From July 30th until August 2nd, the once again sold-out Holy Land opened its gates for the 34th time. As the access passes for those arriving by car turned out to be a success, the first batch of metal fans were allowed to arrive as early as Sunday. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, a quick recap: Access passes were introduced in 2024 to evenly distribute traffic among four days to avoid long lines and traffic jams.
W:O:A Bus Stop
The early arrival times also ensured that facilities such as Farmer’s Market, vendors market and food stalls were already open and daily entertainment was guaranteed
Camping Plaza still green with grass
Hence, the preparty program started on Sunday on the LGH stage in Wacken village, featuring 5th Avenue from Hamburg and Skyline, the perfect opener as both bands had played at the very first Wacken festival back in 1990 (and many times in between).
Famous Rendsburg camp
The “Welcome to the Jungle” stage on Camping Plaza featured Wacken’s very own mascot, organ player Mambo Kurt and DJ founder/promoter Holger Huebner. Early arrivals also meant one entire week of partying and the infield opening as early as Wednesday! However, with more than 200 bands playing, it is impossible to cover everything that is going on simultaneously. Therefore, reader discretion is advised 😉.
Welcome to the Jungle Stage
Wacken Wednesday
Beware, aliens have landed in Wacken! Sure enough, this year’s motto was all about space and “Planet Wacken”. An impressive copy of the European launch rocket Ariane 6 stood right next to the main stages “Faster” and “Harder” (Note: it takes 10 days to set up), a “space camp” on Camping Plaza showcased educational and scientific exhibits.
Main stages Faster and Harder with Ariane rocket
Alexander Gerst, better known as “Astro Alex”, Germany’s renowned astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station (ISS), was invited and well received presenting Wacken impressions from out of space.
Alexander Gerst @ Press Tent interview
American cellist Tina Guo alongside many Wasteland actors holding torches emitting green “alien” smoke was leading the infield opening.
The cellist later showed up playing with Apocalyptica for their special Metallica tribute show as well as the promoter’s farewell on Saturday night.
Apocalyptica
Wednesday’s bands included 80s icon Lita Ford and German acts Beyond the Black, and German acts Saltatio Mortis and Deine Cousine.
Lita Ford
Wacken Wednesday turned out to coincide with Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral in Birmingham, and while the skies were literally crying all day (heavy nonstop rain of about 40l/square meter) the tribute band Ozzified gave Wacken fans the chance for a proper send off. Moreover, Wacken honored the Prince of Darkness with a special drone show (“Ozzy we love you”) and many bands included an Ozzy cover song in their setlist, including the Wacken Firefighters (Crazy Train) and Guns ‘n Roses (Never say die, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath), Lita Ford (Close my eyes forever) and Papa Roach (Changes).
Wacken Thursday
By Thursday, the weather was getting better, however the infield was a muddy chocolatey mess reminding of chocolate pudding or chocolate soup. And yes, it was going to stay like this for the remaining festival days. For more chocolatey recipes, see chapter below.
Skyline, Wacken’s original band and reason the festival was founded way back, traditionally opened Thursday’s infield, followed by Clawfinger (unfortunately with sound problems) and Grave Digger celebrating their 45 (!) anniversary.
Clawfinger
Michael Schenker Group (MSG) waspresenting the UFO years; Schenker was dressed in a Russian style fur cap, and just as all photographers exited the pit, everybody’s jaws dropped when Slash walked on stage for a surprise performance of the UFO song “Mother Mary”.
Michael Schenker Group featuring Slash
Infield crowd
It was back in 2002 when I first heard of Static X while watching the “Queen of the Damned” movie (ironically in a hotel in Thailand). Having never seen them live, I was very much looking forward to their performance in the Louder Stage. Bass player Tony Campos looked very familiar, having played with Ministry, Soulfly, Prong and currently Fear Factory. Singer Edsel Dope energy and performance featuring a red eyes mask was captivating. Nicknamed Xer0, he had replaced Wayne Static after he had passed in 2014. Their setlist featured songs from their 1999 Wisconsin death trip album.
Xer0 of Static-X
Tony Campos of Static-X
Static-X
Static-X
Guns ‘n´ Roses had never performed at W:O:A and their show was highly anticipated, especially as the gig was announced to be the longest in Wacken history with about 3.5 hours. I have to admit, I was hesitant as my previous GNR experience was spoiled, back in the times when Axl was still all intoxicated. Now sobered up and physically fit for a long show, I was ready to give them another chance; after all, their songs sound like a soundtrack of our youths. Yet, while Slash’s guitar skills are legendary and the band performed super tight, it is no secret that Axl Rose’s vocal skills have expired. Just like Klaus Meine of Scorpions had been exposed to criticism a year earlier, the question is: would you rather have them retire than delivering a mediocre show? I guess it comes down to a very personal decision. Hang in there end enjoy a nostalgic ride down memory lane or leave for alternative entertainment. Hits like Welcome to the Jungle, Mr. Brownstone, Civil War, You Could be Mine, Knocking on Heaven’s Door, Sweet Child of Mine, November Rain, Night(t)rain took a lot of patience to get through, as there was no way to sugarcoat Axl’s singing skills. From time to time the FOH even turned down the volume of the microphone completely, in an attempt to spare the audience from the off-key notes. As a superfan you might be happy to enjoy the music once again before they might retire; however, if you came to listen for harmonic tunes, your stamina was tested as the voice was off pitch most of the time. While the previous show in Munich had mixed but also positive reviews, the full infield witnessed a mass exodus after about half an hour. Does it come down to talent, vocal technique, prior substance abuse, or age? Or was Axl just having a bad day? Would it have helped to play a shorter set? We might never know. Let’s just say that I’ve stayed for Klaus Meine and left the Gunners.
Guns ‘n’ Roses
Because in Wacken, you always have the option of leaving and watching another act, for example a superb industrial metal Ministry on Louder Stage. Al Jourgensen played an enthusiastic show to a full (imaginary) house as the crowd came flocking in to avoid the misery unfolding on the main stage. Having announced their retirement many moons ago in 2008 (an irritating stunt for improved ticket sales?), Ministry reunited in 2012. Starting their show with a political statement, their music includes brute force, electronic mechanical beats mixed with thunderous guitar riffs and distorted vocals, expressing their untamed rage.
Ministry
Al Jourgensen of Ministry
Wacken Friday
Heavysaurus is a German Dino metal band, dressed up in dinosaur costumes meant to introduce kids to “good” heavy music and metal culture. Yet an estimated 35000 fans, children and adults, showed up in a crowded Bullhead City to celebrate this unique lineup. The corresponding t-shirts were sold out in record time, quite the phenomenon. As I did not get up in time for the 11 am show, here’s a shot of Heavysaurus later in the press tent:
Heavysaurus @ Press Tent
Payton Parrish’s powerful vocal skills included an impressive rendition of Mulan’s “I’ll make a man out of you” Disney tune. Yet his repeated missionary talks about Jesus curing diseases was certainly not in the right place and met with awkward silence. Dude, this is Europe – keep your religion private!
Next up was Swiss powerhouse Krokus and Dirkschneider (parallel with Fear Factory, my unluckiest running order overlap). Udo was playing classic Accept songs (Heido heido heida) and bringing the one and only metal queen Doro Pesch on stage for the song “Winter Dreams”.
Doro Pesch during Dirkschneider
Nu Metal rocker Papa Roach from California, mostly known for their “Last Resort” hit, was yet another much awaited band as they had never played before, although having been around since 1993. Their sound was less metal than expected, sometimes actually quite poppy.
Papa Roach
Parallel on the Louder Stage, Sir Robert „Bob“ Frederick Zenon Geldof, founder of the live-Aid Concert and singer of Boomtown Rats, had returned to Wacken to perform more than “I don’t like Mondays”.
Bob Geldof of Boomtown Rats
Wacken Saturday
By Saturday, the infield was much emptier than seen in previous years. In our camp, about 1/3rd had already packed up and left, as the forecast of more rain increased the chances of getting stuck in the mud chocolate pudding and made it more likely having to be pulled out by a tractor.
View onto infield during a sunshiny break
Wacken management provided free tow service with a fleet of 30 tractors, but tow waiting times and expected traffic jams close to Hamburg made many leave early. Btw, this writer would not need the service of a tractor later that night as us four ladies pushed two cars out of the mud. Yay us!
Fancy beer cap outfit
Can you believe that WASP’S Blackie Lawless is six years older than Axl Rose, yet his voice was in great shape! Do you wanna be somebody? Solid show!
Blackie Lawless of WASP
While US Americans Mastodon were performing in sunshine, other bands were less lucky. As French Gojira recently played during the opening of the Olympic Games in Paris, they brought along opera singer Marina Viotti to perform their “Mea Culpa” song, an impressive metal hymn with musical character. Singer Joe Duplantier has excellent English skills and was a pleasure to listen to on stage, while the drummer had fun interacting with the crowd by holding up handwritten signs.
Gojira
Gojira “Do you want more double bass?”
On the Louder Stage, Obituary, D-A-D and King Diamond ended the festival day.
King Diamond
Not in a parallel universe, but a parallel time slot, Machine Head are remembered of having the most pits ever in Wacken in the past. Despite heavy rain and mud chocolate pudding, they were not shy of inciting Circle Pits and Walls of Death. However, what might be a band tradition is not really fun when you don’t have enough time to evacuate from bumping and splashing because you are stuck in the mud chocolate pudding. Singer Robb Flynn’s announcements were served in a way that make him sound like a creepy but fun psycho from a B-movie horror film. I just wished they had played earlier as we had to hit the road…
Machine Head
Metal Battle
Besides all these main acts, newcomers from 30 countries had flown into Germany to play a 20 minute set each on the Bullhead Circus stages “W.E.T “and “Headbangers”, competing with each other at the Metal Battle. If you are wondering about the Greek participants: There weren’t any in 2025; however, a Greek Metal Battle is scheduled for 2026!
My Thursday started at 11 am with the first band Panchabhuta, presenting India. I had the honor to witness the Indian Metal Battle finals in Bangalore back in February as I was visiting India’s biggest Metal Festival Bangalore Open Air Festival, in association with W:O:A. Panchabhuta from Kolkata turned out to be my favorite band of the night and I was excited when they won the finals. So it was well worth getting up early. Panchabhuta (meaning “5 elements”) play vedic progressive metal and blend in traditional instruments like the Sarod and Ghatam (a clay pot!). The band presents their music wearing aghori-style black lunghis and Shiva-symbols, quite unusual and eye-catching for Western standards.
Panchabhuta
And sure enough, the musicians convinced the Metal Battle jury and won 5th place. Quite the success in a growling-dominated contest! Congratulations and “Om Nama Shivaya”. Expellow from Switzerland won first place, with Numento from Finnland 2nd, Hellbound from Bulgaria 3rd, Elnueveonce from Argentinien 4th and as mentioned, Panchabhuta from India running 5th. Congratulations as these bands might form the base of future metal! Check out the bands performances here.
Metal Battle winners
Press Conference
Despite heavy rain and its challenges, promoters Thomas Jensen and Holger Hübner were satisfied with the outcome. For the duration of the week, Wacken turned onto the third largest city of the Schleswig Holstein state with less crime than the previous year. According to Volker Boehm, speaker of the rescue team, 1000 rescuers consisting of 300 full time staff and 700 volunteers were never operating on full load. He also reported 10-15 percent less injuries compared to last year because the rain prevented reactions to wasp stings and heat strokes. While 150 people were admitted to the clinic in Itzehoe for further treatment, 2800 were treated on site at the WOA hospital for minor injuries. Fire brigade speaker Matthias Venohr joked that mud chocolate pudding doesn’t burn. Yet, apparently one car caught fire and two cows had escaped, which is not a surprise considering that more cows live in Wacken than people (about 2100 without the additional 85.000 fans).
Press Conference
Before we part… let’s talk about the obvious: Mud Chocolate pudding!
Wacken mud chocolate pudding
People often ask me why I keep going back to a festival where I might get soaked all day. First of all, it is not like that every year. Wacken is famous for its special peaceful atmosphere, the kindness of Wacken residents, the unique village vibes and the energy of the main stages’ speakers that make your entire body vibrate in a way I have not experienced anywhere else. And of course: the music!
Planning a trip to Wacken requires some level of preparedness as the agricultural land quickly turns into mud chocolate pudding if the excess water cannot be absorbed and thousands of people walk on the grass. I therefore cannot stress enough how important proper equipment is. With Wacken’s “Rain or Shine“ slogan and all the media attention about the famous mud chocolate pudding, it’s fair to say that it’s up to you to pack with care. I’m still surprised how ill-prepared some metalheads are, attending unprotected in bare legs, wet jeans and linen sneakers – a recipe that won’t let you last long.
Check out my ultimate Wacken packing recommendation based on 20 years of Faster, Harder and Louder!
Main stages at night
Keep in mind that walking in mud chocolate pudding feels like having weights on your ankles, so you get tired more quickly. If you are new to Wacken, it is a mental and physical challenge, simply due to the abundance of bands playing simultaneously and long distances in between stages. We’ve walked 13-25 (!) kilometers a day, yet still missed many bands due to simple exhaustion.
Wheels on Steel in chocolate pudding, pushing through
The vastness of the campgrounds, the distance to Wacken village, it’s nine stages and parallel shows keep you busy and constantly prioritizing. You’d need the nine lives of a cat to experience it all!
Mud Chocolate soup during Soen
Luckily some concerts are still available in the Magenta stream or Wacken Youtube channel, so I usually spend the days back home catching up on what I’ve missed. Positive side effect: It buffers the return to reality and it’s uplifting when you get sad that it is over.
Yet, at least in a way Wacken is easier to handle nowadays, as the times of portables are long gone; flushed sanitary facilities with stacked up toilet paper and hand wash facilities are standard – at least on the infield.
Also check out the Bullhead, Wacken’s very own magazine! (available in English and German).
Entrance lamps
Wacken 2026: Party on!
Of course, I will not be leaving you hanging without a sneak peek into the 35th Wacken edition from July 29th – August 1st, 2026
Promoter’s farewell & 2026 announcement
The fabulous Def Leppard, Savatage, Sepultura, In Flames and Nevermore have been confirmed alongside Airborne, Broken By The Scream, Einherjer, Emperor, Europe, Faun, Future Palace, Gutalax, Grand Magus, Insanity Alert, In Flames, H-Blockx, Kupfergold, Lamb of God, Luna Kills, Mantar, Orbit Culture, Paleface Swiss, Pig Destroyer, Powerwolf, Running Wild, Ten56., The Gathering, The Hardkiss, Thundermother, Thrown, Tryptikon and many more to be announced.
Click here for W:O:A tickets. Check out the official website for details.
PS: …may I wonder if Mike Myers will be announcing the infield opening with the “Party on!” slogan? And why not add Jason Momoa to the lineup as he recently rocked Ozzy Osbourne’s final Birmingham show, both as a host and diving deep into the moshpit?
Words & Photos by Äfa Angelhardt
Except photos of Lita Ford, Ozzy Fireworks, Clawfinger, Papa Roach, Boomtown Rats, WASP, Gojira, King Diamond: photo courtesy of W:O:A Festival GmbH
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