Electric 5 Lights Up “Enter Sandman” With Strings and Fire
Some songs are so iconic they dare musicians to reimagine them. Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” is one of those tracks, and Chicago’s all female string quintet Electric 5 has risen to the challenge with a version that is as bold as it is inventive.
Armed with three electric violins, two electric cellos, and no safety net of backing tracks, the group takes on the legendary metal anthem and rebuilds it from the ground up. Every riff, every pulse, every blast of energy is played live, transforming five classically trained musicians into a wall of sound that feels like a rock band in full flight.
At the center of the performance is founder and violinist Adia, whose fiery solos slice through the arrangement with the urgency of a lead guitarist. Alongside her are violinists Zai K. and Carlysta Tran, each adding intricate harmonies and sharp melodic detail, while cellists Kelsee Vandervall and Ana Lei anchor the track with thunderous low end grooves. Together, they turn their five instruments into a sonic force far larger than the sum of its parts.
What makes this version stand out is not only the technical skill but also the spirit behind it. Each member brings heavyweight experience. Vandervall has recorded with Eminem, Lizzo, and John Legend. Zai K. has toured over 30 countries and performed at the NATO Summit. Tran has led ensembles in both academic and professional settings. Ana Lei is currently touring with the Zac Brown Band. Adia’s wah wah pedal solos have earned her recognition from both the Experience Hendrix Tour and Steve Vai’s Best in Shred competition.
“Enter Sandman” is more than a debut release for Electric 5. It is a statement of intent. They refuse to sit within the boundaries of crossover or classical reinterpretation. Instead, they are reshaping what strings can be: loud, fearless, and unapologetically electric.
With this track, Electric 5 has not only paid tribute to one of rock’s most enduring anthems but has also carved out their own space, one where virtuosity meets rebellion and where strings do not just sing, they shred.
