From SA to Wacken: How Sunken State Made Their Mark on Metal's Biggest Stage

In a monumental step for South African metal, Sunken State represented the nation on a global stage at Wacken Open Air, one of the most prestigious metal festivals in the world. I had the privilege of sitting down with Sean Gaisford the bassist of the band, to discuss the band’s experiences, challenges, and what the future holds after this incredible opportunity.

Stepping Onto the Wacken Stage: A Natural High

Q: What was it like stepping onto the Wacken stage for the first time? Can you describe the atmosphere and the crowd’s energy?

Sean: ‘Stepping onto the Wacken stage felt not only amazing but incredibly natural for us. It was like we were meant to be there. Wacken does a phenomenal job of ensuring even the battle bands are well taken care of, making us feel like we belonged there instantly.

In the lead-up, Wacken treats you like royalty. They pick you up in an artist shuttle with a dedicated handler who drops you off at the VIP backstage area. There, we shared the space with every band playing that day, including the headliners. We had our own dressing room, complete with towels, drinks, food, private showers, and even haircuts—Mat took advantage of that! We had hours to warm up before and after our performance, which helped us feel comfortable and ready.

When we finally stepped on stage, it was surreal to see a full crowd with South African flags and even a few Vulvodynia shirts. The fact that people chose to watch us instead of any other band at that moment was incredible. We played our hearts out, and the crowd responded with energy and enthusiasm. It was a moment of pride for all of us.’

Preparing for the International Spotlight

Q: How did you prepare for such a massive international stage? Were there any challenges or adjustments you had to make?

Sean: ‘We knew the pressure was on, not just to maintain our high standards but to elevate them. This wasn’t just about playing to friends back home; we were representing South African metal on a global platform. We practiced relentlessly, fine-tuned our gear, and planned our stage setup to ensure everything went smoothly.

One of the significant challenges was getting our gear to Germany safely. We were concerned about what to bring, what might fail, and how to ensure everything worked. Fortunately, Wacken provided an incredible backline, and Marshall Music stepped in to cover the rest. They provided us with protective cases for our instruments and all the cabling we needed. With those logistics handled, we were able to focus entirely on our performance and enjoy the experience more.’

Highlights from the Holy Land of Metal

Q: What was the highlight of your Wacken experience? Was there a particular moment on stage or backstage that stands out?

Sean: ‘Honestly, the entire experience was a dream come true. The scale of the festival and the efficiency with which it’s run are mind-blowing. Personally, I loved being able to share this journey with my friends, playing our music at Wacken, and walking away with a deep sense of accomplishment.

One standout moment was watching Opeth. I was lucky enough to meet Mikael earlier in the day, and later, watching their set genuinely changed my perspective on music and live sound. It was a moment of reflection on how hard we’ve worked to get here and how fortunate we are to experience something like this together. It was a 10/10 moment.’

Wacken’s Impact on Sunken State’s Future

Q: How do you think playing at Wacken will impact your career and fan base, both locally and internationally?

Sean: ‘This was a significant stepping stone into the global market. We went to Wacken to perform, but the real opportunity was in networking. The festival is like a massive metal party, but it’s also a golden ticket to connect with bands from around the world and make a mark.

Locally, the support has been incredible, and we’re committed to grinding harder than ever. We plan to hit Cape Town, Durban, and P.E. more regularly. Internationally, we gained new listeners, connected with promoters, and built relationships with other bands. There are serious talks about getting back out there for a tour, and I’m already working on making that happen!’

What’s Next for Sunken State?

Q: What’s next for your band after the Wacken experience?

Sean: ‘Next up is new music. We recently released a track called "I Am Divinity," and we have a follow-up single and other tracks nearly ready to go. We’re working on an EP titled "Hunting Ghosts, Finding Demons," which we’re excited to start touring with. There are a few shows left to announce for this year, some of which have been in the works for a while. Next year, we’re planning some larger events and tours, including potential collaborations with our new friends from Wacken. There’s a lot to look forward to, but we’ve got plenty of work ahead to make it all happen.’

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Sunken State

Sunken State’s experience at Wacken Open Air was more than just a performance; it was a milestone in their journey as a band. From the high-energy crowd to the invaluable networking opportunities, Wacken has opened new doors for them both locally and internationally. As they move forward, armed with new music and fresh connections, there’s no doubt that Sunken State is poised to make an even bigger impact on the global metal scene. Keep an eye out for what’s next—this band is just getting started.