As summer rolls in, so too does one of Europe’s most iconic heavy music rituals: Graspop Metal Meeting. For four days in June 2025 (June 19–22), the quiet town of Dessel, Belgium, will again be shaken to its core by the roar of guitars, the pounding of double-kicks, and the united screams of tens of thousands of metalheads. Graspop 2025 isn’t just a festival — it’s a pilgrimage, a communion of the global metal tribe, and a sonic experience that never fails to leave its mark.
A Lineup Forged in Steel
Graspop has long been a master curator of heavy music, and this year’s lineup is nothing short of legendary. Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Slipknot, Dream Theater, and Nine Inch Nails lead a bill that mixes metal royalty with future titans.
Iron Maiden: The Legacy Lives On
Returning to Dessel with the fire of a band half their age, Iron Maiden continue to defy time. With Bruce Dickinson back in vocal form and Steve Harris leading the charge, fans can expect a sweeping set blending deep cuts and crowd anthems from their unparalleled discography. From “The Trooper” to “Fear of the Dark,” every Iron Maiden performance is a theatrical journey, steeped in history and delivered with blazing energy.
Judas Priest: Still Screaming for Vengeance
If Iron Maiden are the kings of epic narrative, Judas Priest are the priests of power and precision. Rob Halford’s voice remains one of metal’s great marvels, and the band’s latest tours have shown no signs of slowing down. This year at Graspop, they’re not just performing — they’re celebrating over 50 years of metal. Expect a thunderous celebration of British heavy metal, from the leather-and-chrome grit of “Breaking the Law” to the apocalyptic howl of “Painkiller.”
Dream Theater: Virtuosity Unleashed
For those who like their metal technical, cerebral, and emotionally charged, Dream Theater offers the festival’s most immersive journey. With time signatures that twist and turn like a maze, soaring guitar solos from John Petrucci, and James LaBrie’s dynamic vocals, Dream Theater’s set will be a must-see moment for fans of progressive metal. Their performances are less concerts than masterclasses in musicianship.
Nine Inch Nails: Industrial Intensity
Nine Inch Nails brings a darker, more industrial energy to the festival, expanding Graspop’s already wide sonic spectrum. Trent Reznor’s music is confrontational, cinematic, and cathartic. Tracks like “Closer” and “Hurt” are visceral emotional landscapes, and their live shows blend audio-visual assault with raw performance art. It’s rare to catch NIN on the European festival circuit, making this appearance a major highlight.
Slipknot: Chaos Reigns
Few live acts can match the ferocity of Slipknot. With their masked theatrics, percussive onslaught, and genre-defining blend of nu-metal, hardcore, and thrash, they turn any stage into a warzone. Corey Taylor commands the crowd with unrelenting presence, and with new material and old classics in their arsenal, Slipknot is set to close one of the nights with an explosive finale.
More Than Just Music
Graspop Metal Meeting is more than a lineup. It’s a community that spans generations. Families of fans, grizzled veterans, and first-time attendees mingle in a uniquely respectful and electric environment. With over 130 bands across five stages, the festival also features rising stars, cult favorites, and genre-defying artists from around the world.
Festivalgoers can enjoy legendary side stages like the Metal Dome, the Marquee, and the Jupiler Stage, as well as explore food trucks, beer gardens, merch booths, tattoo stands, and more. The site is a well-oiled machine: expertly organized, accessible, and built to handle the masses while keeping the experience personal and comfortable.
Getting There & Where to Stay
Graspop takes place at Festivalpark Stenehei in Dessel, which is easily accessible by train and shuttle, or by car with pre-booked parking. The festival offers a wide range of camping options, from the rowdy Boneyard to the more relaxed and luxurious Metal Town. Whether you’re slinging a tent or pulling up in a camper, there’s a space that fits every festivalgoer’s vibe.
Nearby hotels and rentals in the surrounding towns fill up fast, so early booking is essential. On-site facilities include upgraded restrooms, food stalls for all dietary needs, and shaded areas to recover between sets.
Tickets
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster Belgium.
- Combi tickets grant access to all four days.
- Day passes are also available.
- Add-ons like camping, parking, and VIP upgrades provide a customizable experience.
Graspop also offers cashless wristbands, making transactions across the grounds easy and secure.
Final Thoughts
Graspop Metal Meeting has earned its place as one of the most respected metal festivals in the world. Its commitment to quality, diversity, and atmosphere makes it a mecca for anyone who lives and breathes heavy music.
Whether you’re coming to scream along with Slipknot, lose yourself in Dream Theater’s melodies, or raise your horns to the legends of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, Graspop 2025 promises a weekend of unforgettable moments.
Pack your boots, charge your batteries, and prepare to enter the metal multiverse — Dessel is calling.
For more info, visit graspop.be.
