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 ARMENIA
The Wacken Metal Battle Armenia is your gateway to competing on an international stage. The winners of Georgia’s national final will go head-to-head with champions from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan under the banner of Caucasia & West Asia.
Important Information Before Applying
- Label-Free Requirement:
Your band must not have a record deal and should not be in negotiations to sign with a label in the near future. - Performance Ready:
Your band must be able to deliver a 20-minute set featuring only original songs. - Self-Funded Participation:
All participating bands are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses. - Valid Passport Required:
Every band member must hold a valid passport to participate in the events.
Competition Structure
- Round 1: Online Selection
An international jury will evaluate and select bands based on their submissions. - Round 2: Local Heat
Selected bands will perform live in Armenia to compete for the national title. - Round 3: Grand Finale
The national winners from all seven countries will face off in the ultimate battle for regional glory.
Application Details
- Deadline to Apply: December 25, 2024
Don’t miss your chance to represent Armenia and take the stage in this epic competition. Apply now and showcase your talent!
Apply here for the next Metal Battle:
The application is currently OPEN
Tourdates Armenia
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 AZERBAIJAN
The Wacken Metal Battle Azerbaijan is your gateway to competing on an international stage. The winners of Georgia’s national final will go head-to-head with champions from Armenia, Georgia, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan under the banner of Caucasia & West Asia.
Important Information Before Applying
- Label-Free Requirement:
Your band must not have a record deal and should not be in negotiations to sign with a label in the near future. - Performance Ready:
Your band must be able to deliver a 20-minute set featuring only original songs. - Self-Funded Participation:
All participating bands are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses. - Valid Passport Required:
Every band member must hold a valid passport to participate in the events.
Competition Structure
- Round 1: Online Selection
An international jury will evaluate and select bands based on their submissions. - Round 2: Local Heat
Selected bands will perform live in Azerbaijan to compete for the national title. - Round 3: Grand Finale
The national winners from all seven countries will face off in the ultimate battle for regional glory.
Application Details
- Deadline to Apply: December 25, 2024
Don’t miss your chance to represent Azerbaijan and take the stage in this epic competition. Apply now and showcase your talent!
Apply here for the next Metal Battle:
The application is currently OPEN
Tourdates Azerbaijan
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 BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
This is the official page of Wacken Metal Battle Bosnia & Herzegovina, under the banner of “Balkan Region.” The winning band of this competition will not only perform at Wacken Open Air but also have the chance to rank among the top five in the grand finale and win impressive prizes.
Key Details Before Applying
- Self-Funded Expenses
- As per the WMB rules, all participating bands are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- The promoter will provide food, drinks, and all technical requirements to ensure the competition maintains the highest standard.
- Regional Heats
- Regional heats will be organized depending on the number of bands applying from each city.
- Once sufficient registrations are received, cities and venues for the semi-finals will be announced.
- Regional heats, if held, are planned for February or early March 2025.
- Finals
- The final competition will take place in Zagreb, Boogaloo, as part of the ‘Harder Than Rock’ Festival on March 7th, 2025.
- Participating bands must travel to Zagreb for the finals.
- The competition is integrated into the two-day festival, and all finalists will receive a complimentary festival pass.
- Global Competition
- The band winning the finals will represent the Balkan Region in the global Wacken Metal Battle, held at Wacken Open Air in Germany.
- Passport and Visa Requirements
- Each band member must hold a valid passport and secure a visa (if required) for all relevant events.
- Bands are responsible for ensuring they meet these travel requirements.
The deadline to apply is December 30th, 2024.
Plan ahead, and don’t miss your chance to participate in this incredible opportunity
Apply here for the next Metal Battle:
The application is currently OPEN.
Tourdates Bosnia & Herzegovina
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.
The applications for 2025 are now closed
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 CROATIA
This is the official page of Wacken Metal Battle Croatia, under the banner of “Balkan Region.” The winning band of this competition will not only perform at Wacken Open Air but also have the chance to rank among the top five in the grand finale and win impressive prizes.
Key Details Before Applying
- Self-Funded Expenses
- As per the WMB rules, all participating bands are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- The promoter will provide food, drinks, and all technical requirements to ensure the competition maintains the highest standard.
- Regional Heats
- Regional heats will be organized depending on the number of bands applying from each city.
- Once sufficient registrations are received, cities and venues for the semi-finals will be announced.
- Regional heats, if held, are planned for February or early March 2025.
- Finals
- The final competition will take place in Zagreb, Boogaloo, as part of the ‘Harder Than Rock’ Festival on March 7th, 2025.
- Participating bands must travel to Zagreb for the finals.
- The competition is integrated into the two-day festival, and all finalists will receive a complimentary festival pass.
- Global Competition
- The band winning the finals will represent the Balkan Region in the global Wacken Metal Battle, held at Wacken Open Air in Germany.
- Passport and Visa Requirements
- Each band member must hold a valid passport and secure a visa (if required) for all relevant events.
- Bands are responsible for ensuring they meet these travel requirements.
The deadline to apply is December 30th, 2024.
Plan ahead, and don’t miss your chance to participate in this incredible opportunity!
Apply here for the next Metal Battle:
The application is currently OPEN.
Tourdates Croatia
WACKEN METAL BATTLE DENMARK
This is everything you need to know about the competition.
- 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 20-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 applications are now 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 GEORGIA
The Wacken Metal Battle Georgia is your gateway to competing on an international stage. The winners of Georgia’s national final will go head-to-head with champions from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan under the banner of Caucasia & West Asia.
Important Information Before Applying
- Label-Free Requirement:
Your band must not have a record deal and should not be in negotiations to sign with a label in the near future. - Performance Ready:
Your band must be able to deliver a 20-minute set featuring only original songs. - Self-Funded Participation:
All participating bands are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses. - Valid Passport Required:
Every band member must hold a valid passport to participate in the events.
Competition Structure
- Round 1: Online Selection
An international jury will evaluate and select bands based on their submissions. - Round 2: Local Heat
Selected bands will perform live in Georgia to compete for the national title. - Round 3: Grand Finale
The national winners from all seven countries will face off in the ultimate battle for regional glory.
Application Details
- Deadline to Apply: December 25, 2024
Don’t miss your chance to represent Gerogia and take the stage in this epic competition. Apply now and showcase your talent!
Apply here for the next Metal Battle:
The application is currently OPEN
Tourdates Georgia
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 KAZAKHSTAN
The Wacken Metal Battle Kazakhstan is your gateway to competing on an international stage. The winners of Georgia’s national final will go head-to-head with champions from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan under the banner of Caucasia & West Asia.
Important Information Before Applying
- Label-Free Requirement:
Your band must not have a record deal and should not be in negotiations to sign with a label in the near future. - Performance Ready:
Your band must be able to deliver a 20-minute set featuring only original songs. - Self-Funded Participation:
All participating bands are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses. - Valid Passport Required:
Every band member must hold a valid passport to participate in the events.
Competition Structure
- Round 1: Online Selection
An international jury will evaluate and select bands based on their submissions. - Round 2: Local Heat
Selected bands will perform live in Kazakhstan to compete for the national title. - Round 3: Grand Finale
The national winners from all seven countries will face off in the ultimate battle for regional glory.
Application Details
- Deadline to Apply: December 25, 2024
Don’t miss your chance to represent Kazakhstan and take the stage in this epic competition. Apply now and showcase your talent!
Apply here for the next Metal Battle:
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 KOSOVO
This is the official page of Wacken Metal Battle Kosovo, under the banner of “Balkan Region.” The winning band of this competition will not only perform at Wacken Open Air but also have the chance to rank among the top five in the grand finale and win impressive prizes.
Key Details Before Applying
- Self-Funded Expenses
- As per the WMB rules, all participating bands are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- The promoter will provide food, drinks, and all technical requirements to ensure the competition maintains the highest standard.
- Regional Heats
- Regional heats will be organized depending on the number of bands applying from each city.
- Once sufficient registrations are received, cities and venues for the semi-finals will be announced.
- Regional heats, if held, are planned for February or early March 2025.
- Finals
- The final competition will take place in Zagreb, Boogaloo, as part of the ‘Harder Than Rock’ Festival on March 7th, 2025.
- Participating bands must travel to Zagreb for the finals.
- The competition is integrated into the two-day festival, and all finalists will receive a complimentary festival pass.
- Global Competition
- The band winning the finals will represent the Balkan Region in the global Wacken Metal Battle, held at Wacken Open Air in Germany.
- Passport and Visa Requirements
- Each band member must hold a valid passport and secure a visa (if required) for all relevant events.
- Bands are responsible for ensuring they meet these travel requirements.
The deadline to apply is December 30th, 2024.
Plan ahead, and don’t miss your chance to participate in this incredible opportunity
Apply here for the next Metal Battle:
The application is currently OPEN
Tourdates Kosovo
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 KYRGYZSTAN
The Wacken Metal Battle Kyrgyzstan is your gateway to competing on an international stage. The winners of Georgia’s national final will go head-to-head with champions from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan under the banner of Caucasia & West Asia.
Important Information Before Applying
- Label-Free Requirement:
Your band must not have a record deal and should not be in negotiations to sign with a label in the near future. - Performance Ready:
Your band must be able to deliver a 20-minute set featuring only original songs. - Self-Funded Participation:
All participating bands are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses. - Valid Passport Required:
Every band member must hold a valid passport to participate in the events.
Competition Structure
- Round 1: Online Selection
An international jury will evaluate and select bands based on their submissions. - Round 2: Local Heat
Selected bands will perform live in Kyrgyzstan to compete for the national title. - Round 3: Grand Finale
The national winners from all seven countries will face off in the ultimate battle for regional glory.
Application Details
- Deadline to Apply: December 25, 2024
Don’t miss your chance to represent Kyrgyzstan and take the stage in this epic competition. Apply now and showcase your talent!
Apply here for the next Metal Battle:
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 MONTENEGRO
This is the official page of Wacken Metal Battle Montenegro, under the banner of “Balkan Region.” The winning band of this competition will not only perform at Wacken Open Air but also have the chance to rank among the top five in the grand finale and win impressive prizes.
Key Details Before Applying
- Self-Funded Expenses
- As per the WMB rules, all participating bands are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- The promoter will provide food, drinks, and all technical requirements to ensure the competition maintains the highest standard.
- Regional Heats
- Regional heats will be organized depending on the number of bands applying from each city.
- Once sufficient registrations are received, cities and venues for the semi-finals will be announced.
- Regional heats, if held, are planned for February or early March 2025.
- Finals
- The final competition will take place in Zagreb, Boogaloo, as part of the ‘Harder Than Rock’ Festival on March 7th, 2025.
- Participating bands must travel to Zagreb for the finals.
- The competition is integrated into the two-day festival, and all finalists will receive a complimentary festival pass.
- Global Competition
- The band winning the finals will represent the Balkan Region in the global Wacken Metal Battle, held at Wacken Open Air in Germany.
- Passport and Visa Requirements
- Each band member must hold a valid passport and secure a visa (if required) for all relevant events.
- Bands are responsible for ensuring they meet these travel requirements.
The deadline to apply is December 30th, 2024.
Plan ahead, and don’t miss your chance to participate.
Apply here for the next Metal Battle:
The application is currently OPEN
Tourdates Montenegro
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.