Wacken Metal Battle 2026 final features bands from Chile, El Salvador, Mexico, Spain and Canada

The 35th anniversary of Wacken Open Air hosts the Wacken Metal Battle 2026 final on July 29‑30, where national winners from more than 30 countries compete for a slot on the festival’s main stages.

Four Spanish‑language bands will perform: Force from Chile (glam hard‑rock) on Thursday at 13:05, Gidora from El Salvador (groove/death metal) at 14:45, Elchivo from Mexico (stoner/doom metal) on Wednesday at 18:20, and Rise of the Shadows from Spain (melodic death metal) at 15:10. Each act is scheduled on either the Headbangers Stage or the W:E:T Stage.

Canada’s 2026 national champion, BornBroken, will take the Headbangers Stage on Wednesday, July 29, from 12:15‑12:35 CEST, representing the north‑American contingent in the international showdown.