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.
Click to see the country information
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. Come back here to apply.
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.
Tourdates Aruba
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. Come back here to apply.
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.
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 – FRENCH GUIANA
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. Come back here to apply.
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.
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. Come back here to apply.
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.
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. Come back here to apply.
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.
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 OPEN. Last Date to apply is November 01st 2024
Metal Battle Tourdates
No news available.
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 – 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 – 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. Come back here to apply.
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.
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. Come back here to apply.
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.
Tourdates 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. Come back here to apply.
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.
Tourdates Trinidad & Tobago
WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA
This is the information page for the Wacken Metal Battle in the United States of America. The winners of the national final will compete against other international finalists at the grand finale held at Wacken Open Air.
The applications are now OPEN.
Tourdates United States of America
WACKEN METAL BATTLEL URUGUAY
This is everything you need to know, if you are interested:
- Your band doesn’t have a deal and isn’t about to sign to a label in the near future.
- Your band can easily play a 30 minute set consisting of your own songs.
- You’re not a band that won former, which means the year before, Metal Battle heats.
- Bands, that participated the years before, but didn’t win any of the regional heats may re-apply.
- Bands that won national or international finals can’t participate anymore.
Apply here for the next Metal Battle:
The application is currently closed.
Tourdates Uruguay
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – VENEZUELA
Welcome to the official page for the Wacken Metal Battle in Venezuela, 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
