The Verdict on Wacken

Here is an unpopular opinion: I don’t like Wacken. Perhaps it was not the best showing for the festival considering the torrential downpour of rain and subsequent mud that has tarnished my first visit but then again the weather in Northern Germany isn’t exactly known to be tropical and rain has been a common factor in many of the previous years. I would hope that the festival grounds would have been perfected by now to avoid the mud hole situation; a bit of asphalt or gravel would go a long way when it comes to the health and enjoyment of festival goers.

Now if I had of written this on the Sunday after Wacken my feelings would have been more towards hate than the nostalgic loathing I feel now. Seeing old friends and making new ones is definitely the most enjoyable part of a metal gathering like Wacken. However, living in 6 inches of mud for 4 days can be trying especially when the festival site is so large I found myself not even attempting the epic treck to the smaller stages to catch every band I had planned on seeing.

Despite the atrocious weather, Wacken has simply gotten too large. There is something magical about 70 thousand or so metal heads converging on the same spot but a half an hour hike from your tent to the main stage isn’t quite as alluring.

If I were able to rage for the weekend and go home to my goat ranch in Northern Germany for a warm shower, Wacken may have been a great time. For a backpacker with a week left in Europe, having all your belongings covered in mud isn’t the most appealing thought. Plus the smell; the atrocious mud mixed with piss and beer stench that coats the festival grounds and everything entering it is a scent I unfortunately will never forget. Bottom line: Wacken one of those bucket list experiences but I probably wont go back unless the lineup is absolutely insane.