Hippotraktor

Hippotraktor is a Belgian progressive metal band from Mechelen, active since 2017. Its lineup includes Stefan De Graef, Sander Rom and Chiaran Verheyden. The group is associated with djent and post-metal as well as progressive metal.

Formation and personnel

The band begins as an instrumental three-piece made up of Chiaran Verheyden, a Mechelen-based producer, songwriter and guitarist; bassist Jakob Fiszer; and drummer Lander De Nyn. It later adds permanent members Sander Rom on guitar and vocals, and Stefan De Graef on percussion and vocals. The musicians come from scenes that also include Psychonaut, Before He Shot Her and L’Itch.

Style and recordings

Hippotraktor’s music combines Verheyden’s songwriting approach with De Graef’s narrative-style lyrics. This combination shapes the band’s debut album, Meridian, which develops its earlier instrumental material into a more unified progressive metal work.