Metalheads will soon flock to northern Germany for what is billed as the world's largest open-air heavy metal festival.
Wacken Open Air draws 80,000 people to the small town of Wacken in Schleswig-Hostein, according to event organizers. An additional 6,000 work or volunteer at the festival, which features about 100 acts beginning July 30 and running through Aug. 1.
WOA started in 1990 as a small festival for local German bands, according to the event's Facebook page. It became a major European festival by 1998.
Some of the many bands slated for this year's event include Rob Zombie, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Judas Priest.