On January 6, 2024, Alan Cross reported on an extraordinary Metallica superfan who has secured a world record with an impressive collection of 43 Metallica tattoos. Meet Tom Engelbrecht, a 33-year-old Norwegian who has earned the title of having the most Metallica tattoos globally, a category recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Engelbrecht’s dedication to Metallica is showcased in his carefully curated collection of tattoos. From ankle to knee, he has documented Metallica’s history through inked representations of album covers, DVD covers, letters, newspaper clips, and fragments of lyrics. His thigh serves as a canvas for portraits of every member who has been part of the band since 1983. Moving to his arm, skulls from the band’s LP covers and designs of official t-shirts are proudly displayed. The ribs bear more song lyrics, while the shoulder is adorned with the lyrics to “Fade to Black.”

This remarkable body art project comes at a considerable cost, totaling an estimated US$24,100. Engelbrecht’s passion for Metallica is truly exemplified in his meticulous and extensive tattoo collection, capturing the essence of the band’s journey and iconic imagery. For a visual glimpse of this record-breаking feat, check out the images documented by The Guinness Book of World Records.