FemMetal was at this year’s Wacken Open Air edition, and our reporter and photographer Sabrina Ramdoyal was there to tell us all about what happened in this muddy year. A huge thank you to the organization for having us!

WEDNESDAY 

Despite the challenges posed by heavy rain, the 34th annual Wacken Open Air festival embraced its motto, “Rain or Shine!” Festival-goers showcased their resilience as they enjoyed a diverse lineup of performances. 

DOGMA kicked off the Louder Stage with a powerful heavy metal sound, captivating the audience with their rendition of Madonna‘s “Like a Prayer,” even as the weather dampened spirits.

ENEMY INSIDE uplifted the crowd with a spirited performance, while WARBRINGER’s leader John Kevill boldly declared their defiance against the rain, further amplifying the festival’s defiant spirit.

Rock legend LITA FORD delivered a dynamic set featuring iconic hits like “Kiss Me Deadly” and “Close My Eyes Forever,” showcasing her lasting influence on the rock genre.

WINDROSE opened the Faster Stage to a sea of inflatable axes, symbolising the pursuit of dreams and fostering camaraderie.

Japan’s most hyped quartet HANABIE introduced a charismatic element of Japanese metal, further contributing to the festival’s rich musical diversity.

The Finnish trio APOCALYPTICA impressed crowds with an all-Metallica set, highlighted by their magical rendition of “Seek and Destroy,” which included a performance from cellist Tina Guo.

German power natives BEYOND THE BLACK resonated with Wacken as the clouds descended, broadened deep emotions, while LOST SOCIETY combined thrash and modern influences in a high-energy show and in contrast, DEINE COUSINE brought a humorous celebration to their lively performance.

The absence of Ozzy Osbourne was poignantly felt during the tribute by OZZYFIED, where an ordinary celebration turned into a heartfelt farewell, underscoring the strong connection between music and community at Wacken. 

THURSDAY

The festival kicked off with vibrant energy as fans gathered for a day of music under clear skies. At the Louder Stage, American metal band PRONG boosted the crowd with powerful tracks like “Descent” and “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck.” Grunge legends UGLY KID JOE brought a nostalgic vibe, reminding everyone of their California roots and charmed their attendees with their hit “Everything About You,” highlighting their enduring appeal during a brief moment of sunshine.

UMBRA CONSCIENTIA followed, captivating listeners with haunting dual vocals, while SVARTTJEN showcased the intense and dark essence of Norwegian black metal, transporting fans into a realm of cold forests and misanthropic themes. Their performance was a testament to the raw power of the genre. 

Sweden’s CLAWFINGER. stirred the crowd with thought-provoking tracks such as “The Truth” and “Do What I Say,” combating social issues through vigorous riffs and Zak Tell’s distinctive vocal style.

German heavyweights GRAVE DIGGER celebrated their 45th anniversary in style, marking its significant impact on the metal scene, and a huge highlight at the Faster Stage was when German’s legendary guitarist MICHAEL SCHENKER alongside Erik Grönwall playing an exclusive “My Years With UFO” set, collaborated with Guns and Roses iconic guitarist Slash on “Mother Mary“, igniting delight onstage. STATIC-X, pioneers of the “Evil Disco” sound, continued to thrill fans with a mix of industrial beats and nu-metal energy, honouring the legacy of late founder Wayne Static.

BENEDICTION, a cornerstone of British death metal, showcased their signature heavy style as frontman Dave Ingram commanded the stage, emphasising the vibrancy of true death metal. Lastly, MINISTRY captivated the audience with their sensory-rich performances, highlighted by classic tracks like “N.W.O.” and “Just One Fix.” Their return to Wacken Open Air was a celebrated moment that underlined their unmatched prowess in industrial metal music. 

FRIDAY

Through the rain, the Faster Stage at the festival was electrifying, highlighted by the captivating performance of DOMINUM, who, under Dr. Dead’s direction, mesmerised the audience with their heavy riffs and theatrical rock operas. Their set featured original tracks steeped in horror themes, including the haunting “The Dead Don’t Die,” along with a stunning rendition of the Scorpions’ classic “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” which had the crowd on their feet with joy.

Swedish powerhouse BROTHERS OF METAL injected an epic surge of vitality, delivering a performance rich with mythical storytelling. Their thunderous “Prophecy of Ragnarök” transported fans to another realm, while “Ride of the Valkyries” prompted a lively display of fist-pumping enthusiasm from the audience. SETYOURSAILS set the pace with an intense show, keeping their fellow German audience in constant motion. Their blistering original track “Why” ran deeply, while their cover of “Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit stirred up a chaotic yet exhilarating atmosphere. 

LANDMVRKS ignited the Faster Stage with a monumental performance, starting with the adrenaline-pumping track “Creature” that had crowd surfers leaping over the barricades, amplifying the electrifying ambience. Offering Norse mythology through power, PEYTON PARRISH captivated the crowd with viral hits like “My Mother Told Me,” which showcased a catchy chorus that kept fans engaged. Meanwhile, GRAVEYARD brought back the essence of classic hard rock with soulful melodies and intricate guitar work, connecting deeply with nostalgic fans.

Horror punk icon WEDNESDAY 13 injected eerie vigour into the festivities, featuring fan favourites such as “Rotting Away” and “Nowhere.” ANGEL WITCH showcased their enduring legacy, expertly merging classic tracks with new material, reaffirming their status in the metal scene. The legendary NAILBOMB was set to make a comeback in 2025, promising raw intensity in their performances. This was the perfect demonstration of their supremacy.

French dark instigators CELESTE fascinated their viewers with transformative musical experiences that blurred genre boundaries. FEAR FACTORY, featuring Milo Silvestro on vocals, unleashed tracks from their iconic album “Demanufacture,” while KYLESA made a powerful return after a decade-long hiatus with impressive riffs that highlighted their evolution. As ORANGE GOBLIN readied for their farewell performance after 30 unforgettable years, emotions ran high. Their anniversary show at Wacken was a passionate celebration of their stoner metal legacy, featuring signature tracks like “Solarisphere” and “Scorpionica.”

The closing act on the Faster Stage was headliners PAPA ROACH, who thrilled the audience while sparking discussions about their musical journey and future headlining potential. The crowd was sprightly as they opened with “Even If It Kills Me,” followed by hits like “Blood Brothers” and “Dead Cell.” Their encore, featuring delightful mixes of songs by Korn, Deftones, Limp Bizkit, and System Of A Down, ended in a memorable climax with “Last Resort,” suggesting that Papa Roach‘s best days might still lie ahead.

WALLS OF JERICHO impressed with their established reputation in the hardcore scene since 1998, delivering intense breakdowns in songs like “A Trigger Full of Promises” and “Refuge.” Dimmu Borgir returned to the Harder Stage, showcasing powerful tracks like “Moonchild Domain” and “Puritania,” with frontman Shagrath’s commanding presence captivating the audience. Their performance peaked with “Progenies Of The Great Apocalypse,” concluding the night with “Mourning Palace” and leaving fans in a haunting atmosphere as they returned to the campsite. It was, as expected, a hellishly good night of music.

SATURDAY

As Wacken 2025 approaches, festival-goers can anticipate an exhilarating lineup that captures the essence of live rock and metal music. Despite the final day’s torrential rain, the atmosphere remains charged with energy as a diverse range of artists promise unforgettable performances.

Vienna’s VULVARINE kicks off the festivities with an electrifying mix of hard rock and punk, leaving the crowd energised with original songs like “Demons” and a unique twist on “Cheri Cheri Lady.” Following them, the WAR KINGS take the stage, weaving vivid tales of conquests through their powerful and immersive performances, enhanced by collaborations with guest artists.

The symphonic power metal band MAJESTICA is set to debut their much-anticipated album “Power Train,” blending orchestral elements with uplifting riffs and soaring melodies under the guidance of Tommy Johansson. In stark contrast, German thrash metal titans DESTRUCTION captivated their spectators with their raw energy and humour, commanded by the charismatic frontman Marcel “Schmier” Schirmer

US metalcore veterrans AUGUST BURNS RED electrified the Faster Stage with a dynamic fusion of emotional depth, creating a whirlwind of inspiring tracks that resonate with hope. DOOL transcended traditional genres, casting an enchanting spell through haunting melodies and immersive soundscapes, offering an experience that lingers long after their performance.

FLOOR JANSEN shined with her remarkable vocal range, oscillating between powerful rock anthems and delicate operatic moments, capturing the audience’s attention during her performances of ReVamp’s “Wolf And Dog,” Nightwish’s “Nemo,” and her solo piece “Fire.” Meanwhile, the newly formed CROWNSHIFT, featuring members from iconic bands, forges their path in modern metal with tracks like “The Devil’s Drug” and “My Prison.”

The high-octane U.S. black thrash-punk band MIDNIGHT carried an adrenaline-fueled display from their explosive album “Complete And Total Hell,” while the legendary death metal pioneers OBITUARY reaffirmmed their status with an intense performance featuring classic tracks that highlight their enduring power. Even the pouring rain cannot deter WITHIN TEMPTATION, as frontwoman Sharon Den Adel passionately led the charge through hits like “Ice Queen” and “Faster,” culminating in an emotional finale with “Mother Earth.” 

GOJIRA closed the Harder Stage with an electrifying performance, hypnotising the field with powerful tracks like “Another World” and “Silvera.” It was “Stranded” that strengthened the crowd through the rain, with a highlight being their cover of Black Sabbath’s “Under The Sun / Every Day Comes And Goes.” The French collective also featured mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti in their Olympics thriller “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” and the closer “The Gift Of Guilt,” which not only left the audience breathless, but wondering if enough power was left for the remainder of the night. 

MACHINE HEAD as headliners absolutely delivered an exhilarating 90-minute presentation, launching into the intense “Imperium” and including fan favourites such as “Ten Ton Hammer,” where inflatable mallets and beers fly through the air in a celebration of energy. Their carefully selected setlist, featuring deep cuts such as “Davidian,” highlights the band’s immeasurable index and awe-inspiring command, concluding in the mighty closer “Halo,” which left fans exhilarated under the restless skies.

In contrast, KING DIAMOND, the legendary figure of metal horror, creates a haunting experience with his intricate theatrics. Opening with the haunting duo of “The Arrival” and “A Mansion In Darkness” from the beloved Abigail album, the Danish commander established an unnerving atmosphere that deepens throughout the night and his distinctive storytelling and chilling vocals transported an unforgettable experience steeped in the macabre.

OVERALL AND 2026

In reflecting upon Wacken 2025, the event remains vividly memorable for all participants. The environmental conditions presented considerable challenges, occasionally leading some individuals to their breaking points. The anticipation of returning to the comfort of a warm bath and a clean bed is palpable among attendees. Nevertheless, the enactments delivered to the Wacken collective resonated strongly, despite the hostile circumstances. Within this context, the excitement for the upcoming year of bands and plans are beginning to take hold. Partakers are guided to prepare adequately, as we will stand united regardless of the weather. Wacken – Rain or Shine!

As we look ahead to 2026, it promises to be one of the most epic celebrations in the metal world, marking 35 years since this festival made its mark in live music history. Exciting announcements from the Wacken grounds include the triumphant return of German natives POWERWOLF, following their remarkable set in 2022, as well as SAVATAGE, who are coming back after a decade-long hiatus. Veterans SEPULTURA will proudly celebrate 42 years of metal on the fields, while LAMB OF GOD and AIRBOURNE are set to create unforgettable moments. Additionally, we will witness first-time performances from iconic UK rock legends DEF LEPPARD, alongside the incredible Swedish group ORBIT CULTURE, the Norwegian/Australian powerhouse BLOOD COMMAND, and the Czech grindcore band GUTALAX, among others. There will also be exclusive reveals from black metal kings EMPEROR and TRIPTYKON to satisfy those with darker tastes, along with the thrilling return of US progressive metal titans NEVERMORE, commemorating their legacy. As the slogan goes: “Party On, Wacken!” This is a bash not to be missed.