For the last 6 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023, 2024), 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 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event in Germany is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, and many more.   The 2025 WMBU champion will receive the following: - A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival. - Full professional backline provided. - $1,000 USD towards flights to Germany.   - VIP camping at the festival.   The Portland Preliminary Round of this Battle will be held at Dantes on 3/29/25. The Bands that are competing are as follows:    -Spirits  -Diseased and Depraved  -Dear Assassin  -Ravine  -Alamance    This event will be judged by:  -Duncan Allen  -Larrissa Perrin  -Matt Miller  -Omar Rodriguez