Cyprus
WACKEN METAL BATTLE – CYPRUS
In 2026, Cyprus joins forces with Greece to create a single Wacken Metal Battle region.
For the first time ever, Cypriot bands will compete for a chance to perform at Wacken Open Air 2026!
The top band will be chosen through a regional final in Athens.
🎸 CYPRUS FINAL – January 17, 2026
- 6 bands (selected by judges during the application review) will compete live in Cyprus.
- Each band performs a 30-minute set.
- 2 winning bands (chosen by the attending judges) will advance to the Regional Final in Athens.
⚡ REGIONAL FINAL – April 5, 2026 (Athens)
- 6 bands total (4 from Greece + 2 from Cyprus) will battle it out live.
- Each band performs a 20-minute set.
- 1 winning band (chosen by the attending judges) will go on to represent Greece–Cyprus at Wacken Open Air 2026!
🕵️♂️ Application Review (October – December 2025)
Judges will review all Cyprus-based band submissions and select 6 finalists for the Cyprus Final.
Bands will be judged based on:
- Music quality
- Live/video performance footage
- Band biography
- Online presence
Judges Panel:
- Salman U. Syed – Official Wacken Metal Battle
- Eric Hutchence – WMB Caucasus / West Asia
- George Cohylakis – WMB Greece
- Vangelis Cohylakis – WMB Greece
⚙️ Eligibility & Rules
To participate in Wacken Metal Battle: Greece/Cyprus 2026, bands must:
- Perform original metal music (no cover or tribute acts)
- Have no current record deal (distribution and self-releases are allowed)
- Ensure all band members are 18+ years old by July 2026
- Be residents of Cyprus or Greece
Travel Note:
Bands must cover their own travel costs for:
- The Cyprus Final (January 17, 2026)
- The Regional Final in Athens (April 5, 2026)
- Wacken Open Air, Germany (July 29 – August 1, 2026) if selected.
No travel expenses will be covered by the organizers.
Apply here for the next Metal Battle:
Registrations are OPEN