Active Countries
Click on your country’s flag to apply for a performance slot at Wacken Open Air and access all relevant information specific to your country in one place.
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – ANGOLA
This is the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Angola. Winners of Angola’s national final will face off against champions from South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique under the banner of Southern Africa. The ultimate showdown for Southern Africa will take place in South Africa. The victor of this round will then advance to compete with other global finalists at the grand finale of Wacken Open Air.
Important Information before applying.
- Self-funded Expenses: All participating bands must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Regional Heats:
- Bands are required to travel to the closest city in their country for a regional qualifying heat.
- Regional heats depend on the number of bands submitting from each city.
- A minimum of THREE bands is required for each regional heat.
- Regional heats are scheduled for February and March of 2025.
- Finals:
- Bands that qualify as finalists from each region need to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa for the final competition.
- The final is set for April/May of 2025.
- Global Competition:
- The winning band of the final, representing Africa, will need to travel to Hamburg, Germany to participate in the global metal battle.
- Passport Require
- Every member of the participating bands must possess a valid passport to gain entry for the events.
Bands must ensure they’re aware of these requirements and plan accordingly.
The applications are now OPEN. Last Date to apply is November 01st 2024
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – ARUBA
This is the official page of the Wacken Metal Battle Caribbean region.
To apply, all bands must first email caribbean@metal-battle.com to receive detailed instructions before submitting their application.
Application period: November 1 to December 15.
Eligibility requirements:
Your band must be unsigned and have no plans to sign with a record label in the near future.
You must be able to perform a 30-minute set composed entirely of your own original music.
Your band has not previously won a Metal Battle final.
Bands that participated in past editions but did not win are welcome to reapply.
Travel requirements:
Bands are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to both the Caribbean regional final in Puerto Rico and the world final at Wacken in Germany. This includes flights, transportation, accommodation, food, and beverages.
All band members must hold passports valid for at least one year (note: international travel generally requires a minimum of six months’ passport validity).
Visa requirements:
Finalists will need a valid US visa to enter Puerto Rico and a valid EU/Schengen visa to enter Germany.
Applicants should begin the visa application process as soon as possible, as processing times can be lengthy. Contact your local consulate for details.
Applications are now OPEN
Tourdates Aruba
WACKEN METAL BATTLE BAHRAIN
Please read these important points below before applying.
Minimum Participation Requirement
Each local heat must have at least three qualified bands in order to proceed.
Pre-selection Process
If more applications are received than there are spots available for the live competition, a pre-selection jury will choose the top bands.
Notifications of selected bands will be sent by early January 2025.
Self-funded Expenses
All participating bands are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. This applies to travel for the local heats and, for winners, travel to the regional final in Egypt. The band representing the Middle East at the Wacken Festival must also cover their travel to Hamburg/Wacken, Germany. Bands should verify the visa requirements for local heats, the regional final, and the world final in Germany.
Travel and Residency Requirements
Each band member must upload a valid passport, with validity extending to at least February 2026, to prove travel eligibility.
Expats living in the Middle East must also provide proof of residency in the region.
Content and Conduct Requirements
All bands must ensure that their lyrics do not offend societal, political, or religious values of the Middle East.
Bands with distribution labels must disclose these affiliations. Only contracts with distribution labels are allowed; contracts with record labels are not permitted.
Bands may be required to provide a copy of their distribution contract if requested.
Bands may also be asked to submit their lyrics for review before performing at the live events.
Inclusivity
The Wacken Metal Battle is an inclusive, international contest that welcomes participants of diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. We expect all participating bands to respect and embrace an international audience with varied backgrounds.
Performances
Bands from this country will be shortlisted to perform in in Bahrain on 7th February 2025, Follow Wacken Metal Battle for announcement and results
The application is currently OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – BOLIVIA
Welcome to the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Bolivia, representing South America’s Northern Region.
Important Information before applying
- Self-funded Expenses: All participating bands must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Regional Heats:
- Bands are required to travel to the closest city in their country for a regional qualifying heat.
- Finals:
- Bands that qualify as finalists from each region need to travel to Ecuador for the final competition.
- The final is set for December 15th 2025
- Global Competition:
- The winning band of the final, representing South America Northern Region, will need to travel to Wacken, Germany to participate in the global metal battle.
- Passport Require
- Every member of the participating bands must possess a valid passport to gain entry for the events.
Bands must ensure they’re aware of these requirements and plan accordingly
Apply below to play at Wacken Open Air. APPLICATIONS OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE BOTSWANA
This is the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Botswana. Winners of Botswana’s national final will face off against champions from South Africa, Kenya, Angola, Namibia and Mozambique under the banner of Southern Africa. The ultimate showdown for Southern Africa will take place in South Africa. The victor of this round will then advance to compete with other global finalists at the grand finale of Wacken Open Air.
Important Information before applying.
- Self-funded Expenses: All participating bands must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Regional Heats:
- Bands are required to travel to the closest city in their country for a regional qualifying heat.
- Regional heats depend on the number of bands submitting from each city.
- A minimum of THREE bands is required for each regional heat.
- Regional heats are scheduled for February and March of 2025.
- Finals:
- Bands that qualify as finalists from each region need to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa for the final competition.
- The final is set for April/May of 2025.
- Global Competition:
- The winning band of the final, representing Africa, will need to travel to Hamburg, Germany to participate in the global metal battle.
- Passport Requirement:
- Every member of the participating bands must possess a valid passport to gain entry for the events.
Bands must ensure they’re aware of these requirements and plan accordingly.
The applications are now OPEN. Last Date to apply is November 01st 2024.
WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA
Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in participating:
- Your band must be unsigned and not planning to sign with a label in the near future.
- Your band should be able to perform a 30-minute set of original music.
- You cannot have won the previous year’s Metal Battle heats.
- Bands that participated in previous years but didn’t win any regional heats are welcome to reapply.
- Bands that have won national or international finals are no longer eligible to participate.
Additionally, the winning band from Canada will receive:
VIP camping at the festival.
A performance slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival with a full professional backline.
$1,000 towards flights to Germany.
Tourdates Canada
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – COLOMBIA
Welcome to the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Colombia, representing South America’s Northern Region.
Important Information before applying
- Self-funded Expenses: All participating bands must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Regional Heats:
- Bands are required to travel to the closest city in their country for a regional qualifying heat.
- Finals:
- Bands that qualify as finalists from each region need to travel to Ecuador for the final competition.
- The final is set for December 15th 2025
- Global Competition:
- The winning band of the final, representing South America Northern Region, will need to travel to Wacken, Germany to participate in the global metal battle.
- Passport Require
- Every member of the participating bands must possess a valid passport to gain entry for the events.
Bands must ensure they’re aware of these requirements and plan accordingly
Apply below to play at Wacken Open Air. APPLICATIONS OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
This is the official page of the Wacken Metal Battle Caribbean region.
To apply, all bands must first email caribbean@metal-battle.com to receive detailed instructions before submitting their application.
Application period: November 1 to December 15.
Eligibility requirements:
Your band must be unsigned and have no plans to sign with a record label in the near future.
You must be able to perform a 30-minute set composed entirely of your own original music.
Your band has not previously won a Metal Battle final.
Bands that participated in past editions but did not win are welcome to reapply.
Travel requirements:
Bands are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to both the Caribbean regional final in Puerto Rico and the world final at Wacken in Germany. This includes flights, transportation, accommodation, food, and beverages.
All band members must hold passports valid for at least one year (note: international travel generally requires a minimum of six months’ passport validity).
Visa requirements:
Finalists will need a valid US visa to enter Puerto Rico and a valid EU/Schengen visa to enter Germany.
Applicants should begin the visa application process as soon as possible, as processing times can be lengthy. Contact your local consulate for details.
Applications are now OPEN
Tourdates Dominican Republic
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – ECUADOR
Welcome to the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Ecuador, representing South America’s Northern Region.
Important Information before applying.
- Self-funded Expenses: All participating bands must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Regional Heats:
- Bands are required to travel to the closest city in their country for a regional qualifying heat.
- Finals:
- Bands that qualify as finalists from each region need to travel to Ecuador for the final competition.
- The final is set for December 15th 2025
- Global Competition:
- The winning band of the final, representing South America Northern Region, will need to travel to Wacken, Germany to participate in the global metal battle.
- Passport Require
- Every member of the participating bands must possess a valid passport to gain entry for the events.
Bands must ensure they’re aware of these requirements and plan accordingly
Apply below to play at Wacken Open Air. APPLICATIONS OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE EGYPT
Please read these important points below before applying.
Minimum Participation Requirement
Each local heat must have at least three qualified bands in order to proceed.
Pre-selection Process
If more applications are received than there are spots available for the live competition, a pre-selection jury will choose the top bands.
Notifications of selected bands will be sent by early January 2025.
Self-funded Expenses
All participating bands are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. This applies to travel for the local heats and, for winners, travel to the regional final in Egypt. The band representing the Middle East at the Wacken Festival must also cover their travel to Hamburg/Wacken, Germany. Bands should verify the visa requirements for local heats, the regional final, and the world final in Germany.
Travel and Residency Requirements
Each band member must upload a valid passport, with validity extending to at least February 2026, to prove travel eligibility.
Expats living in the Middle East must also provide proof of residency in the region.
Content and Conduct Requirements
All bands must ensure that their lyrics do not offend societal, political, or religious values of the Middle East.
Bands with distribution labels must disclose these affiliations. Only contracts with distribution labels are allowed; contracts with record labels are not permitted.
Bands may be required to provide a copy of their distribution contract if requested.
Bands may also be asked to submit their lyrics for review before performing at the live events.
Inclusivity
The Wacken Metal Battle is an inclusive, international contest that welcomes participants of diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. We expect all participating bands to respect and embrace an international audience with varied backgrounds.
Performances
Bands from this country will be shortlisted to perform in Cairo on 21st Feb 2025, Follow Wacken Metal Battle for announcement and results.
The application is currently OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – FRENCH-GUYANA
To apply, all bands must first email caribbean@metal-battle.com to receive detailed instructions before submitting their application.
Application period: November 1 to December 15.
Eligibility requirements:
Your band must be unsigned and have no plans to sign with a record label in the near future.
You must be able to perform a 30-minute set composed entirely of your own original music.
Your band has not previously won a Metal Battle final.
Bands that participated in past editions but did not win are welcome to reapply.
Travel requirements:
Bands are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to both the Caribbean regional final in Puerto Rico and the world final at Wacken in Germany. This includes flights, transportation, accommodation, food, and beverages.
All band members must hold passports valid for at least one year (note: international travel generally requires a minimum of six months’ passport validity).
Visa requirements:
Finalists will need a valid US visa to enter Puerto Rico and a valid EU/Schengen visa to enter Germany.
Applicants should begin the visa application process as soon as possible, as processing times can be lengthy. Contact your local consulate for details.
Applications are now OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE GERMANY
This is everything you need to know, if you are interested:
- Your band must not currently have a record deal or be in the process of signing one.
- You should be able to perform a 20-minute set of original music.
- Bands that have won previous Metal Battle competitions (including last year’s) are not eligible to participate.
- However, if your band has participated in previous years but didn’t win a regional heat, you’re welcome to re-apply.
- Any band that has won a national or international final is no longer eligible to compete.
- The winners of the German finale will advance to the international finals at Wacken Open Air, where they will compete against the best emerging metal acts from around the world.
Registrations are OPEN
Tourdates Germany
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – GUADELOUPE
This is the official page of the Wacken Metal Battle Caribbean region.
To apply, all bands must first email caribbean@metal-battle.com to receive detailed instructions before submitting their application.
Application period: November 1 to December 15.
Eligibility requirements:
Your band must be unsigned and have no plans to sign with a record label in the near future.
You must be able to perform a 30-minute set composed entirely of your own original music.
Your band has not previously won a Metal Battle final.
Bands that participated in past editions but did not win are welcome to reapply.
Travel requirements:
Bands are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to both the Caribbean regional final in Puerto Rico and the world final at Wacken in Germany. This includes flights, transportation, accommodation, food, and beverages.
All band members must hold passports valid for at least one year (note: international travel generally requires a minimum of six months’ passport validity).
Visa requirements:
Finalists will need a valid US visa to enter Puerto Rico and a valid EU/Schengen visa to enter Germany.
Applicants should begin the visa application process as soon as possible, as processing times can be lengthy. Contact your local consulate for details.
Applications are now OPEN
Tourdates Guadeloupe
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – GUYANA
To apply, all bands must first email caribbean@metal-battle.com to receive detailed instructions before submitting their application.
Application period: November 1 to December 15.
Eligibility requirements:
Your band must be unsigned and have no plans to sign with a record label in the near future.
You must be able to perform a 30-minute set composed entirely of your own original music.
Your band has not previously won a Metal Battle final.
Bands that participated in past editions but did not win are welcome to reapply.
Travel requirements:
Bands are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to both the Caribbean regional final in Puerto Rico and the world final at Wacken in Germany. This includes flights, transportation, accommodation, food, and beverages.
All band members must hold passports valid for at least one year (note: international travel generally requires a minimum of six months’ passport validity).
Visa requirements:
Finalists will need a valid US visa to enter Puerto Rico and a valid EU/Schengen visa to enter Germany.
Applicants should begin the visa application process as soon as possible, as processing times can be lengthy. Contact your local consulate for details.
Applications are now OPEN
Tourdates Guyana
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – INDIA
This is the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in India. Winners of India’s national final will face off against champions from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh under the banner of the Indian Subcontinent. The ultimate showdown for the Indian Subcontinent will take place at the Bangalore Open Air Festival warmup party. The victor of this round will then advance to compete with other global finalists at the grand finale of Wacken Open Air.
The applications are now CLOSED. Follow www.instagram.com/bangaloreopenair.com for results & updates
Metal Battle Tourdates
No news available.
WACKEN METAL BATTLE JORDAN
Please read these important points below before applying.
Minimum Participation Requirement
Each local heat must have at least three qualified bands in order to proceed.
Pre-selection Process
If more applications are received than there are spots available for the live competition, a pre-selection jury will choose the top bands.
Notifications of selected bands will be sent by early January 2025.
Self-funded Expenses
All participating bands are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. This applies to travel for the local heats and, for winners, travel to the regional final in Egypt. The band representing the Middle East at the Wacken Festival must also cover their travel to Hamburg/Wacken, Germany. Bands should verify the visa requirements for local heats, the regional final, and the world final in Germany.
Travel and Residency Requirements
Each band member must upload a valid passport, with validity extending to at least February 2026, to prove travel eligibility.
Expats living in the Middle East must also provide proof of residency in the region.
Content and Conduct Requirements
All bands must ensure that their lyrics do not offend societal, political, or religious values of the Middle East.
Bands with distribution labels must disclose these affiliations. Only contracts with distribution labels are allowed; contracts with record labels are not permitted.
Bands may be required to provide a copy of their distribution contract if requested.
Bands may also be asked to submit their lyrics for review before performing at the live events.
Inclusivity
The Wacken Metal Battle is an inclusive, international contest that welcomes participants of diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. We expect all participating bands to respect and embrace an international audience with varied backgrounds.
PerformancesBands from this country will be shortlisted to perform in Cairo on 21st Feb 2025, Follow Wacken Metal Battle for announcement and results. .
The application is currently OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE KENYA
This is the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Kenya. Winners of Kenya’s national final will face off against champions from South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique under the banner of Southern Africa. The ultimate showdown for Southern Africa will take place in South Africa. The victor of this round will then advance to compete with other global finalists at the grand finale of Wacken Open Air.
Important Information before applying.
- Self-funded Expenses: All participating bands must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Regional Heats:
- Bands are required to travel to the closest city in their country for a regional qualifying heat.
- Regional heats depend on the number of bands submitting from each city.
- A minimum of THREE bands is required for each regional heat.
- Regional heats are scheduled for February and March of 2025.
- Finals:
- Bands that qualify as finalists from each region need to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa for the final competition.
- The final is set for April/May of 2025.
- Global Competition:
- The winning band of the final, representing Africa, will need to travel to Hamburg, Germany to participate in the global metal battle.
- Passport Requirement:
- Every member of the participating bands must possess a valid passport to gain entry for the events.
Bands must ensure they’re aware of these requirements and plan accordingly.
The applications are now OPEN. Last Date to apply is November 01st 2024.
WACKEN METAL BATTLE KUWAIT
Please read these important points below before applying.
Minimum Participation Requirement
Each local heat must have at least three qualified bands in order to proceed.
Pre-selection Process
If more applications are received than there are spots available for the live competition, a pre-selection jury will choose the top bands.
Notifications of selected bands will be sent by early January 2025.
Self-funded Expenses
All participating bands are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. This applies to travel for the local heats and, for winners, travel to the regional final in Egypt. The band representing the Middle East at the Wacken Festival must also cover their travel to Hamburg/Wacken, Germany. Bands should verify the visa requirements for local heats, the regional final, and the world final in Germany.
Travel and Residency Requirements
Each band member must upload a valid passport, with validity extending to at least February 2026, to prove travel eligibility.
Expats living in the Middle East must also provide proof of residency in the region.
Content and Conduct Requirements
All bands must ensure that their lyrics do not offend societal, political, or religious values of the Middle East.
Bands with distribution labels must disclose these affiliations. Only contracts with distribution labels are allowed; contracts with record labels are not permitted.
Bands may be required to provide a copy of their distribution contract if requested.
Bands may also be asked to submit their lyrics for review before performing at the live events.
Inclusivity
The Wacken Metal Battle is an inclusive, international contest that welcomes participants of diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. We expect all participating bands to respect and embrace an international audience with varied backgrounds.
Thanks Lets make this big!
Performances
Bands from this country will be shortlisted to perform in in Bahrain on 7th February 2025, Follow Wacken Metal Battle for announcement and result
The application is currently OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE LEBANON
The Wacken Metal Battle In Lebanon is currently on hold. Bands interested in participating, please get in touch with middle.east@metal-batt.com
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – MOZAMBIQUE
This is the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Mozambique. Winners of Mozambique’s national final will face off against champions from South Africa, Kenya, Angola, Namibia and Botswana under the banner of Southern Africa. The ultimate showdown for Southern Africa will take place in South Africa. The victor of this round will then advance to compete with other global finalists at the grand finale of Wacken Open Air.
Important Information before applying.
- Self-funded Expenses: All participating bands must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Regional Heats:
- Bands are required to travel to the closest city in their country for a regional qualifying heat.
- Regional heats depend on the number of bands submitting from each city.
- A minimum of THREE bands is required for each regional heat.
- Regional heats are scheduled for February and March of 2025.
- Finals:
- Bands that qualify as finalists from each region need to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa for the final competition.
- The final is set for April/May of 2025.
- Global Competition:
- The winning band of the final, representing Africa, will need to travel to Hamburg, Germany to participate in the global metal battle.
- Passport Requirement:
- Every member of the participating bands must possess a valid passport to gain entry for the events.
Bands must ensure they’re aware of these requirements and plan accordingly.
The applications are now OPEN. Last Date to apply is November 01st 2024.
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – NAMIBIA
This is the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Namibia. Winners of Namabia’s national final will face off against champions from Mozambique, Kenya, Angola, South Africa and Botswana under the banner of Southern Africa. The ultimate showdown for Southern Africa will take place in South Africa. The victor of this round will then advance to compete with other global finalists at the grand finale of Wacken Open Air.
Important Information before applying.
- Self-funded Expenses: All participating bands must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Regional Heats:
- Bands are required to travel to the closest city in their country for a regional qualifying heat.
- Regional heats depend on the number of bands submitting from each city.
- A minimum of THREE bands is required for each regional heat.
- Regional heats are scheduled for February and March of 2025.
- Finals:
- Bands that qualify as finalists from each region need to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa for the final competition.
- The final is set for April/May of 2025.
- Global Competition:
- The winning band of the final, representing Africa, will need to travel to Hamburg, Germany to participate in the global metal battle.
- Passport Requirement:
- Every member of the participating bands must possess a valid passport to gain entry for the events.
Bands must ensure they’re aware of these requirements and plan accordingly.
The applications are now OPEN. Last Date to apply is November 01st 2024.
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – NEPAL
This is the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Nepal. Winners of Nepal’s national final will face off against champions from Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh under the banner of the Indian Subcontinent. The ultimate showdown for the Indian Subcontinent will take place at the Bangalore Open Air Festival warmup party. The victor of this round will then advance to compete with other global finalists at the grand finale of Wacken Open Air.
The applications are now CLOSED.
Metal Battle Tourdates
No news available.
WACKEN METAL BATTLE OMAN
Please read these important points below before applying.
Minimum Participation Requirement
Each local heat must have at least three qualified bands in order to proceed.
Pre-selection Process
If more applications are received than there are spots available for the live competition, a pre-selection jury will choose the top bands.
Notifications of selected bands will be sent by early January 2025.
Self-funded Expenses
All participating bands are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. This applies to travel for the local heats and, for winners, travel to the regional final in Egypt. The band representing the Middle East at the Wacken Festival must also cover their travel to Hamburg/Wacken, Germany. Bands should verify the visa requirements for local heats, the regional final, and the world final in Germany.
Travel and Residency Requirements
Each band member must upload a valid passport, with validity extending to at least February 2026, to prove travel eligibility.
Expats living in the Middle East must also provide proof of residency in the region.
Content and Conduct Requirements
All bands must ensure that their lyrics do not offend societal, political, or religious values of the Middle East.
Bands with distribution labels must disclose these affiliations. Only contracts with distribution labels are allowed; contracts with record labels are not permitted.
Bands may be required to provide a copy of their distribution contract if requested.
Bands may also be asked to submit their lyrics for review before performing at the live events.
Inclusivity
The Wacken Metal Battle is an inclusive, international contest that welcomes participants of diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. We expect all participating bands to respect and embrace an international audience with varied backgrounds.
Performances
Bands from this country will be shortlisted to perform in in Bahrain on 7th February 2025, Follow Wacken Metal Battle for announcement and result
The application is currently OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – PERU
Welcome to the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Peru, representing South America’s Northern Region.
Important Information before applying
- Self-funded Expenses: All participating bands must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Regional Heats:
- Bands are required to travel to the closest city in their country for a regional qualifying heat.
- Finals:
- Bands that qualify as finalists from each region need to travel to Ecuador for the final competition.
- The final is set for December 15th 2025
- Global Competition:
- The winning band of the final, representing South America Northern Region, will need to travel to Wacken, Germany to participate in the global metal battle.
- Passport Require
- Every member of the participating bands must possess a valid passport to gain entry for the events.
Bands must ensure they’re aware of these requirements and plan accordingly
Apply below to play at Wacken Open Air. APPLICATIONS OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – PORTUGAL
This is the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Portugal. Finals of the Wacken Metal Battle Portugal will happen at SWR BARROSELAS METALFEST
The applications are now OPEN. Last Date to apply is October 20th 2024
Tourdates Portugal
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – PUERTO RICO
This is the official page of the Wacken Metal Battle Caribbean region.
To apply, all bands must first email caribbean@metal-battle.com to receive detailed instructions before submitting their application.
Application period: November 1 to December 15.
Eligibility requirements:
Your band must be unsigned and have no plans to sign with a record label in the near future.
You must be able to perform a 30-minute set composed entirely of your own original music.
Your band has not previously won a Metal Battle final.
Bands that participated in past editions but did not win are welcome to reapply.
Travel requirements:
Bands are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to both the Caribbean regional final in Puerto Rico and the world final at Wacken in Germany. This includes flights, transportation, accommodation, food, and beverages.
All band members must hold passports valid for at least one year (note: international travel generally requires a minimum of six months’ passport validity).
Visa requirements:
Finalists will need a valid US visa to enter Puerto Rico and a valid EU/Schengen visa to enter Germany.
Applicants should begin the visa application process as soon as possible, as processing times can be lengthy. Contact your local consulate for details.
Applications are now OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE QUATAR
Please read these important points below before applying.
Minimum Participation Requirement
Each local heat must have at least three qualified bands in order to proceed.
Pre-selection Process
If more applications are received than there are spots available for the live competition, a pre-selection jury will choose the top bands.
Notifications of selected bands will be sent by early January 2025.
Self-funded Expenses
All participating bands are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. This applies to travel for the local heats and, for winners, travel to the regional final in Egypt. The band representing the Middle East at the Wacken Festival must also cover their travel to Hamburg/Wacken, Germany. Bands should verify the visa requirements for local heats, the regional final, and the world final in Germany.
Travel and Residency Requirements
Each band member must upload a valid passport, with validity extending to at least February 2026, to prove travel eligibility.
Expats living in the Middle East must also provide proof of residency in the region.
Content and Conduct Requirements
All bands must ensure that their lyrics do not offend societal, political, or religious values of the Middle East.
Bands with distribution labels must disclose these affiliations. Only contracts with distribution labels are allowed; contracts with record labels are not permitted.
Bands may be required to provide a copy of their distribution contract if requested.
Bands may also be asked to submit their lyrics for review before performing at the live events.
Inclusivity
The Wacken Metal Battle is an inclusive, international contest that welcomes participants of diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. We expect all participating bands to respect and embrace an international audience with varied backgrounds.
Performances
Bands from this country will be shortlisted to perform in in Bahrain on 7th February 2025, Follow Wacken Metal Battle for announcement and result
The application is currently OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE SAUDIA ARABIA
Please read these important points below before applying.
Minimum Participation Requirement
Each local heat must have at least three qualified bands in order to proceed.
Pre-selection Process
If more applications are received than there are spots available for the live competition, a pre-selection jury will choose the top bands.
Notifications of selected bands will be sent by early January 2025.
Self-funded Expenses
All participating bands are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. This applies to travel for the local heats and, for winners, travel to the regional final in Egypt. The band representing the Middle East at the Wacken Festival must also cover their travel to Hamburg/Wacken, Germany. Bands should verify the visa requirements for local heats, the regional final, and the world final in Germany.
Travel and Residency Requirements
Each band member must upload a valid passport, with validity extending to at least February 2026, to prove travel eligibility.
Expats living in the Middle East must also provide proof of residency in the region.
Content and Conduct Requirements
All bands must ensure that their lyrics do not offend societal, political, or religious values of the Middle East.
Bands with distribution labels must disclose these affiliations. Only contracts with distribution labels are allowed; contracts with record labels are not permitted.
Bands may be required to provide a copy of their distribution contract if requested.
Bands may also be asked to submit their lyrics for review before performing at the live events.
Inclusivity
The Wacken Metal Battle is an inclusive, international contest that welcomes participants of diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. We expect all participating bands to respect and embrace an international audience with varied backgrounds.
Performances
Bands from this country will be shortlisted to perform in Jeddah on 31st Jan 2025, Follow Wacken Metal Battle for announcement and results.
The application is currently OPEN
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – SOUTH AFRICA
This is the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in South Africa. Winners of South Africa’s national final will face off against champions from Mozambique, Kenya, Angola, Namibia and Botswana under the banner of Southern Africa. The ultimate showdown for Southern Africa will take place in South Africa. The victor of this round will then advance to compete with other global finalists at the grand finale of Wacken Open Air.
Important Information before applying.
- Self-funded Expenses: All participating bands must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Regional Heats:
- Bands are required to travel to the closest city in their country for a regional qualifying heat.
- Regional heats depend on the number of bands submitting from each city.
- A minimum of THREE bands is required for each regional heat.
- Regional heats are scheduled for February and March of 2025.
- Finals:
- Bands that qualify as finalists from each region need to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa for the final competition.
- The final is set for April/May of 2025.
- Global Competition:
- The winning band of the final, representing Africa, will need to travel to Hamburg, Germany to participate in the global metal battle.
- Passport Requirement:
- Every member of the participating bands must possess a valid passport to gain entry for the events.
Bands must ensure they’re aware of these requirements and plan accordingly.
The applications are now OPEN. Last Date to apply is November 01st 2024.
WACKEN METAL BATTLE SPAIN
Welcome to the Metal Battle Spain Info Page. The winners of the national final will earn the chance to compete at the international finale at Wacken Open Air, facing off against finalists from all over the world.
1. Eligibility Requirements
- Eligibility: Participating bands must be from Spain, with at least 50% of their members holding Spanish nationality.
- Restrictions: Bands that have previously won any national or international Metal Battle editions are not eligible. Bands that have competed but did not win in previous editions may register again.
- Record Contracts: Bands currently under a record contract are not permitted to participate.
2. Performance Conditions
- Set Duration: Each band will perform a 20-minute set. Exceeding the allotted time will result in disqualification.
- Samplers: Use of samplers is allowed as long as they complement the performance and do not dominate the show.
3. Technical and Logistical Requirements
- Expenses: Participating bands are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.
- Backline Equipment: The organization will provide the backline for the performances.
- Sound and Lighting: Bands must use the venue’s sound and lighting technicians; personal technicians are not permitted.
4. Selection Process and Competition Stages
- Initial Selection: Bands will be evaluated based on the material they submit during registration. The jury will include both national and international members.
- Semi-finals and Final: The semi-finals will begin in March 2025. The number and location of the semi-finals will depend on the number of registered bands and their locations.
5. Registration
How to Register: Bands must register through the official Metal Battle website (metal-battle.com).d will receive a confirmation email with instructions to continue the process.
Apply here for the next Wacken Metal Battle:
The application is currently OPEN
Tourdates Spain
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – SURINAME
To apply, all bands must first email caribbean@metal-battle.com to receive detailed instructions before submitting their application.
Application period: November 1 to December 15.
Eligibility requirements:
Your band must be unsigned and have no plans to sign with a record label in the near future.
You must be able to perform a 30-minute set composed entirely of your own original music.
Your band has not previously won a Metal Battle final.
Bands that participated in past editions but did not win are welcome to reapply.
Travel requirements:
Bands are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to both the Caribbean regional final in Puerto Rico and the world final at Wacken in Germany. This includes flights, transportation, accommodation, food, and beverages.
All band members must hold passports valid for at least one year (note: international travel generally requires a minimum of six months’ passport validity).
Visa requirements:
Finalists will need a valid US visa to enter Puerto Rico and a valid EU/Schengen visa to enter Germany.
Applicants should begin the visa application process as soon as possible, as processing times can be lengthy. Contact your local consulate for details.
Applications are now OPEN