PARTY ON! – The first 35 bands for W:O:A 2026

The riffs of the last bands are blasting across the Holy Ground and W:O:A 2025 is slowly but surely coming to an end. This year W:O:A had a bit more “Rain” than “Shine” to offer but of course, that couldn’t dampen the spirits of any seasoned Metalhead.

Without you, the best fans in the world, it wouldn’t be possible! You make W:O:A what it is – the best metal festival in the world! THANK YOU!

And what’s next? Of course! The first batch of bands for the big Anniversary. Next year will be 35 years and fitting to that they have 35 fantastic bands with whom they’ll kick off the new season with you! This is going to be epic! PARTY ON!

Spearheading this first wave of bands are four impressive bands who have rocked the main stages of the Holy Ground in the past.

Def Leppard
Who’s got the hairspray? You’ll definitely need more for W:O:A if you want the style of these legends: Def Leppard grace the Holy Ground! Founded in 1977 in Sheffield, England, they ultimately transformed themselves from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the 80s into a global rock phenomenon – to this day, they are considered icons of melodic hard rock!

In Flames
What screams more of pioneers of melodic death metal than In Flames? With albums like “The Jester Race” and “Clayman”, they shaped the Gothenburg sound! After their successful first albums, In Flames moved stylistically towards alternative metal in the 2000s. Unmistakable thanks to frontman Anders Friden’s distinctive voice and signature riffs, these guys are an integral part of the scene; some would even consider them the leaders.

Powerwolf
The bloodcurdling howls of wolves echo loudly across the flat farmlands of Schleswig-Holstein. Watch out, Wacken! The wolves are on the loose! After a period of abstinence, Germany’s hottest pack is finally paying us a visit again. Bringing them top-notch power metal.

Savatage
Savatage combines power and prog metal like no other. Founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in Florida, they quickly became one of the most influential US bands. Known for dramatic and symphonic concept albums, they have made a name for themselves with classics like “Hall of the Mountain King”, “Gutter Ballet”, and “Streets: A Rock Opera”.

No worries, we are not done – PARTY ON!
A few familiar faces will be joining us again for our big anniversary – and new faces are also appearing on the horizon, some with special shows:

Allt
Airbourne
Any Given Day
Blood Command
Blood Fire Death – A tribute to Bathory / Germany exclusive
Broken By The Scream
Einherjer
Emperor – Best-of Set + “As the Shadows Rise” Set with original lineup
Europe
Faun
Future Palace
Gutalax
Grand Magus
Insanity Alert
H-Blockx
Kupfergold
Lamb of God
Luna Kills
Mantar
Nevermore
Orbit Culture
Paleface Swiss
Pig Destroyer
Running Wild
Sepultura – Last German Festival Show
Ten56.
The Gathering – exclusive Show in Germany in 2026
The Hardkiss
Thundermother
Thrown
Tryptikon – Exclusive Special Best Of Set With Several World Live Premiers

Presale starts on August 3, 2025, at 8:00 PM on Metaltix.com – be quick and secure your tickets for W:O:A 2026!

P.S.: If you want to save time, you should get a Metaltix account if you haven’t already!