Wacken Metal Battle USA 2026: Submissions Now Open for Aspiring Bands
After another successful year in 2025, the Wacken Metal Battle USA is gearing up for its 2026 competition, sending one unsigned and independent American band to the world’s largest and most prestigious metal festival, Wacken Open Air. As of October 1st, submissions are officially open and will remain so until December 1st.
Excitement for the Return of the Battle
“I am beyond stoked to bring back the Wacken Metal Battle to the US. Every year we get invited to participate is an opportunity to grow. This year will be no different. We will be bringing back some cities that haven’t participated in a few years, and we will be adding at least one new city/state to the competition. Do you have what it takes to represent the US at Wacken? Sign up now!” – Eric Dow, Artist & Promoter Relations.
How to Apply
American bands interested in participating can apply at www.metal-battle.com/countries/ (please select the United States as your country).
What’s at Stake for the 2026 Champion
The 2026 WMBU champion will receive the following prizes:
- A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
- Full professional backline provided.
- $1,000 USD towards flights to Germany.
- VIP camping at the festival.
2025 Recap: Mourning High Takes the Crown
At the 2025 WMBU national finals held in June at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ, Southern California and Arizona-based band MOURNING HIGH emerged victorious. They became the seventh champion to represent the United States at the esteemed Wacken Open Air festival, which took place from July 30th to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany, attracting over 185,000 attendees from around the world.
Mourning High, crowned the West Coast Winner, competed against five other remarkable American acts, including:
- PRIME PROPHECY (New Jersey)
- WHAT’S WRONG (Pacific Northwest)
- PONTIFEX (Florida)
- FIREHAZE (East Coast)
- BROKEN TIME (Texas)
A panel of seasoned industry professionals, including Jeff Buttermark (FM Management), Shawn Quinn (Napalm Records/FM Management), and Rob Caggiano (formerly of Anthrax and Volbeat), ultimately selected Mourning High as the top U.S. act.
Previous Winners of WMBU
Here’s a list of the past WMBU national winners:
- Cascade Effect (2024 – San Diego)
- Fadrait (2023 – San Diego)
- Mythraeum (2022 – San Diego)
- Monarch (2019 – San Diego)
- Voices of Ruin (2018 – Anaheim)
- Corpse Hoarder (2017 – Philadelphia)
The Journey Ahead for 2026
For the last seven years, Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted competitions across the country, sending one independent metal band to perform at the prestigious Wacken Open Air festival in Germany. The 2026 edition, set for July 29th to August 1st, is already sold out and features a lineup including Def Leppard, Lamb Of God, In Flames, and many more.
The Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of a larger international competition where bands from around the world compete to represent their countries. The battles give independent bands a unique platform to showcase their talent and potentially win multiple prizes.
How the Competition Works
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds and a city final organized by local concert promoters. One band will advance to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of this national final will perform at **Wacken Open Air 2024** and compete against winners from over 30 other countries in a global battle. Judging will be conducted by respected local music industry representatives throughout the battle rounds.
Stay Connected
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Conclusion
The Wacken Metal Battle USA continues to be a beacon for unsigned bands eager to showcase their music on a global stage. As the 2026 submissions open, American bands have a golden opportunity to step into the spotlight and potentially find themselves performing at the iconic Wacken Open Air festival. Will your band be the next to conquer the stage?
FAQs
What is the Wacken Metal Battle USA?
The Wacken Metal Battle USA is a competition that allows unsigned and independent American bands to compete for a chance to perform at Wacken Open Air, the largest metal festival in the world.
How can bands apply for the competition?
Bands can apply online at www.metal-battle.com/countries/ by selecting the United States as their country. Submissions are open from October 1st to December 1st.
What does the winner receive?
The winner will receive a slot at the Wacken Open Air Festival, a professional backline, $1,000 towards flights to Germany, and VIP camping at the festival.
How are bands judged during the competition?
Bands are judged by respected local music industry representatives throughout the battle rounds and national finals.
