Wacken Open Air is about to open its doors, entering the post-pandemic period, and we are beyond stoked to be walking back into the infield in a few days. As always, the event is sold out and the lineup astonishing, with a "warm up" added on Wednesday on the Louder stage for the first time ever, which also boasts incredible acts. While the festival pilgrimage is coming to an end for this year, we will help guiding you through the clashes and suggest the 10 bands you shouldn't miss at the festival this year.
01. Epica
Epica is one of the biggest names in the symphonic metal scene, having rightfully earned that spot through impeccable releases, energetic live shows and of course the sheer talent of the band members. We are huge fans in this household and very biased but hear us out; the Dutch royalty released one of their best albums, "Omega", last year and have been celebrating it with majestic appearances and an impressive stage production. Seriously, don't sleep on them
When: Wednesday, 19:45-21:00
Where: Louder stage
02. Feuerschwanz
The German folk titans always seem to be making it into our lists and with good reason. Their songs are catchy and their shows incendiary without falling into the cliché traps of their genre. When they perform in their motherland, the audiences are always turning the shows into huge parties and, with a new album, and a very inspiring Manowar cover, out, rest assured this will be the case for Wacken as well.
When: Friday, 01:30-02:30
Where: Harder stage
03. Gaerea
It looks like 2022 will be the year of black metal outfit Gaerea. With their 3rd LP coming up in September and a string of shows with Gaahls Wyrd in the fall, the band is coming to Wacken with destruction as their sole purpose. And we're all for it.
When: Thirsday, 17:15-18:00
Where: W.E.T. Stage
04. Crypta
Despite being a very young band, the Brazilian death metallers have made a name for themselves for their take-no-prisoners attitude, chilling compositions and mesmerizing presence, so it's no surprise that they will be opening the Headbangers stage on Friday. These ladies have a lot to offer and we are really looking forward to seeing how they will evolve in the future.
When: Friday, 12:00-12:45
Where: Headbangers stage
05. Arch Enemy
The Swedes have a rich history with Wacken and seeing them return to the festival is always a joyous occasion. Arch Enemy will soon have a brand new album out so we can only imagine that their performance will be nothing less than celebratory, with vocalist Alissa White-Gluz dominating the stage like no other while guitarists Michael Amott and Jeff Loomis will shred our ears off. Definitely a show you don't want to miss!
When: Saturday, 20:45-22:00
Where: Faster stage
06. Neaera
Another band that rarely escapes our lists. Among the most important bands to combine the Swedish influence to their noisy playing in the early 00's, Neaera has always been a force to be reckoned with because of their idiosyncratic metal that defined their scene. Their reunion brought waves of joy to fans and right before the pandemic hit, the German powerhouse dropped their latest, self-titled album. Being no strangers to Wacken, it's safe to say their set will be a massacre, so pull up early.
When: Saturday, 12:45-13:45
Where: Faster stage
07. Auðn
There's a certain appeal to Icelandic black metal bands, who seem to weave both their culture and the ambience of their country into their music. Auðn is no exception; the rich tapestry of their sound (and the uniqueness of their name) sets them apart from their counterparts as they rely more on the black metal element instead of the vocal/instrumental tradition in the genre. Also no strangers to the Wacken institution, we are impatiently waiting for a majestic show.
When: Saturday, 19:00-19:45
Where: W.E.T. Stage
08. Bleed From Within
The Scottish metalcore act was one of the final bands to be confirmed for Wacken Open Air this year. Despite having already performed at the 2019 edition, making this their second consecutive appearance at the festival, as the announcement mentions, people who have watched Bleed From Within shed their deathcore past and morph into an exquisite metal band, won't really mind catching them again. The nuanced guitarwork, voluminous bass, intricate melodies and of course the ever-imposing frontman will make up for their early slot.
When: Saturday, 11:30-12:30
Where: Harder stage
09. Onslaught
What can we say about these thrash metal titans? Drawing from various influences, the "Britishes" are one of the most prominent figures in their scene because they have defined their sound in a sea of uniformity and can take pride in never phoning it in. As for new vocalist, Dave Garnett, he has already proven he has what it takes to fill his predecessor's shoes.
When: Wednesday, 21:30-22:15
Where: Wasteland stage
10. Powerwolf
Last but certainly not least, the German wolves who have come to feed. Powerwolf is renown for the over-the-top theatricality of their performances which, combined with the big choruses, emblematic stage presence and a pyromaniac priest vocalist nailing notes while shooting flame guns, makes for a good time. If you live under a rock and don't know what a Powerwolf show looks like, then do yourself a favor and go check The Monumental Mass as a homework. You can thank us later.
When: Saturday, 22:30-00:00
Where: Harder stage
See you in the infield!
Wacken Open Air takes place on August 4-6 2022.
For info, visit wacken.com.
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