This double CD is actually a three in one package. First of all it’s a great compilation; all good bands and varied in styles. Secondly it’s a great live album; the sound is very good, the songs are well chosen and it really catches the atmosphere of the festival. Although I must add I suspect they have mixed in extra audience noise at the end of certain tracks. But hey, that’s not a problem for me. The third part of the package is for those who were at Wacken Open Air 2003 because it’s the perfect souvenir.

All three are legitimate reasons to buy this record. Mine would be the third. From the opening of CD 1 by In Flames to the closing of CD 2 by Onkel Tom it’s W.O.A. 2003 all over again. Dew-Scented, Primal Fear, V8 Wankers and Callenish Circle are my favorite tracks at the moment. Together they give a good overview of the whole crazy weekend. Now I’m going to crack open another Paulaner Weisse and put some bratwurst on the BBQ and truly relive the Wacken experience!