Atlanta Bands Compete for Wacken Open Air Spot

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A metal battle is coming to Atlanta, with 12 local bands competing over two heats and a final on February 13th for the chance to play at the prestigious Wacken Open Air festival in Germany. The competition, called the Wacken Metal Battle, will feature bands like Esca, Vickie's Dream, Death Rift, Endera, Valkyrie's Fire, Disenthralled, Jaeger, Red Hot Empty, Sugar Virus, Beast Mode, Dead Alive, and Widow Anchor vying for the top spot and the career-making opportunity.

Why it matters

Wacken Open Air is one of the biggest and most influential heavy metal festivals in the world, drawing tens of thousands of fans from across the globe. For an up-and-coming Atlanta metal band to earn a slot at Wacken would be a major career boost, exposing them to new international audiences and helping to elevate the city's thriving metal scene.

The details

The Wacken Metal Battle will take place over two preliminary "heat" events on January 30th and 31st, with six bands competing each night. The winners of those two heats will then face off in the final round on February 13th to determine the overall champion. Doors open at 6pm for all three events, which are being held at a local Atlanta venue.

• The Wacken Metal Battle will take place over two preliminary "heat" events on January 30th and 31st.
• The winners of the two heats will face off in the final round on February 13th.

What’s next

The winners of the two preliminary heats on January 30th and 31st will face off in the final round on February 13th to determine the overall champion.