IOWA, USA — Marching band and metal music. The combination might seem strange, but two Iowa marching bands are up to the challenge. That's why they're participating in the inaugural Metallica Marching Band Competition.
According to the competition's website, "Metallica challenges marching bands at all levels to craft the most exciting, unique, and impressive performances of Metallica's music."
The Iowa and Iowa State marching bands are among five finalists in the "Collegiate - Division I" category.
To participate, both groups had to submit a video of the marching band performing a Metallica set. The videos are featured on YouTube.
"The University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band rocked Kinnick Stadium under the lights with our September 30, 2023 halftime show featuring the music of @metallica!" the Hawkeye Marching Band said on YouTube.
"With 37 sousaphones in our ranks, we already consider ourselves a pretty heavy metal band, so we had to take part in crafting a show for Metallica's first marching band competition!" the Iowa State University Cyclone Marching Band said on YouTube.
While the winner of each category will be hand-selected by Metallica, bands are also competing for the "Fan Favorite" designation.
To vote for your favorite marching band, click here.