Electric 5, the all-female electric string quintet from Chicago, is rewriting the rules of rock music with their daring cover of Metallica’s classic “Enter Sandman.” Known for their unique setup—two cellos and three violins—Electric 5 delivers a powerful punch without a single backing track, proving that strings can shred just as hard as guitars.
What makes this rendition stand out is its fearless reconstruction. Instead of mimicking Metallica’s heavy metal sound with standard string arrangements, Electric 5 rebuilt the song from the ground up, layering intricate parts for each instrument. At the helm is violinist and composer Adia, whose mastery of the wah-wah pedal and electric violin techniques channel the intensity of a lead guitarist. Her solo work in this track has drawn attention for pushing the violin’s boundaries into new sonic territory.
This release is more than a cover—it's a statement. In a music scene where classical crossover artists often rely on prerecorded backing tracks, Electric 5’s live-only performance approach demands a level of precision and stamina rarely seen. Their ability to replicate and expand upon the raw energy of Metallica with strings alone shows the group’s dedication to musicianship and innovation.
Beyond their technical skills, Electric 5 embodies a bold spirit. Their combined backgrounds—ranging from touring with major pop stars to performing at global classical venues—fuel their genre-blending sound. This cover captures their fearless identity: uniting classical training with rock rebellion in a fresh and exhilarating way.
“Enter Sandman” is just the beginning for Electric 5, who plan to continue pushing the limits of what electric strings can do. For listeners eager to experience a new kind of live string performance, this track demands attention.