MEATALLICA is a Metallica tribute band that channels the raw power and energy of Metallica’s music with respect, precision, and undeniable passion.

Geoffrey Vanderhaegen (frontman/guitar), Conrad Hultermans (lead guitar), Arnoud Van de Griend (drums), and Frederick Peters (bass) bring Metallica’s iconic sound to life, with each member pouring their heart, soul, and expertise into every performance.

With years of experience in various productions and tribute acts across the Benelux, these four musicians have united their passion for Metallica to chase a shared dream: creating an authentic Metallica experience for fans of all ages.

From signature riffs and wild energy to the raw, powerful vocals of the frontman—MEATALLICA delivers a liveshow that leaves nothing to chance.

Whether rocking out on club stages or tearing it up at major festivals, MEATALLICA-has already won over countless fans in the Benelux with performances that embody the pure, untamed spirit of Metallica.

Are you a die-hard Metallica fan—or simply someone who loves high-energy, intense live music?
Then MEATALLICA is an experience you don’t want to miss.

For us, MEATALLICA is a state of mind that erupts the moment we hit the stage.
It’s the primal power of heavy metal in its purest form: raw energy, masculine force, and the beastly instinct that lies deep within each of us.

‘MEAT’ stands for the physical, the pure, the honest—not the meat on your plate, but the flesh that makes us human. The electrifying power of music that surges through your body and strikes you to the core.
And at the same time, MEAT’ is a playful wink to ‘meet’.
Meet Metallica—but the way we feel it, the way we deliver it.
In our own way. Full of fire. Full of passion. That’s why: MEATALLICA.

Because those words perfectly sum up who we are.
For us, “Metallica to the bone” means not only staying true to the original sound, but more importantly, digging deep into the core—of the music, the lyrics, and of ourselves.
But that’s not where it ends…
We actively seek that connection with our audience—because those same emotions live within them too.
We’re not playing a role, and we don’t expect our audience to either.
We’re all flesh and blood, moved by the same power of music.
And it’s in that shared experience, that honest moment when everything comes together, that we feel what it truly means to go all the way.

Yes—and not just a few…

Several members of MEATALLICA have a solid history in the tribute scene and were instrumental in founding Metallica tribute bands in both Belgium and the Netherlands.

Vocalist Geoffrey Vanderhaegen started his first Metallica tribute all the way back in 1998, under the name Agonize.
In 2009, he founded Magnetica, a band he performed with until April 2017 before passing the torch to the remaining members.
In 2018, Geoffrey joined forces with Conrad Hultermans to launch the Dutch tribute Metalmania—a band that’s taken on major productions including TT Assen, Silverdome Zoetermeer, and Rockhal Luxembourg.

Over the years, Geoffrey has also been invited multiple times as guest vocalist for the Zeeland-based tribute Meclassica, and has performed in various Metallica in Symphony productions, both in the Netherlands and abroad.

Bassist Frederick Peeters was a founding member of the Belgian tribute Sanitarium—a name that will definitely ring a bell for many Metallica fans.

MEATALLICA is the result of all those stage miles, connections, and years of experience coming together.
A band where everything clicks: the chemistry, the sound, the joy of playing, and the unstoppable energy.

We understand that the true Metallica experience goes far beyond sound and instruments.
It’s about energy, emotion, and the powerful connection between the music and the audience.

While many tribute bands focus heavily on sonic perfection, elaborate costumes, or rigid imitation, MEATALLICA chooses a different path.
We aim to capture the essence of Metallica—through a full-spectrum live experience.

From the intense energy on stage to the raw interaction with the crowd, our goal is to bring Metallica to life not just musically, but emotionally and visually as well.

What makes this possible is the rich experience each of our members brings—not only from the Metallica tribute scene, but also from a variety of musical backgrounds.
This allows us to perform Metallica’s music with a unique flair and deep, authentic passion—without the need for over-the-top gimmicks or hollow marketing slogans.

A MEATALLICA show isn’t your average tribute band experience—it’s a true Metallica experience that will stay with you long after the final note.

1. Intense energy and passion
   Every show is packed with raw, explosive energy. We give it everything we’ve got—every time. From the very first note to the final roar, you’ll feel the adrenaline and intensity that make Metallica’s music so unforgettable.
2. Powerful connection with the crowd
   At MEATALLICA, it’s all about the connection between us and the audience. We make it our mission to involve every person in the room and create a shared moment of Metallica magic. Expect intense crowd interaction and moments where the energy between band and fans reaches its peak.
   We’ll never stop, we’ll never quit, because YOU ARE METALLICA!!
3. Iconic hits and deep cuts
   Of course, we bring the legendary anthems everyone knows—from Enter Sandman to Master of Puppets—but we also dive deep into Metallica’s catalog. From Fight Fire with Fire to Orion, we shine a spotlight on the full spectrum of Metallica’s most powerful tracks.
4. A visual and emotional experience
   Our show is more than just music. With lighting and visual effects carefully designed to enhance every moment, and the emotional weight behind each song, you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of a real Metallica concert.
   No fake costumes, no forced imitations—just an authentic experience that brings the music, the energy, and the atmosphere to life.
5. Unmistakable flair and experience
   What truly sets our shows apart is the passion we bring to every song. Backed by years of experience—both as a Metallica tribute band and through other musical projects—we deliver the music with technical precision, unique flair, and deep respect for Metallica’s legacy.

Absolutely. While MEATALLICA is based in Belgium, we actively explore new markets and have already delivered unforgettable shows in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany.
We’re constantly expanding our reach and looking for new opportunities to bring our explosive live experience to fans across Europe—and beyond.

Thanks to our presence on Spotify, our music is being streamed worldwide, and we receive support from Metallica fans from all corners of the globe.
That global connection fuels our ambition even more.

It’s our mission to become Europe’s most impactful and respected Metallica tribute band—bringing the power, passion, and legacy of Metallica to every stage we set foot on.

MEATALLICA has played for an audience of no less than 12,000 people at Koopmansplein during the annual TT Assen event—one of our most unforgettable shows to date.

You’ll often see tribute bands using bold statements like “Europe’s No. 1 Tribute” or “The Ultimate Tribute to…”—but that’s not our style.
Why? Because music isn’t a competition. It’s an experience. And we firmly believe that those titles shouldn’t be self-declared—they should be earned and decided by the audience.

We let our music and live shows speak for themselves.
No empty promises. No exaggerated claims. Just pure passion and authenticity.
As the saying goes: The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Check us out on Spotify or YouTube—or better yet, come experience a show for yourself!

We’re on Spotify, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms—go check us out!

With our 2025 production ‘MEAT ‘EM ALL’, we deliver a carefully balanced setlist that features all the major hits you know and love—the ones you can’t help but sing along to.
But we also dive deep into Metallica’s catalog to bring some surprises for the die-hard fans.

Because a true tribute doesn’t just celebrate the big anthems—it honors the full journey.

Our tour schedule is constantly evolving, with new shows being added all the time.
Keep an eye on our Tour Schedule to see where we’re headed next—you never know, we might be playing in your area soon!

Absolutely! We perform at festivals, venues, and private events.
Get in touch with us and let’s see what we can make happen!

Absolutely! With our Ultimate Package, we take the show to the next level using flame jets and pyrotechnics—an explosive experience that amplifies the raw energy of Metallica like never before!

Modeling amps certainly have their place in the music industry, offering great versatility. However, as a band, we’ve consciously chosen to use tube amps.

The reason is simple: the natural tone of a tube amp comes much closer to the energy and expression we want to convey. Tube amps offer dynamic responsiveness—the way they react to your playing style is unmistakable, especially when varying your attack or adding distortion.

The warm, rich sound of tube amps provides depth and character that we don’t want to miss. This helps us deliver Metallica’s music in a way that stays true to the original sound and the power this iconic band brings to their live shows.

For us, it’s all about authenticity, and that’s why we prefer the classic power of tube amps.

Arnoud Van de Griend chooses double bass drums, as it aligns perfectly with the dynamic sound we strive for.

Using two bass drums offers several advantages:

Maximum control and speed: Double bass drums allow Arnoud to increase both speed and precision, which is essential for playing the complex and fast rhythm structures of the ’80s.

Richer, fuller sound: Two bass drums create a deeper, fuller, and more powerful sound that enhances the intensity of the music, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the band.

Natural expression: With double bass drums, Arnoud can further refine his movements and expressions, adding more depth to his playing.

Visual impact: Two bass drums on stage also create a visual effect that amplifies the energy and powerful nature of our performance.

Authenticity: Choosing double bass drums isn’t just a practical decision—it’s also a way to stay as close as possible to the original Metallica sound. It’s an essential technique to match the weight and power of Metallica’s music.

No, Frederick Peeters is a versatile bassist who adapts his playing style to each song to achieve the right expression and tone—just like Metallica does. Some songs, like those from Cliff Burton and Robert Trujillo, require a warm, organic sound that works best when played with fingers. For other songs, like those from Jason Newsted, Frederick chooses to use a pick to deliver the clarity and precision that characterizes the music from that era.

This way, the authentic Metallica sound is preserved, no matter the performance.

Yes, absolutely! As a tribute band, we believe it’s important to replicate Metallica’s sound and style as authentically as possible.
Geoffrey Vanderhaegen plays on both signature ESP LTD guitars and Gibson guitars, equipped with James Hetfield active pickups to capture that signature Hetfield tone.
Conrad Hultermans exclusively plays ESP LTD guitars, also with active pickups, which allows him to accurately reproduce Metallica’s distinctive sounds.

We make sure that both the gear and the setup of our guitars are as close as possible to Metallica’s original instruments, ensuring that the performance aligns perfectly.

We believe it’s important to connect with the people at our events—whether you’re a Metallica fan, follow us, or just love the music.
After the show, we’re often hanging out at our merchandise booth, where we enjoy a beer, have a friendly chat, and are happy to take photos or sign something.
We love meeting you and sharing experiences.

So feel free to stop by after the show—we’ll make sure to take a moment to connect!

The visual experience is a key element of MEATALLICA’s overall concept.
We use advanced lighting production that enhances the intensity of the music. Take a song like One, for example—where the light show undeniably adds to the experience. Without it, the power of the song wouldn’t be the same.
At MEATALLICA, everything is carefully designed to replicate the atmosphere of Metallica’s live performances as accurately as possible.
We collaborate with experienced lighting technicians to ensure that the visual aspect of our shows is just as impressive as the music itself. Our goal is to fully immerse you in the experience—music and visual effects working hand in hand for an unforgettable show.

Absolutely! We don’t just see ourselves as a Metallica tribute band, but as Metallica evangelists. Our love for Metallica goes beyond just the music—it’s a passion that drives us.
We want to convey Metallica’s music in its purest form and share the energy of their live performances with as many people as possible.
For us, it’s not just an honor to play their music; it’s our mission to bring that same energy and emotion to our audience, just like Metallica does…
We breathe Metallica, and you can feel it in every note we play.

There are many moments that stand out, but what always stays with us are the reactions from fans who are truly impressed by what we do. The best part is when people tell us that they really felt like they were watching Metallica themselves. We’ve even seen some fans start listening to Metallica for the first time after one of our shows—that’s the greatest compliment for us.

Unfortunately, we haven’t had the chance to meet Metallica in person yet, but we continue to dream of that opportunity! It would be amazing to one day meet them and share our passion for their work with them. Until then, we’ll keep doing our best to bring their music to life as authentically as possible and provide their fans with an incredible experience.

In 2016, our frontman Geoffrey Vanderhaegen had a very special experience: he had the chance to see Metallica perform in a very intimate setting—only 50 people in a TV studio in Berlin, just before the release of Hardwired to Self-Destruct. During that legendary evening, he received a pick from James Hetfield and a drumstick from Lars Ulrich.
It was an unforgettable experience that only fueled his passion for Metallica even more!

Absolutely! We have our own merchandise including T-shirts, BBQ  Apron’s, drumsticks, picks, and more.
FYI: the proceeds from our merchandise are donated annually to a good cause.

MEATALLICA is an international tribute band with members from both Belgium and the Netherlands. Geoffrey Vanderhaegen (frontman) and Frederick Peeters (bass) are from Belgium, while Arnoud Van de Griend (drums) and Conrad Hultermans (lead guitar) are from the Netherlands.

We place great value on the quality of our shows, which is why we rehearse every Wednesday evening at Trix in Antwerp. This location provides us with the space and facilities to fully focus on our performance.

As a band, we haven’t done this ourselves yet, but our frontman Geoffrey Vanderhaegen has had the honor of being invited as a singer four times by renowned orchestras such as the European Philharmonic Brussels and the Avrasya Filarmoni Orkestrasi in Turkey for a Metallica in Symphony production.

This experience gave him a unique opportunity to experience Metallica’s music in a completely different setting. Although MEATALLICA hasn’t done this symphonic performance yet, it is definitely something that will be on our agenda in the future!

The secret is in the details. We do a lot of research, listen intensively to Metallica’s live shows, and study their performances down to the smallest nuances.

There are so many iconic moments in Metallica’s career, but one of the most legendary is probably the Live Shit: Binge & Purge concert in 1991 in Mexico City. The energy, the interaction with the audience, and the magic of that time – that’s something we always try to capture during our shows. The idea that a band has had such an immense impact on music history and created such legions of fans is something that inspires us every time to give our best.

We believe that live music really comes to life through the connection between the band and the audience. We don’t just want you to listen to our music; we want you to immerse yourself in it. It’s that energy exchange between us and the audience that makes a show so special. Whether it’s a look, a nod, or even just a smile – we think it’s important to create that bond. We’re not a band that just stands on stage and plays; we also want to truly feel that energy and get it back from the people who share our music.

We want to thank our fans for their support and for sharing their love for Metallica with us. It’s an honor for us to play their favorite music, and we do this not just for ourselves, but for them. You are the reason why we give it our all every time. Thank you for being part of the MEATALLICA family!

A tribute band is a band that focuses on playing music from a specific, often famous, artist or band. The goal of a tribute band is to replicate the music, style, sound, and sometimes even the appearance and stage presence of the original band as accurately as possible. These bands try to recreate the energy and atmosphere of the original performance, allowing fans to relive the experience of a live show from their favorite artist.

Tribute bands are popular at festivals, events, and concert venues, where fans want to experience the music of their favorite artist live, especially if they never had the chance to see that artist in their prime. It can also be a way to pay tribute to a legendary band or artist.

The difference between a tribute band and a cover band primarily lies in the focus and execution:

• Tribute band: Focuses on one specific artist or band and aims to replicate not only the music but also the appearance, performance, and sometimes even the clothing and voice of the original.
• Cover band: Plays songs from various artists and often adds their own twist to the music. Cover bands typically perform at parties, weddings, and bars, and usually have a broad repertoire of songs from different genres and artists.

In short: A tribute band is a homage to one artist or band, while a cover band plays a mix of popular songs without being tied to a specific act.