Abrasive Audio…Wacken 2020
Battle for Wacken; W.O.A 2020’ (USA)
Who here has no idea what “Wacken” is? I believe there are scant few (though I could be mistaken). Obviously, the word in question is more than merely that, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wacken,_Schleswig-Holstein it’s a location (near the town of Izehoe which, rather useless fun fact here, is twined with a town in England where I used to reside many moons ago). Wacken is also the annual site of one of the world’s largest metal gatherings. That however is not all that it is famous for. Other than having a coat of arm which appears to contain naught but an angry, hungry (“Hangry”?), frogs face, Wacken is known for farming. This however barely beats out the economic boom which metal (in all of its various guises) brings to the region. Every year, for over thirty years, locals have been gladly putting up with (barely) collective hordes sporting various attire, a noise level at decibel levels which could level nearby Swiss mountains, the road sign being stolen and a common greeting (though it’s used for far more than merely that) which far surpasses the pleasantries heard in most languages. Commonly referred to as “Horns” the figuration has recently been showcased to help sell cereal though is more widespread in showing one’s appreciation of the audio on offer. The next festival (July 30th through August 1st 2020) is already sold out and is scheduled to feature, among others, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Amon Amarth, Sodom, Annihilator, Overkill, Venom, Sick of It All, Nervosa, U.D.O., Hypocrisy, Death Angel, Beast in Black, and At the Gates.
(Wacken Open Air 2019 – Official Trailer)
So, why the history and geography lesson? Well, its time for another. And I’ve just been gotten word that its time for those interested to apply for a chance to appear next to their idols. What many might be unaware of is that there are various ‘Wacken shows’ around the world (what?) Allow me to explain. As well as those mentioned above various others will also appear on stage. The complete lineup has not been confirmed yet and will comprise of ‘combatants’ from around the world. Select cities across the US host qualifying rounds with a national champion set to be crowned at the festival itself. For over a decade now this tournament has been added to the festivals roster. So how does one apply, and why wouldn’t one honestly want to? Seems as I’m here to help I have the address to check out and a little information on the festivities themselves. Without further ado here’s a spot of ‘cut and paste’ action.
Cut n paste! Cut n Paste! CutnPasstte-!
“2020 battles will be held in Phoenix, AZ, Tucson, AZ, Inland Empire, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Oakland, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, Atlanta, GA, New Orleans, LA, Las Vegas, NV, New York City, NY, Portland, OR, Austin, TX, Fort Worth, TX, San Antonio, TX, Houston, TX, Seattle, WA with more to be announced.
Concert promoters interested in hosting a Wacken battle in their city can apply at this link: https://metalbattleusa.com/promoter-application-for-wacken-metal-usa-battles/
How it works (*this is the interesting part)
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the 31st edition of Wacken Open Air and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.
Rules: https://metalbattleusa.com/rules/
https://toxicruin.bandcamp.com/album/subterranean-terror
https://dissentience.bandcamp.com/
https://horsemenrecords.bandcamp.com/track/spark
https://violencesystemga.bandcamp.com/
Last year’s 2019 national final was hosted in Los Angeles, CA and featured Dissentience (Winners, East Coast), Monarch (Winners, West Coast), Nahaya (Winners, Texas), Toxic Ruin (Winners, Chicago), Violence System (Winners, Atlanta) whom were selected from over a hundred bands that participated in battles across the USA.
Previous winners have included;
2019 – WMBU Winner
https://monarchmetal.bandcamp.com/releases
Monarch (San Diego, CA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXiU078YKM0
(Video – Live at Wacken 2019)
2018 – WMBU Winner
https://voicesofruin.bandcamp.com/
VOICES OF RUIN (Anaheim, CA)
2017 – WMBU Winner
https://corpsehoarder.bandcamp.com/
CORPSE HOARDER (Philadelphia, PA)
Sponsors/Partners (for this event and the lead up to it include):
MetalAssault.com
MetalDevastationRadio.com
MetalMasterKingdom.com
Metal-Rules.com
PureGrainAudio.com
PureRockRadio.net
Dungeon Works Productions
Asher Media Relations
Fatal Illness Management
Come and Take It Productions
Mosh Pit Army
Masquerade Atlanta
Saint Vitus
Huge thanks go out to Asher Media Relations for sending over the relevant information so that I could compose this.
Yep Yep Yep! Do It!!
Dammit, what are you waiting for? Apply already so that your ideas, talent, composition brilliance and completed audio might reach those and the heights which it deserves to. #SupporttheScene #KeeptheSceneAliveandThriving
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