One Band to Rule Them All! Wacken Metal Battle Canada (WMBC) is back, and the 2025 competition is bigger than ever. With record-breaking submissions from independent bands across the nation, one unsigned Canadian band will earn the coveted prize: a performance slot at the sold-out Wacken Open Air festival in Germany (July 30–August 2), one of the world’s largest and most prestigious metal festivals.

The battles are set to take place across Canada, with Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa dates announced today. The national final will be held at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre on May 31, 2025.

2025 WMBC Montreal Dates (All events at Piranha Bar, Montreal):

• Feb 7 – Round 1: Chaotic Symbios (QC), Last Dance Among Wolves (MTL), Red Raven Chaos (MTL), Stadaconé (MTL). Event Info

• Feb 28 – Round 2: Hatred Reigns (Ottawa), Wooden (MTL), Odd Times (MTL), Soulthief (Ottawa). Event Info

• March 7 – Round 3: Demonius (MTL), Forbidden Order (MTL), CHÜZO (MTL), Sovereign Council (Ottawa). Event Info

• April 11 – Montreal Final

Other WMBC Dates:

• British Columbia: Vancouver rounds begin March 1. More Info

• Ontario: Ongoing through February. Details

• Alberta: Edmonton and Calgary dates TBA.

Grand Prize for the 2025 WMBC Champion:

• Performance slot at Wacken Open Air 2025.

• $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.

• Professional backline support and VIP camping at the festival.

Don’t miss the chance to witness Canada’s rising metal talent as they battle for a shot at global recognition. For tickets and updates, visit WMBC Facebook.