The energy builds from the first guitar notes emanating across Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium, a low and ominous riff building to a thumping heavy-metal peak.

As it does, the Hokies barrel out of the tunnel with a sea of fans jumping around and roaring along in full-throated unison:

“Ex-it liiight!”

“En-ter niiight!”

“Taaake my hand!”

“We're off to never-never land!”

Metallica's iconic “Enter Sandman" has been a game-day anthem in Blacksburg for over a quarter-century. The song about a child's nightmares and things that go bump in the night has become intertwined with the school's overall brand, even popping up during graduation ceremonies. And the band that released the track back in July 1991 has leaned into what has become an enduring connection.

“Having the courage to embrace some

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