To tell the truth I'm delighted about the bands this year so far, but I've loved every Wacken, and the atmosphere cant be beat, and you don't have to watch bands you don't like (just have a beer instead).
that's true
atm i'm just glad about Apocalyptica and Trivium

Definitely would disagree about the atmosphere personally...
Really!? I think it's ace never seen any trouble and everyone I've encountered has been very pleasant.
Couldn't say the same really. Mostly I just hate huge crowds though. Would rather not have to choose between risking keeping my body in one piece and actually being able to see the band. Got bad enough last year I missed most of the bands I wanted to see.
Have you been to any other fests to compare it to?
I come from Scotland so T in the Park is 80,000 and Download (Donnington festival) is just a bit over I think, but It's not the crowds here it's the people.

Would very strongly recommend you check out a smaller fest then. For example if you're into traditional/thrash metal, Headbangers Open Air is right next door to Wacken and it's the weekend before. I think it's got only 5000 people there or so.
A lot of people seem to like Wacken much less after they've visited smaller fests.![]()

Some killer bands being brought out now like. Yee Haa!

Definitely would disagree about the atmosphere personally...