Wacken Metal Battle Africa’s 2026 season is getting underway, and Johannesburg hosts the first local date on the calendar with the show at Sognage.
Three bands are in the running on the night: Goatboi, Fading Gray, and Black Nature. Hilliker are also on the bill as special guests.
Wacken Metal Battle is an international battle-of-the-bands programme linked to Wacken Open Air, with local and national rounds in participating countries/regions leading to an international final at Wacken, where the selected acts perform and represent their territory.
After the early rounds, the Wacken Metal Battle Africa Finals are advertised for 6 June 2026, also at Sognage in Johannesburg, under the Emalyth banner.
Tickets for the 7 March Johannesburg round are listed at R150 via Sognage’s online store.



