With the 2018 edition upon us, we tell you exactly why you should attend the world’s Heavy Metal Mecca, and why this year could be the biggest yet.

I’ve been attending Wacken Open Air since 2005, not even close to the number of patrons who have attended more times than I have. Last year we met a gentlemen who had every year he had attended tattooed on his forearm, and that was every festival since it’s inception in 1990.

The festival has become a staple of the year, finding myself looking forward to it more as I grow older. It is indeed to a cliche to ramble about something one has passion for, but this year, judging by it’s colossal band billing, could be it’s finest year to date. If you have not been to Wacken before, it’s easy to say you are missing out. Having attended a fair few festivals in Europe, nothing beats the experience as a metalhead, and even as one who is simply curious about what happens when 75’000 alternative music fans gather.

We’ve compiled a 10-point list on why you should be attending Wacken Open Air 2018:

 

The Line-Up is Absolutely Enormous

2018 is boasting it’s largest gathering of colossal, world-renowned metal bands in one place – including Nightwish, Judas Priest, Behemoth, Ghost, In Flames, Children of Bodom, Arch Enemy, Dimmu Borgir and many more.

 

It’s The Largest Gathering of Metalheads in the World

At 75’000 metalheads all gathered into a single location, it’s safe to say Wacken has become an acre of pilgrimage in the metal world. No other dedicated metal festival boasts more attendance.

 

The Organisation of the Festival is Incredible

With so many in attendance, one would think Wacken would be a bastion of chaos. It is quite the opposite, running to the epitome of German efficiency. Clean toilets, good food, fast beer, sanitary supplies and personal help are in total abundance. Even in extreme weather conditions, the festival has purred like a kitten every year.

 

The Wackinger Village

The addition of this medieval-style festival has been a revolution to the festival, and has become somewhat of a gathering spot to kick start a party. Folk metal bands, jousts and sword fights, axe throwing, traditional foods, mead and more make the Wackinger Village a festival within a festival. An absolute must.

 

Discovering Bands You Would Never Think To Watch Anywhere Else

Besides attracting the biggest metal talent in the world, Wacken does not forget the little guy. There are countless numbers of bands I have stumbled upon by accident in the festival, and ended up making them regulars in the playlist.

 

The Drunken Banter With Strangers

There’s always someone to hang out with at Wacken, and some of the exchanges of banter under the influence of a couple pints are pure gold. Discussing the latest and greatest in the Grindcore scene is always good fun, and of course who can muster the most offensive t-shirt.

 

The Weather

A weird one to write, as more often than not in my 14 years of attendance, the weather has not been good. This however has brought out the best experiences at Wacken – watching those brave souls dive into the mud, and share a dirt bath with complete strangers is something you never forget.

 

Seeing Bands That Would Never Come to Your Town

There have been a fair few bands I have managed to see at Wacken over the years, that would never find a market in my hometown of London. Most metal bands will play Wacken at least once, and it’s a chance to finally see your underground heroes.

 

The Non-Musical Entertainment

Over recent years, Wacken Open Air has diversified it’s roster into non-metal entertainment. The fire shows, wasteland cage fights, medieval jousts, wrestling and crossbow shooting are some things that come to mind…

 

The People

Maybe I’ve been lucky, but I have never come across a complete asshole at Wacken. Most of the time sitting in the beer garden, or standing in the crowd at a show, I have ended up conversing and making friends with fellow metalheads. We all have the same interest, and it makes us get a long just fine.

 

Tickets for Wacken Open Air 2018 are still available here. Get one before you miss out!