For the last nine years, battles have been held across Canada for one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany.
This year will be no exception, and B.C. bands are being offered three chances to make the cut.
Wacken Metal Battle Canada (WMBC) is giving the opportunity once again to send a band from this great nation to one of the world’s most prestigious and largest metal festivals.
Battles will be hosted in Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Okanagan, as well as Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, with each “city being witness to a behemoth of independent extreme music talent,” said WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.
“This series of battles is the first step to a world of opportunity waiting for you. Good luck to all the battling bands, and your chance to play Wacken Open Air,” said Tartaglia.
The battle will take place on March 15 in Kelowna at Jackknife, with the bands to be announced. With the other two sessions still to be announced.
The 2026 WMBC champion will receive the following:
- A slot at the 2026 Wacken Open Air Festival.
- Full professional backline provided.
- $1,000 towards flights to Germany.
- VIP camping at the festival.
List of previous WMBC national winners: Killotine (Hamilton, ON – 2025), Beguiler (Toronto, ON – 2024), Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC – 2023), The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).
Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among over 55 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air.
For more information, go to https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/.