First the ground shakes, then comes the impact. No countdown, no warm-up: August Burns Red only know the direct route forward. For almost 20 years, they have stood for metalcore that not only destroys but also builds up: technically sharp, emotionally deep and, live, a collective state of emergency. Every song is like a liberating blow full of angry energy, carried by hope and solidarity. At Wacken 2025, they will ignite exactly what they do best: a show between chaos and clarity, with the force of an earthquake and the precision of a scalpel cut.
WOA 25: Floor Jansen
When Floor Jansen takes to the stage, a rare moment of absolute presence is created. Even before the first note is played, there is tension in the air. Known as the exceptional voice of Nightwish, she has also carved out a permanent place for herself in the music world outside of the band with her solo debut ‘Paragon’ and songs such as “Fire” and ‘Storm’. Her voice combines power and grace, opera and rock, vulnerability and determination; it is an instrument that transforms emotions into sound and then back into emotions again. At Holy Ground, she will bring this versatility to the stage solo for the first time: a performance that will be personal and intense, carried by musical class and a stage presence that leaves no one cold. Anyone who experiences her live will immediately sense that this is not just a singer, but a whole story being played out in music.
WOA 25: Obituary
Obituary are one of the primal forces of death metal, and their live shows impressively demonstrate that their raw power remains unbroken. With their latest album, ‘Dying of Everything’, the Floridians have delivered a work that sounds as uncompromising as their classics, yet remains fresh, powerful and contemporary. Frontman John Tardy still growls with that unmistakable mixture of despair and anger, while his comrades Trevor Peres, Donald Tardy, Terry Butler and Ken Andrews swing the groove metal hammer with shattering precision. Obituary don’t need spectacle or show effects, their music speaks for itself. In Wacken, their set will not be a retrospective, but proof that some bands don’t age, they mature like fine wine.
WOA 25: King Diamond
King Diamond returns to Wacken in 2025 with his trademark falsetto, coffins, spotlights and stage production that lives somewhere between horror film and heavy metal opera. For decades, the exceptional Danish singer has been considered a master of musical horror: concept albums such as ‘Abigail’ and “Them” have long since become legendary, and his shows are theatrical works of art. With the new song ‘Spider Lilly’ and a long-awaited solo album on the horizon, there is now fresh fodder for all fans of dark, dramatic storytelling. When King Diamond takes to the stage late in the evening, one thing is clear: there will be no hits to sing along to, but goosebumps, horror and metal with a truly signature character – eccentric, iconic, incomparable.
WOA 25: Warkings
Warkings will strike with full force at Wacken 2025, bringing their epic power metal straight from the halls of Valhalla to the festival stage. Since its inception, the band has presented itself as a warrior collective from times long past, bringing their stories of crusaders, Vikings and legends to life through music. Their current album, ‘Armageddon’, is a storm of thunderous riffs, anthemic choruses and dramatic theatricality, always accompanied by the mystical voice of Morgana le Fay. Those who enjoy monumental hooklines, combative pathos and a dash of fantasy will find Warkings’ show oscillating between headbanging ecstasy and battlefield atmosphere, loud, proud and with swords raised.
Queens of the Stone Age play Baloise Session
Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) is an American rock band founded in 1996 by Josh Homme. They are known for their characteristic mix of stoner rock, alternative and hard rock with catchy riffs and powerful vocals. The band has gained a firm place in the rock scene through changing members and collaborations with well-known musicians such as Dave Grohl. Queens of the Stone Age are considered one of the most influential bands in modern rock and have inspired many bands with their unique sound. The concert at the Baloise will be unplugged. For this unique performance, the band has rearranged their songs and largely dispensed with electric amplification. Supported by a string trio and unconventional instruments such as chains and chopstick percussion, an intimate atmosphere is created. Only an electric piano is powered by a car battery.
Moonpools play Baloise Session
Moonpools are a five-piece band from Basel, formed in 2016 by Marcie Nyffeler, Jasper Nyffeler, and Francesco Vona and completed in 2017 by Matthias Gusset and David Blum. Their sound is inspired by artists like Alvvays, Slow Pulp, My Bloody Valentine, Ride and Soccer Mommy and moves between Indie Rock and Dream Pop with rousing guitars and anthemic synth parts.
Duran Duran play Baloise Session
Duran Duran is a British new wave and pop rock band that was founded in the early 1980s and is one of the style-defining acts of the decade. Known for their glamorous style, innovative music videos and danceable synth pop, they were instrumental in the MTV era. The band consists of Simon Le Bon (vocals), Nick Rhodes (keyboards), John Taylor (bass) and Roger Taylor (drums). Their biggest hits: Hungry Like the Wolf (1982) – breakthrough in the USA, iconic video and catchy tune. Rio (1982) – synthpop classic with tropical flair and catchy chorus. The Reflex (1984) – number 1 hit in the UK and the USA, produced by Nile Rodgers. Ordinary World (1993) – emotional comeback song of the 90s with strong airplay. A View to a Kill (1985) – title song of the James Bond film of the same name, to date the only Bond song to reach number 1 in the US charts. Save a Prayer (1982) – atmospheric ballad with great fan popularity.
Paula Dalla Corte plays Baloise Session
From her first appearances on The Voice Of Germany to singles like “Good Girl Killer”, it’s been a wild ride for Paula Dalla Corte. Being signed to Universal in her early 20s, then moving to LA for a few months to find her own sound. Paula let off steam, gained experience and quickly realized that she didn’t always want to be “the one from The Voice”. The move to Berlin also changed her musical ambitions. The style of Paula comes across as retro-romantic indie pop with a black and white aesthetic. Reminiscences of the artful releases of Lana Del Rey certainly don’t shimmer through the sound design by chance, but she is on her own path with her smoky and melodramatic style.
JC Stewart plays Baloise Session
JC Stewart is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter who is best known for his emotionally charged pop songs. Born in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, he began his music career with soulful ballads, often inspired by personal experiences. His distinctive voice and honest lyrics quickly earned him a loyal fan base. JC Stewart became known through his collaboration with Lewis Capaldi – he co-wrote the song Hollywood on Capaldi’s debut album Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent. With his authentic style and charismatic charisma, JC Stewart is regarded as one of the most promising young artists on the British pop scene.