Wacken is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. It all started out in 1990 and has always been sold out since 2007. 

The festival is insanely big. This year they had their own Metal Market where you could buy food and drinks and basic stuff. It has 9 stages which will keep you busy for the whole day and maybe there are things you have to miss out due to this. There is always something for everyone. There are so many genre playing Wacken that everyone will enjoy this festival. Going from well-known classics to new beginning bands to discover.  

This year was a good year a lot of sun but some storms too. Like they say on the holy grounds RAIN OR SHINE! We had to seek shelter for about two times when there was a thunder storm but well that was basically more time to refill the alcohol in the belly. Too bad some shows had to stop in the middle of their set list. But don’t get me wrong WACKEN is a festival I will never forget. Let’s go a little deeper in what I saw. What I liked and what disappointed me. But remember my opinion is not yours! Grab some beer and enjoy! 

Christopher Bowes and His Plate of Beans (*) 

This is the first show I saw at Wacken and the worst decision I made in my opinion. What am I looking at? Beancore. Yes that is right BEANCORE. It is ElectroPunkRock with beans and humour. If you are more of someone who likes serious metal do not go here. At least not without being under the influence of a lot of alcohol. The set was closed with the song ‘Pour Some Beans On Me’. Which they did. Christopher was covered in beans and the flew everywhere. Let’s continue to the next band before you guys think this is a bean review rather than a music review. 

AXXIS (***) 

AXXIS started out with their song Monster Hero which got the crowd who liked them already moving. This band is a German Power/Heavy metal band with influence which reminds me of Scorpions and Whitesnake. They sure as hell play harder too. There was a nice balance from softer and harder songs which did not make the show boring. The set was closed with a blast ‘Kingdom of the Night’. It was nice to see this band play live. It was my first time and sure as hell will check them again. If you like some Power/heavy these guys are worth checking out. 

Lagerstein (****) 

Lagerstein my favourite pirates from down under played at the Wackinger stage. With only three albums and a rising fan base in Europe they are the party band that easily can attend at your favourite festival. They opened the set with ‘Raise your Steins’ and really get the crowd to move along. These Australians know how to make a party. The second song is the ‘Shoey Song’. Get your shoe pour some drinks in it and drink! You know the drill from the rowing boat? We all get down on our ass and row our arms of on the song ‘Land of Bundy’. After a lot of alcohol and there closing number ‘Fliegerlied’ they close there set and stayed the whole festival partying so running in to them having a good time was a lot of fun.