Latvian Metal Bands Invited to Compete for spot at Wacken Open Air
Riga, Latvia - Applications are now open for the 2026 Wacken Metal Battle latvia competition, offering Latvian metal bands the chance to represent their country at the international final held during the 35th anniversary of the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany on July 28-29, 2026. The application period closes November 30, 2023. Interested groups can find the application form at www.metal-battle.com/latvia.
Since 2011, the Latvian competition has sent eight bands to the international finals, culminating in a victory for Daugavpils’ “viking/folk” metal band Varang Nord in 2019.
An international online jury will initially select eight candidates from the applications received. These bands will than compete in the Latvian national selection final on May 9, 2026, at the club “Melnā Piektdiena,” judged by a panel of musicians, journalists, and industry experts.
The winner will receive a 5,000 euro cash prize from the Wacken Foundation, along with additional prizes including tools and equipment from competition partners.
“we are extremely happy to return and celebrate these fifteen years of ‘Metal Battle’ in Latvia – we hope that the local metal scene will flare up again with new energy and talents ready to conquer the world,” said Vladimirs Kravchenko, organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Latvia. He added that bands previously unsuccessful in the local final are encouraged to re-apply, citing Varang NordS journey as an example of perseverance.
Jelena Kalniša,accordionist for Varang Nord,recalls their experience: “‘Metal Battle’ was a strong experience and a real test of strength… Victory does not allow us to relax - on the contrary,it motivates us to create even more,overcome any challenges and grow further.”
