WACKEN METAL BATTLE is an international band contest, established in 2004, that aims at discovering new talent and supporting the scene worldwide. With this, the Wacken Open Air supports up & coming artists on a global scale, offering its resources and stages.

The Metal Battle has grown to include 62 countries that hold national heats and are eligible to send the winners to Wacken. An international jury votes on the performances, the best groups receive financial support from the Wacken Foundation as well as instruments and equipment provided by Metal Battle’s partners. Last but not least, the contest offers the possibility to get in touch with people from the music business worldwide. The contest has supported several bands throughout the years and has been a pivotal career launchpad for bands like Drone, Torture Squad, Battle Beast and Hammercult, to name a few.