THE BEAST

Wacken Metal Battle USA returns for 2023 to crown one independent band to perform on the world's largest gathering of metalheads from around the world. To date, the battle has sent 4 previous bands to perform on metal's most prestigious stage. 2022 witness San Diego's Mythraeum crown champion, following previous winners San Diego's Monarch (2019), Anaheim's Voices of Ruin (2018) and Philadelphia's Corpse Hoarder (2017).

2023 battles will be taking place in Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, San Diego, CA, Bay Area, CA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, Akron, OH, Salt Lake City, UT, Dallas, TX, Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX, Houston, TX and El Paso, TX with more to be announced at later date.

WMBU Promoter and Artist Relations Eric Dow adds:

"I am very excited to announce Wacken Metal Battle USA 2023. The battle this year was extremely successful so we are not going to muck with the formula too much. One change is that I am happy to announce the addition of Salt Lake City to the battle. Who will wear the crown next year? Will San Diego be dethroned? Will Houston come up victorious? Will Akron send the champions to Germany? Make sure you follow the battle and find out who will represent the USA with pride in the battle at Wacken Open Air!

For the last 4 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2023 will be the 32nd edition of the festival and will be held from August 2nd to 5th. The 2023 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Iron Maiden, Megadeth, The Dropkick Murphys, Wardruna, Jinjer, Beartooth, Trivium, Kataklysm and many more. Details here .

Independent American bands interested in participating can apply at - https://metalbattleusa.com/ apply/ ​

Band submissions will close on December 15th at 11:59PM PST.

Wacken Battle Trailer Video -

Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance of winning their spot among 29 other countries’ champions, and represent the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2023 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules for participation: https://metalbattleusa.com/ rules/ ​

Links:​
​ Metal-Battle.com ​
​ MetalBattleUSA.com ​
​ Facebook.com/metalbattleusa ​
​ Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA ​
​ Instagram.com/metalbattleusa ​

Sponsors / Partners:​
Bravewords.com
MetalAssault.com
MetalDevastationRadio.com
Metal-Rules.com
V13.net
Dungeon Works Productions
Asher Media Relations
Fatal Illness Management
Come And Take It Productions
Brick By Brick
VonWolfe Entertainment
Aces High Saloon
TMI Collaborations
Funhouse Seattle
SBS Live