James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of thrash titans Metallica have opened Game 5 of the NBA finals series by tastefully shredding a version of The Star Spangled Banner.
The juggernaut metal band’s dual assault guitar force gave a respectful rendition of the US national anthem, complete with soaring guitarmonies showcasing Hammett’s trademark wah tone in full flight.
The Metallicised Star Spangled Banner launched today’s do or die match between the band’s hometown team, the Golden State Warriors, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
And you can’t say it wasn’t a well-honed rendition. Metallica have had plenty of practice flexing their patriotism chops at various other sporting-related events of late.
As Rolling Stone reports, the foursome have been supporting their local baseball team, the San Francisco Giants, for the past three years, giving their instrumental ode to the stars and stripes a regular test drive at an annual ‘Metallica Day’, and a similar ‘Metallica Night’ for their local hockey team, the San Jose Sharks.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have another winning team here in the Bay Area as the Golden State Warriors took the NBA Western Conference title and are facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals!” the band announced on their website.
“By now we’re guessing that you’ve noticed that we like to support our home sports teams, so to continue in that tradition James and Kirk will be on hand at Game 5 on Sunday, June 14th. They’ll be performing the National Anthem before the game as the Warriors resume their quest for the title back at home at Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA that night.”
Watch Metallica give birth to the literal meaning of “rock anthem” in the video, below.
Watch: Metallica Shred The National Anthem Before NBA Finals Game 5
