WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Opens Band Submissions For 2026 - One Band To Rule Them All! and Play Wacken Open Air!

One band to rule them all! Wacken Metal Battle Canada returns for 2026 battles across the country to send one independent metal band to play at Wacken Open Air, one of the world's most prestigious and largest metal festivals.

Band submissions for Canada are now open until November 30th.

"Canadian metal bands, this is your chance once again. This is the first step to a world of opportunity waiting for you. We invite you to play some great shows, expand your audience, and ultimately have your shot at playing Wacken Open Air," adds WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.

Canadian bands interested in participating can apply at https://www.metal-battle.com/countries/ (please select Canada as your country)

The national final for 2026 battles will be held in Montreal, QC.

Canadian Battle Cities:​

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver Island, BC

BC Interior

Edmonton, AB

Toronto, ON

Hamilton, ON

Ottawa, ON

Montreal, QC

Quebec City, QC

Watch - Wacken Metal Battle 2025 - Aftermovie | Have You Heard the Future of Metal? - https://youtu.be/nCulXiLlaSw

The 2026 WMBC champion will receive the following:

- A slot at the 2026 Wacken Open Air Festival.

- Full professional backline provided.

- $1,000 CAD 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).