Wacken 2023 unfolded amidst a backdrop of torrential rain that tested the festival's resilience like never before. Days of relentless downpour turned the grounds into a muddy quagmire, prompting organizers to issue unprecedented requests for attendees to reconsider their plans, even sending some back. Despite these early challenges and the mixed messages about whether the event would proceed as planned, the festival ultimately persevered with no bands canceling their performances.
Navigating the infield became a Herculean task as mud seemed to swallow every step; and yet, amidst the mire, the spirit of Wacken shone through. Metalheads, undeterred by the conditions, converged to celebrate their passion for music and community. As the festival unfolded, the lineup delivered electrifying performances that transcended the adversity. From epic sets to unexpected collaborations, Wacken Open Air 2023 proved to be a testament to the indomitable spirit of both its organizers and attendees.
In the face of nature's challenges, Wacken emerged victorious, reinforcing its place as a cornerstone of the global metal scene.
Thursday
I started my Wacken journey with Dark Tranquillity’s electrifying performance. Kicking off with the fierce "Encircled," they grabbed the crowd's attention and didn't let go. As they powered through "Terminus (Where Death Is Most Alive)" and "Monochromatic Stains," fans kept headbanging and singing along with gusto. The hauntingly beautiful "Atoma" provided a moment of melodic respite before the band launched into "Misery's Crown."
Dark Tranquillity's set was a rollercoaster of emotions and raw power, leaving me (and the rest of the fans) both exhausted and exhilarated… and waiting for more of what Wacken had to offer.
It was then turn for Vixen, on the main stage. They brought a rock 'n' roll party to Wacken, delivering a set packed with classic hits. They kicked things off with the high-octane "Rev It Up," instantly revving up the crowd. Lorraine Lewis' powerhouse vocals shone on tracks like "How Much Love" and "Cryin'," while Roxy Petrucci's drumming provided a thunderous backbone throughout the set. The band paid homage to their influences with a ripping medley that included "Runnin' With the Devil" and "War Pigs," showcasing their versatility and love for rock history.
Guitarist Britt Lightning dazzled with her riffs, especially during fan favorites like "Love Made Me" and the timeless anthem "Edge of a Broken Heart." Vixen's performance was a joyous celebration of classic rock, and just what we needed to get our adrenaline pumping.
A treasure for lovers of the classics, Uriah Heep took to the stage with a performance that was nothing short of magical. As soon as they started playing the first notes of "Against the Odds," they had the crowd in their grasp. Bernie Shaw's powerful vocals on "The Hanging Tree" and "Stealin'" were electrifying, while Mick Box's legendary guitar solos on "Gypsy" and "Easy Livin'" had everyone headbanging.
The band's energy was infectious, especially during the epic "July Morning" and the sing-along anthem "Lady in Black." The keyboard wizardry of Phil Lanzon, Dave Rimmer's groovy basslines, and Russell Gilbrook's thunderous drumming rounded out the sound, delivering a true masterclass in rock.
HammerFall were in charge of unleashing a thunderous power metal assault , igniting the stage with their epic anthems. Joacim Cans' soaring vocals and Oscar Dronjak's blazing guitar work on tracks like "Hammer of Dawn" and "Blood Bound" had the crowd in a frenzy.
The band's energy peaked during the medley, seamlessly blending hits like "Hero's Return" and "Crimson Thunder." While "Let the Hammer Fall" (featuring Oscar’s hammer-shaped guitar) and "(We Make) Sweden Rock" kept the audience's fists pumping, but it was the iconic "Hearts on Fire" that truly set the place ablaze. It was a high-octane performance, a fist-pounding celebration of metal that served as a reminder of the power of these Swedes.
It was then time to go get some punk music. After getting a quick bite to eat, I ran to catch the pure punk rock mayhem of Pennywise. Their setlist, as was to be expected, packed a great punch, from the anthemic "Fuck Authority" to crowd favorites like "Bro Hymn," keeping the energy high and the pit alive and kicking. Covers of Bad Religion's "Do What You Want" and AC/DC's "T.N.T." injected even more intensity into their performance, while their own classics like "Society" and "Alien" had the crowd singing along with passion. It was a riotous celebration of punk spirit and, honestly, I’m glad I was there.
A frequent sight at Wacken, Kreator brought their onslaught of thrash metal fury to Wacken. Opening with the ferocious "Hate Über Alles," Mille Petrozza's blistering vocals and Sami Yli-Sirniö's shredding guitar set the stage on fire. The band's energy was infectious throughout the set, with highlights including the relentless aggression of "Enemy of God" and the anthemic "Hordes of Chaos."
The addition of Sofia Portanet for "Midnight Sun" added a unique twist, showcasing Kreator's versatility, while songs like "Violent Revolution" and "Pleasure to Kill" kept the pit raging, before closing the night with the deafening roar of Pleasure to Kill.
As the headliners for the evening, Helloween (Pumpkins United) brought a triumphant and monumental performance. . Bringing together current and former members in a celebration of their storied career, they kicked off with "Skyfall," instantly captivating the crowd with its soaring melodies and the dual vocal prowess of Andi Deris and Michael Kiske. Guitarists Kai Hansen and Sascha Gerstner dazzled with blistering solos on classics like "Eagle Fly Free" and "Future World," while Markus Grosskopf's bass and Dani Löble's thunderous drumming provided a solid foundation.
The medley of "Metal Invaders," "Victim of Fate," "Gorgar," and "Ride the Sky" was a highlight, showcasing the band's evolution and diverse musical influences over the decades. The classic "Dr. Stein," the epic "Keeper of the Seven Keys," and the timeless "I Want Out" had the entire audience singing along, creating an electrifying atmosphere of pure metal euphoria.
Pumpkins United's performance was not just a concert but a journey through Helloween's illustrious history, a testament to their enduring legacy and their unbreakable bond with the fans. As the night concluded with a shower of fireworks and cheers echoing across Wacken, it was clear that Helloween had delivered a performance for the ages.
I finished this first night witnessing Abbath’s frostbitten black metal fury. Starting with "To War!" and an intense Immortal cover, "The Rise of Darkness," they unleashed a relentless barrage of blistering riffs and thunderous drums. As tired as I was, the raw energy of tracks like "Ashes of the Damned" and "Hecate" kept me headbanging through the exhaustion.
Abbath's stage presence was as formidable as ever, with his distinctive corpse paint and commanding vocals echoing across the grounds. Despite the late hour, "Winterbane" and "Endless" closed the set with a chilling intensity, leaving a lasting impression on my weary but exhilarated mind. Black metal reigns supreme.
Friday
I started the day with Leave’s Eyes, who were performing a special Viking show. They delivered a symphonic metal spectacle that was both epic and enchanting, surrounded by a small battalion of “Vikings” in full costume. Opening a "Chain of the Golden Horn," they set a grandiose tone that carried through the entire set. Keeping true to the theme with tracks like "Serpents and Dragons" and "Edge of Steel", they showcased their powerful blend of melodic and symphonic elements, with Elina Siirala's soaring vocals captivating the audience.
"Sign of the Dragonhead" and "Hell to the Heavens" kept the energy high, while the "Swords in Rock" had fans chanting along. The set closed with the rousing "Blazing Waters," leaving everyone in awe of this very theatrical performance.
Trivium delivered a scorching set at , igniting the crowd from the moment they launched into "In the Court of the Dragon." Matt Heafy’s fierce vocals and shredding guitar work, alongside Corey Beaulieu, drove the energy sky-high, especially during heavy hitters like "Down From the Sky" and "The Sin and the Sentence." A special treat was "Becoming the Dragon," played live for the first time since 2018, which sent longtime fans into a frenzy.
The setlist was packed with crowd favorites, including "Strife" and the amazing "Feast of Fire." The performance of "The Heart From Your Hate" showcased their melodic prowess, while "A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation" brought relentless intensity. Closing with the explosive "In Waves," Trivium left the audience buzzing with adrenaline and excitement, proving once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.
I hadn't heard of GHØSTKID before the festival, and only went to check them out because they seemed like they’d be fun to photograph. This was a good move on my part, as their set turned out to be one of the most fun and energetic performances of the festival. Kicking off with "START A FIGHT," they immediately grabbed the crowd's attention with their high-octane energy and theatrical stage presence, reminiscent of Wes Borland from Limp Bizkit.
Tracks like "YØU & I" and "SHARKS" kept the momentum going, with the band's dynamic antics and captivating visuals adding to the experience. "HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE" and "THIS IS NØT HØLLYWØØD" showcased their unique blend of metal and punk, while "DRTY" closed the set on a high note. It was a short performance that was, nevertheless, a thrilling surprise. The interaction with the audience (down to both guitarists jumping into the crowd to continue playing there) demonstrated that these guys will be a crowd favorite wherever they play.
Megadeth delivered a scorching performance, kicking off with the explosive "Hangar 18." Mustaine's fierce vocals and blistering guitar riffs, alongside Kiko Loureiro's shredding, laid the groundwork for a night of relentless thrash metal.
As they powered through classics like "Wake Up Dead" and "Sweating Bullets," the energy was palpable. The crowd went wild when no other than Marty Friedman joined them to perform "Trust," bringing his signature flair and electrifying solos back to the stage. The intensity only grew with "Tornado of Souls" and "Symphony of Destruction," where Friedman's presence added a nostalgic and exhilarating touch.
The setlist was a perfect mix of old and new, with "Dystopia" and "We'll Be Back" showcasing Megadeth's evolving sound. "A Tout le Monde" had the audience singing in unison, creating a powerful, unified moment. As they ripped through "Mechanix" and "Peace Sells," the anticipation for the finale built to a fever pitch.
Closing with "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due," featuring Friedman once again, Megadeth left the stage in a blaze of glory. The combination of legendary hits and the reunion with Marty made their performance a standout at Wacken, proving once again why they remain true titans of the thrash metal.
Deicide brought their blasphemous inferno to Wacken, delivering a set that was pure, unrelenting death metal mayhem. Kicking off with "Satan Spawn, the Caco-Daemon," Glen Benton's brutal vocals and the band's crushing riffs immediately sent the crowd into a devilish frenzy. Tracks like "Dead but Dreaming" and "Behead the Prophet (No Lord Shall Live)" had the mosh pit alive and thrashing with unholy energy.
The blasphemy continued as they tore through "Once Upon the Cross" and "When Satan Rules His World," each song a dark hymn of aggression and rebellion. Closing with the scorching "Homage for Satan," Deicide left the crowd eager for more. It was a wickedly fun performance, showcasing why Deicide remains a sinister force in the metal world.
I made my way to Dying Fetus while Maiden played in the background, trying to at least get some shots for the evening. Although I didn’t get to see their entire performance, I did get to witness some of the blistering set that they used to unleash their barrage of death metal fury. Opening with "One Shot, One Kill," the crowd was swept into a whirlwind of intense riffs and thunderous drums, with tracks like "Subjected to a Beating" and "We Are Your Enemy" showcasing their trademark brutality. Moshpits and headbanging everywhere evidenced the power of their sonic aggression.
Although I wasn’t able to photograph their show (😭😭), Iron Maiden's performance at was nothing short of epic. Even in the muddy conditions, a massive crowd filled the infield, defying the elements. Even From a distance, the spectacle was awe-inspiring, from the first notes of "Caught Somewhere in Time," setting the tone with Bruce Dickinson's powerful vocals and the band's iconic melodies.
"Stranger in a Strange Land" and "The Writing on the Wall" continued to captivate the audience, showcasing Maiden's trademark storytelling through music, coupled with their amazing stage show, with a variety of props showing up at different points. With a setlist that featured both newer tracks like "Days of Future Past" and classics such as "The Prisoner" and "Can I Play With Madness," each song met with thunderous applause from the crowd.
As they delved into historical epics like "Alexander the Great" (which many never had seen live!), the atmosphere was simply electric. The stage presence and energy of Dickinson, Harris, Murray, and the rest kept the momentum going strong, making us all forget that, somehow, these men are all senior citizens!
As they closed their set with the iconics "Iron Maiden," "Hell on Earth," "The Trooper," and "Wasted Years," Maiden left no doubt as to why they are true metal legends.
After an frustrating delay of the start of his show, Ville Valo, formerly of HIM, presented his haunting melodies to the Wacken audience. Despite his slender appearance (which reminded me of Jack Skellington more than of HIM), Valo's baritone voice resonated powerfully through hits like "Poison Girl," "Buried Alive by Love," and "The Funeral of Hearts," drawing nostalgic cheers from the crowd. His solo tracks like "Neon Noir" added a fresh twist, combining dark romance with atmospheric vibes.
My final show for the evening was Wardruna's mesmerizing performance. A mystical journey into the ancient realms of Norse mythology. Stretching past midnight, their ethereal chants and primal rhythms echoed through the night, moving me even despite my overwhelming exhaustion.
As I stood amidst the crowd, swaying to the haunting melodies of "Kvitravn" and "Solringen," I couldn't help but feel transported to a distant time. The ambiance created by songs like "Heimta Thurs" and "Voluspá" was enchanting, weaving a tapestry of ancient tales and spiritual echoes. Wardruna's use of traditional Norse instruments and vocal harmonies brought their set to life, invoking a sense of reverence and awe among the weary-yet-captivated audience.
Despite my fatigue, Wardruna's performance was a powerful conclusion to my night, leaving me with a deep appreciation for their dedication to preserving and celebrating ancient Norse culture. Their mystical tunes lingered in my mind as I finally retreated to rest, knowing that I had experienced something truly special amidst the mud and metal of Wacken Open Air.
Saturday
I started my last day with Jinjer, who delivered an electrifying set , combining their powerful music with a poignant message. This Ukrainian band opened with the intense "Perennial," immediately drawing the crowd into their unique combination of metalcore and progressive metal. Vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk's dynamic range was on full display, especially during "Ape" and "Call Me a Symbol."
Throughout their performance, Jinjer made heartfelt references to the ongoing war in Ukraine, adding a layer of emotional depth to songs like "Pit of Consciousness" and "Vortex." Their ability to mix heavy riffs with thought-provoking lyrics shone through in tracks like "Teacher, Teacher!" and "As I Boil Ice." Despite the somber undertones, the band's energy was infectious, keeping the crowd engaged and energized. Jinjer's set was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of their homeland, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
I made my way to check The Answer, who had promised to bring a refreshing dose of hard rock to Wacken. They kicked things off with "Keep Believin'," immediately setting a positive and energetic tone. "Blood Brother" and "Under the Sky" showcased their infectious grooves and Cormac Neeson's gritty vocals, captivating the audience.
In a charming twist, a technical hiccup led to an impromptu solo performance by Cormac of the traditional Irish song "Here’s A Health To The Company," which was warmly received by the crowd. The band quickly regained momentum with "Spectacular" and "Preachin'," leaving everyone rocking and rolling despite the brief setback. The Answer's set was a spirited and memorable performance, with raw talent and genuine stage presence.
I wasn’t very familiar with Ereb Altor, but I was tempted to go see their epic Viking metal. Drawing on their rich mythology and doom-laden melodies, they captivated the crowd from the very first note. With Mats and Ragnar's hauntingly powerful vocals and the band's tight musicianship, the music resonated deeply with the audience.
Ereb Altor's mix of blackened doom and epic storytelling kept everyone enthralled. Their stage presence, complete with dramatic lighting and evocative imagery, transported everyone to ancient Nordic realms. It was a spellbinding journey through dark, melodic landscapes, perfectly suited for the legendary atmosphere of Wacken.
Kataklysm unleashed a brutal storm of death metal, delivering a relentless performance that left everyone exhilarated. Opening with the ferocious "Narcissist," the band's crushing riffs and Maurizio Iacono's commanding growls set the stage for an intense set. Tracks like "Thy Serpents Tongue" and "The Ambassador of Pain" showcased their signature amalgamation of speed and heaviness, keeping the mosh pits going at full speed.
Highlights included "Taking the World by Storm" and the relentless "As I Slither," with the band demonstrating their tight musicianship and unwavering energy. "Serenity in Fire" and "The Black Sheep" closed out the set with a fiery intensity that had the crowd roaring for more. All and all, it was a masterclass in pure, unadulterated death metal.
KSE brought the house down with a set that was pure metalcore magic. They kicked things off with "My Curse," and the energy only skyrocketed from there. Jesse Leach's powerhouse vocals and Adam Dutkiewicz's wild guitar antics had the crowd pumped and headbanging from the get-go.
With bangers like "Reckoning" and "The Arms of Sorrow," the mosh pits were in full swing. The band's mix of melody and aggression shone through in "In Due Time" and "The End of Heartache," with fans belting out every chorus. The ultimate highlight? Their killer cover of Dio's "Holy Diver" that had everyone chanting along. It was was an exhilarating rollercoaster of riffs and raw emotion, proving once again why they're metalcore legends.
The atmospheric melodic death metal of Be’Lakor captivated the audience with intricate compositions and an emotive performance. Opening with "Venator," they set a powerful tone, with haunting melodies mixed with crushing heaviness. "Roots to Sever" and "Abeyance" showcased their signature sound, with sweeping guitar riffs and immersive, layered arrangements.
The band maintained the momentum with "Valence," drawing the crowd deeper into their melodic soundscapes. Closing with the epic "Countless Skies," Be'lakor left the audience in awe of their musical craftsmanship and emotional depth.
Possessed unleashed a death metal storm that proved that age and obstacles can't stop the true pioneers of the genre. Jeff Becerra led the charge with fierce energy, kicking things off with "No More Room in Hell" and setting the crowd on fire. His stage presence was electric, showing that nothing can dampen his aggressive spirit.
The set was packed with relentless classics like "Pentagram" and "Beyond the Gates," with each song delivered with crushing intensity. "The Exorcist" and "Death Metal" were particular highlights, with fans screaming along to every growl and riff. The band tore through tracks like "Swing of the Axe" and "Burning in Hell," leaving no doubt that Possessed still reigns supreme. Their performance was a triumphant display of raw power and unyielding metal attitude.
Saltatio Mortis brought their evolved metal style to Wacken Open Air 2023, ditching their old fantasy looks for a fresh, more straightforward metal vibe. Kicking off with "Alive Now," they had the crowd instantly pumped. Highlights included the epic "God of War" and "My Mother Told Me" with Peyton Parrish, as well as a riotous cover of "What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor?"
Their playful side shone through with "Hypa Hypa" and "Keine Regeln," featuring FiNCH. The grand finale, "Spielmannsschwur," with snippets of "Maria" and "Seven Nation Army," left everyone chanting for more. Saltatio Mortis proved they can blend medieval flair with modern metal for a truly electrifying performance!
Evergrey gave a performance that was both powerful and emotive. Kicking off with the hard-hitting "Save Us," they immediately grabbed the crowd's attention, with Tom Englund's soulful vocals and Henrik Danhage's searing guitar solos as standout features throughout the performance.
Songs like "Weightless" and "Call Out the Dark" kept things going at break-neck speeds, while "Midwinter Calls" and "Where August Mourn" showcased their ability to maintain intensity as well as atmospheric depth. Their range was further demonstrated by the haunting "A Silent Arc" and the relentless "My Allied Ocean."
Jonas Ekdahl's drumming was impeccable, driving the rhythm for fan favorites like "A Touch of Blessing." With "King of Errors," the set reached a climax, leaving everyone in awe of Evergrey's melodic prowess.
For several years now I’ve been staying at a friend’s house (their yard, more accurately) whenever I go to Wacken. Even though he and his family didn’t know me, they opened their doors to me, and we’ve developed a close, loving, relation. It was Meike, my friend’s mom, who asked me to go check Versengold, since they are her favorite band, and she begged me to take some photos for her. What a surprise! Their performance turned out to be one of my favorites of the festival.
Starting with the remarkably happy "Niemals sang- und klanglos," they set a joyful tone that continued throughout their entire set. Songs like "Verliebt in eine Insel" and "Der Tag an dem die Götter sich betranken" had the crowd singing along and dancing. The band radiated happiness, clearly having a blast on stage. Tracks like "Flaschengeist" and "Thekenmädchen" were fun highlights, and "Im Bier sind Dinge drin" and "Kobold im Kopp" kept everyone in high spirits.
Versengold’s infectious enthusiasm was a delight. Their show was a pleasant surprise and an absolute joy to witness.
Catching Heaven Shall Burn was a wild adventure. After Versengold, I sprinted through rain and mud to get to their set. It was a pain in the ass, but I made it just in time to photograph them for a bit. The intense lighting, with an extremely bright background, made it a real challenge, but it was all worth it.
They opened with "Endzeit," immediately setting a fierce tone. "Bring the War Home" and "Übermacht" kept the crowd in a frenzy. Their cover of "Black Tears" was a standout moment, adding a unique twist to the set. Despite the tough conditions, the band's energy was unstoppable, and songs like "Voice of the Voiceless" and "Hunters Will Be Hunted" were delivered with raw power. Closing with "Tirpitz," Heaven Shall Burn’s performance was a muddy, rainy, and unforgettable highlight of the festival.
2 Steps From Hell were an unexpected yet captivating addition to the line-ip. Known for their epic orchestral music, they brought a refreshing change to the heavy metal roster. Despite being a bit out of place, their performance was nothing short of spectacular.
The stage was packed with a huge ensemble of performers, creating a grand visual and auditory experience. The variety in their set, ranging from powerful, cinematic pieces to more serene, melodic tracks, kept the audience enthralled. The blend of orchestral grandeur with the festival’s metal energy was surprisingly harmonious, making for a memorable part of this edition of Wacken.
Dropkick Murphys braved the rain and delivered an unforgettable performance. Despite the downpour, their energy was infectious from the start of their set with "The Lonesome Boatman.” I was fortunate enough to photograph the entire show from the pit, which turned out to be an incredible experience.
They powered through favorites like "The Boys Are Back," "Prisoner's Song," and "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya," each song punctuated by the crowd's enthusiastic sing-alongs, and an amazing stage show. A touching rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" and the spirited "The Bonny" added emotional depth to their set.
Songs like "Barroom Hero" and "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" (their closing song) had everyone in the pit and beyond dancing and chanting along, undeterred by the weather. Dropkick Murphys' performance was the perfect finale for my visit to Wacken 2023, blending punk rock vigor with Celtic heart. They’ve certainly left a lasting impression of unity and celebration in the rain-soaked fields of Wacken.
