Wacken Metal Battle 2025: Venues and Bands Announced for Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver Ottawa, London and Hamiliton.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada has once again become a centerpiece for independent Canadian metal bands aspiring to reach new heights. Following a record-breaking number of submissions this year, the competition is set to showcase some of the country’s finest metal acts. The ultimate prize? A chance to perform on the global stage at the legendary Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany, which boasts over 80,000 attendees annually and has been a cornerstone of the metal community for more than 30 years.

The 2025 competition will span several Canadian cities, with rounds taking place in Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, British Columbia, and Ontario, among others. The national final is scheduled for May 31, 2025, at The Rickshaw Theatre in Vancouver, BC.

Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa Rounds

The battles for Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa will be held at Piranha Bar in Montreal on the following dates:

Montreal Round 1

• Date: February 7, 2025
• Bands: Chaotic Symbios (Quebec City), Last Dance Among Wolves (Montreal), Red Raven Chaos (Montreal), Stadaconé (Montreal)
• Location: Piranha Bar, Montreal
• Event Details

Montreal Round 2

• Date: February 28, 2025
• Bands: Hatred Reigns (Ottawa), Wooden (Montreal), Odd Times (Montreal), Soulthief (Ottawa)
• Location: Piranha Bar, Montreal
• Event Details

Montreal Round 3

• Date: March 7, 2025
• Bands: Demonius (Montreal), Forbidden Order (Montreal), CHÜZO (Montreal), Sovereign Council (Ottawa)
• Location: Piranha Bar, Montreal
• Event Details

Montreal Final

• Date: April 11, 2025
• Location: Piranha Bar, Montreal

British Columbia Battles

British Columbia will host its rounds in several cities, with performances in Vancouver, Kelowna, and Victoria. Highlights include:

Vancouver Round 1

• Date: March 1, 2025
• Location: The Cobalt, Vancouver
• Bands: DeathBound, NIGHTOWL, Utility Provider, Nokturna, Burnt Lung
• Event Details

BC Final

• Date: May 3, 2025
• Location: The Cobalt, Vancouver

National Final

• Date: May 31, 2025
• Location: The Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver

Ontario Rounds

Ontario battles began in January, with rounds hosted in cities like London, Hamilton, and Toronto. Notable moments so far include the victory of Dead Days at the London round.

• London Round Winner: Dead Days (Facebook)
• Hamilton and Toronto rounds: Featuring top-tier bands like Killotine, Zero Tolerance, and Purveyor of Chaos.

Alberta Rounds

Dates and venues for Edmonton and Calgary battles are yet to be announced.

The Road to Wacken

Wacken Metal Battle Canada offers an unparalleled opportunity for unsigned Canadian metal bands to showcase their talent. The journey culminates in Vancouver, where one band will be crowned the national champion and will represent Canada at the sold-out Wacken Open Air festival from July 30 to August 2, 2025.

Stay tuned for updates and more announcements as the battle intensifies!