On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the legendary Wacken Open Air spirit came alive in Zagreb as the city joined a historic global celebration of heavy metal. As part of a worldwide series of 35 simultaneous warm-up shows across 35 countries, the event at Vintage Industrial Bar stood as a powerful testament to the unity and enduring energy of the metal community!
From the moment the doors opened, the venue pulsed with anticipation. Fans packed the space, fully aware they were part of something much bigger than a local concert—a synchronized global tribute to 35 years of metal history.
A Night of Outstanding Performances
The lineup—Mesmera, Arises, Kryn, and Cold Snap—delivered nothing short of exceptional performances, each band bringing its own identity while maintaining a consistently high level of intensity and musicianship.
Mesmera opened the evening with a commanding set that showcased the full depth of their melodic death metal sound. Their performance was both technically precise and emotionally charged, proving why they’ve earned recognition beyond Croatia. The energy they brought to the stage immediately ignited the crowd and set a high standard for the night. From the initial “Stage of Your Nightmares” to the final one
“Weight of a Sacrifice” band maintained the same explosive and infectious rhythm and fully justified the expectations of part of the audience that came to see them exclusively!
Arises followed with a performance that felt both special and exclusive. As this was their rare “escape from the studio” appearance, the band played with a sense of urgency and passion that resonated deeply with the audience. Their tight execution and strong connection with fans reaffirmed their status as one of the most beloved acts on the domestic scene. The band mercilessly rocked the crowd and we can’t choose our favourite from the wonderful performances of “System Corrupt”, “Release the Floods” and “Probe the Bloodline” which were also the highlights of the evening. All the band members shone and won over the crowd with their charisma, but we can’t resist once again emphasizing the hypnotically beautiful vocals of singer Bruno Longfield.
Kryn took things to another level with a fierce and electrifying show. Known for their powerful live presence, they delivered a set full of intensity, precision, and raw emotion. Every riff and breakdown hit with impact, and their stage confidence made it clear why they are considered among the top live performers in the region. From the opening “Risset” to the closing “Reminder” the band very successfully kept the audience’s insatiable desire for more and their pure delight. One of the particular highlights was also the performance of the song “Mad World” which is a Tears For Fears metal cover.
Closing the night, Cold Snap delivered a high-energy, dynamic performance that perfectly capped off the event. Fresh from their European tour, they brought a polished yet explosive sound, blending modern metal elements with undeniable stage charisma. Their set kept the crowd moving until the very last note, leaving a lasting impression. They started very fiercely with “Strait to Hell” and “Revenge”! They delighted with their performance of “Father”, while absolute delight was created during the performance of the highly infectious “Much Macho”! Complete chaos and mayhem was ensued in the audience during the performance of “Chameleon” and “Bongo Bong” and it was definitely the absolute highlight of the evening!
A Worthy Tribute to Metal Unity
What made this concert truly special was not just the quality of the performances, but the sense of belonging to a global movement. As metal fans across continents celebrated simultaneously, Zagreb’s contribution stood tall- showcasing the strength, diversity, and professionalism of the Croatian metal scene.
The event successfully captured the essence of Wacken: unity, passion, and uncompromising musical power. With four outstanding bands delivering top-tier performances, the Zagreb warm-up show was more than just a concert—it was a statement on boundless love for metal music that connects us all.
A night to remember, and a powerful reminder that the spirit of metal knows no borders.
Note: photographs from the private archive (except Feature photo).
