Wacken Metal Battle - Bangalore - 2024

Wacken Metal Battle is the gateway for bands to play the biggest metal festival in the world - Wacken Open Air! This contest is held in 62 countries and the winning band from each country gets to perform and compete at the world finals at Wacken Open Air 2024. The Bangalore leg’s winners will compete with winning bands from Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Itanagar. The winning band from India will then face off against champions from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh under the banner of the Indian Subcontinent. The ultimate showdown for the Indian Subcontinent will occur at the Bangalore Open Air festival 2024. The victor of this round will then advance to compete with other global finalists at the grand finale of Wacken Open Air 2024.

Headlining bands:

Nauseate:

Formed in 2010 as a relentless mincecore/grindcore force, Nauseate emerged from the collaborative efforts of seasoned musicians previously associated with Anorectal Ulceration and Gorified. This raw and unapologetically extreme band quickly established itself in the underground scene, drawing inspiration from influential acts such as Agathocles, Napalm Death, Extreme Noise Terror, Rot, Warsore, and Unholy Grave. Known for their uncompromising sonic assault, Nauseate's live performances became a visceral experience that left audiences both stunned and energized. Their notable appearances include a memorable set at Bangalore Open Air in 2015, where they shared the stage with grindcore legends Napalm Death, and a crushing performance at Undergrind alongside Vader in 2017.

Nauseate's discography reflects their commitment to the grindcore ethos, featuring collaborations and releases that showcase their ferocious sound. In 2014, they joined forces with Agathocles for a split release. In 2018, Nauseate contributed to a three-way split with Archagathus and Camphora Monobromata, further solidifying their presence in the global grindcore community. In 2020, Nauseate unleashed their full-length opus, "Tales From A Groaning Existence," delivering a relentless onslaught of blistering tracks. With over a decade of sonic chaos under its belts, Nauseate continues to carve its niche in the extreme music landscape, leaving an indelible mark on those brave enough to venture into the depths of their groaning existence.

Goatsmoke:

Hailing from Bangalore, Goatsmoke emerged from the heavy music scene in April 2019, forging a unique identity that blends Sludge, Stoner Punk, and Doom Metal into a potent musical concoction. Goatsmoke aims to transport listeners to a realm where organic clean-cut riffs and simmering melodies intertwine with the slow sludge of lyrical syntax, creating a heady mix garnished with deep-fried grooves, all to be best served with beats of thick, green vapours. Drawing inspiration from the giants of the heavy music realm, Goatsmoke's influences include legendary acts such as Black Sabbath, Crowbar, Kyuss, Weedeater, Eyehategod, Bongripper, and Electric Wizard. These influences serve as the foundation for their sound, a sonic journey that encapsulates the spirit of the genres they draw from.

In May 2022, Goatsmoke unleashed their debut release with their 5-track debut EP “What's the Scene, Bob?” The EP not only showcases the band's musical prowess but also serves as a testament to their commitment to sustaining the essence of Bangalore’s most asked question. As they continue to weave their sonic tapestry, Goatsmoke stands as a force to be reckoned with, delivering a refreshing blend of heaviness and experimentation.

Competing Bands (Bangalore):

Peekay ; Space Is All We Have ; Ksetravid ; As Oceans Flatline ; Mutiny ; Maneating Orchid

Judges:

Nolan Lewis (Kryptos)

Gaurav Basu (Ex-Inner Sanctum)

Arjun Mulky (Inner Sanctum)