- Bands competing in the Bahrain Metal Battle must perform a 20 minute set. The winner will advance to the Arabia Metal Battle in Dubai, where bands will perform a 20 minute set. Original songs only. No covers.
04MATERIAL
- Submit one demo (max 30 minutes). WAV, FLAC or 320kbps MP3. Spotify or Bandcamp link is required as a backup. YouTube links are accepted but discouraged.
05COSTS
- Application is free. Bands are responsible for their own travel costs to the Bahrain Metal Battle, the Arabia Metal Battle in Dubai, and the international Wacken Metal Battle 2027 at Wacken Open Air in Germany. Special discounted room rates will be available at the Delmon International Hotel in Manama for bands traveling to Bahrain to participate in the Bahrain Metal Battle.
Wacken Metal Battle rules
Every country01Country-Specific Applications
- Bands must apply from their respective countries. Applications from outside your country of residence will not be considered.
02Record Label Restrictions
- Your band must not have an existing record deal.
- If your band is in discussions with a label but has not yet signed a contract, you must not sign a deal before or during the competition.
03Performance Requirements
- Your band must be able to perform a 20-minute set consisting entirely of original songs (no covers).
- The use of audio samples during live performances is permitted.
Music must be made by human band members.
All music submitted to and performed at Wacken Metal Battle must be fully composed, written, and performed by human band members. The use of AI in generating compositions, lyrics, vocals, instrumental parts, or recordings is strictly prohibited. Any band found using AI-generated content in any part of their music or performance will be immediately disqualified and may be banned from future participation.
04Eligibility Based on Past Participation
- Bands that have previously won a Metal Battle competition (national or international finals) are not eligible to participate again.
- Bands that participated in past editions but did not win any regional or national heats may reapply.
05Travel & Visa Requirements
- All band members must have a valid passport to travel to Germany.
- The passport must be valid for at least six months before the intended departure date for Germany.
- The German visa must be obtained from the German Consulate in the country where your band is performing.
06Travel Costs
- Bands must cover their own travel expenses for both national Metal Battle heats and international travel to Wacken Open Air. No travel costs will be covered by the event organizers.
07Front of House (FOH) & Lighting Director (LD) Restrictions
- Wacken Open Air provides its own FOH (Front of House) engineer and LD (Lighting Director) for all bands.
- Bringing your own FOH or LD is not allowed.
08Crew & Tour Logistics
- If your band is on tour or has additional shows outside of Metal Battle, you are allowed to bring your own crew.
- All crew details must be provided in advance to the Artist Production team.
- The Artist Production team will coordinate directly with the band to organize travel logistics.
09Guest List Policy
- Bands are allowed to bring guests. For further details, contact your local promoter.
- Each band member and crew member is entitled to bring one guest. For example, a band of 5 members with 4 crew would be eligible for a total of 9 guests.
03 · Country partner
Moutasem Kabbani / WMB Arabia
Apply for Bahrain
One application per band. Fields marked * are required.
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- Country final
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