Homegrown metal band DepriVation have earned a place at the biggest heavy metal festival in the world, sharing the stage with legends of the genre such as Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Killswitch Engage and Anthrax.

Founded in Orange 17 years ago, the band recently faced off against metal acts from all over Australia in a “battle of the bands” to win a coveted spot at the Wacken Open Air 2023 festival in Germany this August.

“We played in Sydney and competed against bands from pretty much every state in Australia and came out on top!” said lead guitarist, Lachlan Harrison.

“So we get to play this huge festival over in Germany in like six weeks!”

Wacken Open Air is renowned for being the biggest metal festival in the world, said Lachlan.

“It's been going for 20 and 30 years and this year, it's headlined by Iron Maiden. There’s Megadeth playing and at least 40 or 50 other bands. It’s amazing!”

DepriVation have toured all over Australia and played throughout the USA on a tour in 2012, but this will be their first time in Europe.

“Obviously, we are very excited to do that — and we are actually part of another battle of the bands over there,” said Lachlan.

DepriVation will be representing Australia and New Zealand in the International Wacken Metal Battle Finals, he explained, facing off against winners of other national competitions.

“It's the biggest thing by far that we've ever done. So it's a pretty surreal feeling! Obviously a huge step from playing in front of 10 people at the Victoria Hotel at midnight on a Saturday night!”

With this opportunity of a lifetime just weeks away, August 2–5, the band have started a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses.

No contribution is too small, Lachlan said, as they’d appreciate any support as they chase their dreams on the international stage.

Search for “Help DepriVation get to Wacken!!” on GoFundMe or find them on Facebook.