It’s been a while since we all partied on the holy ground of Wacken Open Air – 2019. It’s been over two years since we’ve attended the world’s most beloved metal festival, and finally, we have the all-clear to return.
The global pandemic has undoubtedly left us starving for a heavy metal festival fix. Wacken is ready to step up to the challenge again. We return to WOA in 2022, and it’s safe to say that we couldn’t have been more excited. The festival holds a special place in the heart of The Metalist, and returning feels like a homecoming that’s been a long time in the works.
As the heavy metal community descended upon the small town of Wacken, Germany, the 2022 edition of Wacken Open Air (WOA) solidified its reputation as the ultimate pilgrimage for metalheads worldwide. This four-day festival showcased a stellar lineup of iconic bands, remarkable performances, and an electrifying atmosphere that left a lasting impression on attendees.
WOA 2022 was a grand celebration of metal music and an experience that fans will cherish for years. One of the standout aspects of Wacken Open Air was its unparalleled lineup. The organizers outdid themselves by combining various metal genres, ensuring something for everyone.
Whether you were a fan of classic heavy metal, thrash, power metal, or extreme subgenres, the festival had you covered. With headliners like Mercyful Fate, Powerwolf, Judas Priest, and Slipknot, the main stage delivered powerhouse performances that elevated the energy to unimaginable heights.
Naturally, we would have loved to see everything, but human limits dictate that we can only be in one place at one time! Let’s guide you through how we spent our festival and outline why Wacken Open Air 2022 was indeed the return of the King.
Wednesday
Wednesday marked the beginning of the highly anticipated Wacken Open Air 2022, and the festival wasted no time delivering an explosive start to four days of metal mayhem. The Wednesday lineup showcased a range of talented bands from various subgenres, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The Swedish power metal stalwarts, Brothers of Metal, kicked off our festivities on the main stage. The crowd erupted excitedly as the band launched into a high-energy set filled with signature anthems and blistering guitar solos. The performance set the tone for the upcoming night, invigorating the audience and building anticipation for the acts.
Next, international metal veterans, Gloryhammer, took the stage, bringing their intense and relentless sound to the masses. Their crushing riffs and pummeling rhythms ignited a frenzy in the pit, with fans thrashing and headbanging in unison. Sadly, their late arrival meant they could only perform a handful of songs.
The iconic symphonic metal band Epica entered the spotlight as the sun set over the festival grounds. Known for their epic storytelling and soaring melodies, they enraptured the audience with their theatrical stage presence and captivating performance. The crowd sang along with gusto as they delivered a setlist that spanned their illustrious career, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
Later in the evening, the mighty Avantasia took the main stage by storm with their fist-pumping metal extravaganza. The band’s uplifting, atmospheric soundscapes and elaborate stage production created an otherworldly experience. The combination of harmonious elements, menacing riffs, and haunting vocals sent shivers down the audience’s spines, immersing them in a mesmerizing sonic journey.
Simultaneously, Wacken Open Air offered attendees diverse acts to discover on the more miniature stages. The Wackinger Stage showcased folk metal acts like Knasterbart, who infused traditional folk instruments with heavy metal to create a unique and captivating performance. Meanwhile, the WET stage hosted bands like The Iron Maidens, who unleashed their unrelenting death metal assault upon the crowd, leaving them exhilarated.
The Wednesday lineup at Wacken Open Air 2022 set a high bar for the coming days. Each band brought their A-game, delivering powerful performances that left a lasting impression on the audience. The blend of power metal, death metal, black metal, and folk metal provided a varied and exciting musical experience for attendees, catering to different tastes within the metal community.
As the night ended, the Wacken Open Air atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming days, promising even more incredible performances, electrifying energy, and a celebration of all things metal. The Wednesday lineup was merely the beginning of an epic journey that would undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all who attended Wacken Open Air 2022.
Thursday
Thursday at Wacken Open Air 2022 continued the relentless onslaught of heavy metal, bringing diverse bands to the stage and captivating the crowd with their electrifying performances. On the festival’s second day, they showcased a mixture of legendary acts and rising stars, making it a day to remember for metalheads worldwide.
The main stage opened with a bang as doom-metal pioneer Cirith Ungol took the spotlight. Their energetic stage presence and crushing guitar riffs ignited the crowd, setting the tone for an adrenaline-fueled day. Thus began an afternoon of fun and frolic with various bands spanning all metal subgenres. Let’s not forget plenty of great beer, good company, and weird and wonderful foods.
The legendary British band Judas Priest took the stage in the evening, unleashing a masterclass in heavy metal. Fronted by the iconic Rob Halford, the band delivered a career-spanning set that showcased their unmatched stage presence and timeless hits. From the soaring vocals of “Breaking the Law” to the thunderous riffs of “Painkiller,” Judas Priest commanded the audience’s attention. He solidified their status as true metal legends.
But Wacken has become synonymous with the epic performance from growing bands on more miniature stages. The Wasteland Stage hosted an array of phenomenal acts. American thrash metallers Butcher Babies unleashed their ferocious and relentless assault, delivering a high-octane performance that left the crowd in awe. Over at the Wackinger Stage, the symphonic metal prowess of Visions of Atlantis transported the audience to a mythical realm with their melodic riffs and epic choruses, encouraging enthusiastic sing-alongs and raising spirits to new heights.
As the night progressed, the Louder Stage became a heavy metal hotbed. Bands like GWAR and Overkill pushed the boundaries of the festival-going experience, offering parody characters cooling off the audience in comically-fake blood when latex limbs were severed. These acts showcased metal’s diverse and innovative side, proving that the festival continues to evolve and bring memorable experiences.
Friday
On the festival’s third day, they showcased a diverse range of bands, representing various subgenres and delivering powerful performances pushing sonic intensity boundaries.
Taking the main stage by storm, the Italian gothic metal legend, Lacuna Coil, treated the audience to an industrial spectacle that ignited a sea of devil horns. Their soaring vocals, epic melodies, and skull-crushing riffs took fans on a dark journey in the bright of summer. The crowd passionately sang along to anthems like “Heaven’s a Lie” and “Swamped,” creating a captivating and immersive experience.
The intensity rose as Behemoth, the Polish blackened death metal titans, graced the stage. Their dark, brutal sound and visually captivating stage setup created a sinister atmosphere that mesmerized the crowd. Behemoth’s commanding performance and frontman Nergal’s commanding stage presence left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with in the extreme metal realm.
As the night progressed, the main stage witnessed the arrival of the iconic nu-metal metal legend, Slipknot, their first-ever performance at WOA. The crowd erupted into a frenzy as the band unleashed their relentless assault of blistering riffs and thunderous drums. With their ferocious energy and visceral stage presence, Slipknot delivered a career-spanning set that paid tribute to their legacy and solidified their status as one of the most influential bands in metal history.
Simultaneously, the Louder Stage hosted various bands catering to different metal tastes. From Stratovarius’s technical proficiency to Venom’s energetic thrash-infused sound, each act brought a unique flavor to the stage, ensuring something for everyone.
Over at the Wackinger Stage, the folk metal enthusiasts were treated to the infectious melodies and lively performances of bands like Wind Rose and Einherjer. These acts combined heavy riffs with folk-inspired instrumentation, creating an atmosphere of revelry and merriment. The crowd enthusiastically danced and sang along, embracing the festive spirit that defined the Wackinger Stage.
Throughout the day, the more miniature stages continued to host an array of exceptional performances, allowing attendees to discover new and emerging talent. From the heavy metal prowess of Freedom Call to the crushing death metal assault of Crypta, each band delivered its unique brand of heaviness, captivating audiences and solidifying their place in the metal scene.
Saturday
Saturday at Wacken Open Air 2022 brought the festival to its apex with a powerhouse lineup that left no doubt as it is the pinnacle of metal events—the fourth and final day featured a stellar array of bands that spanned the metal spectrum, delivering captivating performances and creating an unforgettable climax to the festival.
The main stage ignited with the blistering sounds of Scottish metalcore maestros legends Bleed from Within. The band’s relentless energy and aggressive riffs incited a maelstrom of headbanging and crowd-surfing.
Following Bleed from Within’s explosive performance, the German power metal icon Orden Ogan took the stage by storm. The crowd roared excitedly as the band launched into their powerhouse setlist, showcasing their power metal mastery.
Simultaneously, the Faster Stage saw a showcase of diverse metal subgenres. The melodic death metal act Arch Enemy delivered a blistering performance led by the fierce vocals of frontwoman Alissa White-Gluz. The crowd was captivated by their relentless assault of aggressive riffs and soaring melodies. In contrast, the melodic monster outfit Lordi brought their infectious energy and anthemic choruses, leaving the crowd chanting and singing along to their favorite songs.
Over at the Wackinger Stage, folk metal continued to reign supreme. Bands like Skyforger and Haggard transformed the area into a raucous celebration of heavy riffs, traditional instruments, and sing-along choruses. The fusion of folk melodies and metal intensity created an infectious atmosphere of joy and camaraderie, with the crowd enthusiastically dancing and raising their drinks in unison.
Throughout the day, the Headbangers Stage hosted a variety of acts that pushed the boundaries of the metal genre. From the thrash-macular Striker to the incredible sounds of the all-female Indonesian outfit Voice of Baceprot, each performance offered a unique and captivating experience. These artists demonstrated the genre’s capacity for innovation and showcased their virtuosity to an awe-struck crowd.
Saturday at Wacken Open Air 2022 marked the festival’s grand finale, and the performances were extraordinary. Combining werewolf metal legends like Powerwolf, rising stars, and genre-bending acts created an electrifying atmosphere that resonated with attendees long after the music had ceased. The festival grounds pulsated with energy and the unified spirit of the metal community as fans reveled in the shared passion for heavy music.
As the night ended, the final chords echoed through the festival grounds, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of all who attended Wacken Open Air 2022. The Saturday lineup epitomized the festival’s spirit, showcasing metal music’s diversity, power, and enduring appeal. Wacken Open Air once again proved its status as the ultimate pilgrimage for metalheads, delivering an unrivaled celebration of the genre and creating memories that fans will cherish forever.
The King is back, as we signed off.
Final Words
The festival grounds were meticulously organized, providing ample space for the crowds to roam comfortably. Despite the size of the event, the logistics were handled with precision, and attendees had no trouble navigating between stages, food stalls, and camping areas. Additionally, including various other attractions, such as metal-themed art installations, merchandise markets, and amusement rides, added an extra dimension to the festival experience and kept the excitement levels high throughout the day.
The sound production at Wacken Open Air was top-notch. Each stage boasted excellent sound engineering, allowing the bands to deliver their music with crystal clarity and bone-shaking intensity. The stunning visual productions enhanced the immersive audio experience, featuring impressive light shows, pyrotechnics, and captivating stage designs. Whether in the mosh pit or enjoying the show from a distance, the performances beautifully came to life.
Another commendable aspect of WOA was the sense of camaraderie and unity among festival-goers. The metal community is known for its inclusivity and solidarity, and Wacken Open Air embodied these values. Strangers worldwide came together, bonded by their shared passion for metal music. The atmosphere was electric, with enthusiastic headbanging, crowd surfing, and chants resonating throughout the festival grounds. It was a joy to witness the unison of thousands of voices singing along to beloved anthems, creating an indescribable sense of belonging.
Furthermore, the festival’s commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness was evident. WOA organizers significantly minimized their ecological footprint by implementing recycling programs, reducing single-use plastic, and encouraging eco-friendly practices among attendees. This dedication to preserving the environment demonstrated that metal festivals could provide immense fun and a platform for positive change.
In conclusion, the 2022 edition of Wacken Open Air exceeded all expectations. It solidified its status as the unrivaled mecca of metal festivals. With a massive lineup, impeccable organization, outstanding sound production, and an incredible sense of community, WOA delivered an unforgettable experience. For any metal enthusiast seeking an unparalleled celebration of the genre, Wacken Open Air is an absolute must-attend event. Horns up to WOA 2022!
