The name Wacken is as synonymous with metal as a mosh pit and beer. The finals for Wacken Metal Battle 2025 for the Indian subcontinent are upon us, and we have some beasts on the line up. You, as a metal fan have the incredible opportunity to go and be a part of the showdown.
The headlining band is going to be India’s very own Speedtrip. Opening Bangalore Open Air since the very first edition, the band has their own style of thrash that summons Slayer for applause. You’ll definitely want to stick around for their performance.
Wacken Metal Battle has been happening for a decade or so now. The best metal acts from each continent battle it out to get a chance to perform in Wacken Open Air, and the prestige of it is what counts. The Indian addition this year has some incredible acts, here they are:
Panchabhuta (Kolkata, West Bengal)
The ancient Vedic Indian metal band has been making waves at their unique approach from their debut. Their style is a statement of heritage, prog metal tunings and some stunning arrangements. Here is a preview of one of their best, called Shukracharya:
Vidyut (Chennai, Tamil Nadu)
With their realism and annihilating riffs, Vidyut bring parts of history to life with their electric performances and claim to really get the mosh pits going. Here is their kick-ass, ground shaking video for Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre:
Tombstone
The band may not be known very well, but attendees have promised a swirling, mosh pit-favoured performance from this band. They’ll perhaps be opening the night, so make sure you catch them live:
Infestation (Nagpur, Maharashtra)
The death metal band from Nagpur has been on the rising for their guttural screams and ripping riffs. The share of dissonance is something you want to be lost in-along with the speed at which they destroy silence on stage. Here is Comatose:
Air Raid Sirens (Khasi Hills, Meghalaya)
Meghalayan band that has been ripping holes in people’s ears since 2011. Their EP has gotten critical acclaim, and their heavy metal themes are inspired by the likes of Motorhead and Iron Maiden. Revolution Fire by them is one of their most loved:
Survival Through Sufferings (Kolkata, West Bengal)
The tech death metal band from Kolkata blew a hole in RS India’s underpants with their single, Necromantic Inheritence. An unpredictable force with complex time signatures, doom themes and some of the best vocals money can buy in this genre. The song awaits you:
Guns from Countryside (Rinchenpong, Sikkim)
The trio from Sikkim will bring some sludgey stoner rock with their music. A beloved band, they never disappoint their fans and the massive fan base they will be sure to bring. Here is Sailo, one that really shows you what sludge should sound like:
Septic Isle (Hyderabad, Telangana)
Some more tech death? Of course. The band from Hyderabad are going to create havoc with their performance, the 5-piece band are known for their passionate shredding-both vocals and instruments wise. Listen to the boys roar:
Also read: Nirvana, Green Day, Dr.Dre and Billie Eilish – Unforgettable Moments from FireAid Benefit!
The gig is scheduled on Thursday, 6th February 2025 at Fandom, Gilly’s Redefined. Make sure you grab tickets on the link here, and support the Indian indie metal scene that is long overdue for increased representation! Horns up, and see you at Wacken Metal Battle \m/.
Self professed metalhead, moderately well read. If the music has soul, it's whole to me. The fact that my bio could have ended on a rhyme and doesn't should tell you a lot about my personality.
