Israel

• The competition is open to bands based in Israel. A majority of the band members must be Israeli residents currently living in Israel.
• All members must be at least 18 years of age by the date of the national final.
• Furthermore, professional and respectful behavior is a strict requirement. The promoter reserves the right to disqualify any band that provides false information, violates the rules, or engages in violent, racist, or abusive behavior—whether in person or online.

• Music: One original song (WAV, FLAC, or MP3).
• Links: Links to all your active profiles (Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook). Note: Only your music is judged in the first stage; social links are for backup and later stages.
• Press Kit & Media Usage: Band logo, promotional photo, and a short bio. By submitting, you agree that these materials, along with your publicly released music, may be used to promote the local and international stages of the competition. If you submit an unreleased track, it will be used strictly for judging purposes and will not be shared publicly.
• Passports: Passport scans of all members. These are strictly used by the WMB team to verify eligibility and will not be shared.
• Missing Items: If you cannot attach a required item, submit a placeholder/empty link and provide an explanation in the designated field.

Submitted bands will be evaluated in three rounds by a panel of industry professionals, including promoters, press, and Wacken alumni:

• Preliminary Stage: Judges will listen to and rank the submitted music.
• Semi-Finals: The Top 8 bands will perform one song live in a rehearsal room and conduct an interview with the local jurors.
• Finals: The Top 5 bands will perform a full 20-minute live set in front of the jury and an audience. The winner of this event will be crowned the national winner!

Jurors & Conflict of Interest:

• Our panel includes representatives from WMB Israel, Metalist Magazine, Met Al Metal, Fogo, Ze Rock Radio, and Rocking IL. If you have a conflict of interest (e.g., professional ties, close family/friends, or band members in these organizations), please disclose it in the form with specific names. This will not disqualify you; it simply helps us ensure fair judgment.

• Bands must be available to participate in all stages of the competition. Exact dates will be announced prior to registration. Specific performance times will be determined based on logistical and technical requirements. Please inform us of any scheduling constraints in advance; we will do our best to accommodate them, but cannot make any guarantees.
• Note: Both the Semi-Finals and Finals will be held on Saturdays. Please plan accordingly regarding transportation and Shabbat.

• A 20-minute live performance slot at Wacken Open Air. This performance also serves as your official entry into the International Metal Battle Final, where the global Top bands will win various prestigious prizes!
• Festival passes for the band, crew, and guests (exact allocation and details will be provided to the winner).
• Additional local prizes (TBA).

• National Stages: Application and participation in all local stages of the competition are completely free of charge.
• Wacken Open Air: The winning band is solely responsible for funding their travel (including flights and local transport in Germany), accommodation, and personal expenses during the festival.