Rockfreaks.net

The annual edition of Metal Battle, a competition designed for Danish metal bands for a chance to play at Wacken Open Air later this year, has opened for sign ups today. Here's the lowdown:

Sign up:

Open: January 9th

Close: February 15th

Requirements: Genre must be within hard rock / metal (incl subgenres). All bands without a record deal can participate. If you are in doubt whether you are able to participate, contact info@livescenen.dk.

The bands will be selected by a jury consisting of experienced industry folk from the metal scene in Denmark, based on the song material sent in by the bands (much like at Underground Music Awards each year). This includes musicians, journalists, producers, etc. The winning bands will be announced on March 5th.

How to sign up?

Send a promotional pack to the following address including at the very minimum:

* Music

* Band description

* Band picture

Livescenen

Christiansgade 11, 1

9000 Aalborg

Mark the envelope 'Metal Battle' on the outside. You can also do the same via email to info@livescenen.dk, but physical format is preferred.

Qualification Rounds:

April 4th - Aalborg

April 5th - Herning

April 13th - Kolding

May 3rd - Roskilde

Final:

May 5th - Copenhagen

In each qualification stop, a jury will decide one band, which will go through to the national finals, where another jury will decide the ultimate winner, who has the opportunity to play at Wacken Open Air 2012. The crowd can also affect the decision: its collective vote will count as an extra jury member.

Why participate?

If you are selected to participate on the qualification rounds, you will receive a unique chance to network with industry folk and your peers. You will have the chance to speak with the jury after each show, who will be available for an individual conversation with you. Here, you can receive both positive and negative criticism of your show. Remember that all jury members have experience within the metal scene, and therefore have the ability to give you valuable insights.

What can you win?

Other than the chance to play at the international finals at Wacken Open Air in August, the winner will get the chance to play a number of gigs nationally. The winner of the international final will win a record deal with Nuclear Blast Records, the major label within the metal world.

Rockfreaks.net will be covering the whole shebang in close cooperation with organizers from Livescenen.dk.