Metallica have tallied up the votes in their Hit the Stage contest to determine a temporary touring partner for a handful of their upcoming Worldwired dates — and the name of the winner might be surprisingly familiar to a number of fans.

As announced by drummer Lars Ulrich during an appearance on Chicago's 97.9 FM yesterday, the contest's top vote-getter was veteran alt-rock duo Local H — a group that, unlike the majority of the acts in the running to join Metallica on tour, has a major-label history and a handful of national hits (including "High Fiving MF") to its credit.

"We’d like to give a shout out to the other seven bands who were a part of the Hit the Stage competition. Blood People, Mothership, Messer, Troy, Hallow Point, Shattered Sun & Immortal Guardian … you guys did a great job in energizing your fan base to get the vote out. Thanks to all of you," wrote Metallica in a statement announcing the end of the contest. "To our fans — if you’re looking for new music, check out all seven of these bands … they’re worth it!"

While the poll results have left fans to debate the levelness of the playing field, Local H are unsurprisingly eager to hit the road. The band has posted its own social media update expressing excitement and gratitude — and singling out Blood People and Mothership as acts particularly worthy of Metallica fans' attention. "Please know that we took nothing for granted and we're all too aware that this could've easily ended in any number of ways," reads the post in part. "That it turned our way is just a testament to the dedication and support of the people who have followed us throughout the years."

Fans can look forward to catching Local H opening for Metallica starting May 19 in Foxborough, Mass., followed by another four dates in early-to-mid June. Check out the complete list below.

5/19 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium (with Volbeat)
6/04 – St. Louis, MO – Busch Stadium (with Volbeat)
6/14 – San Antonio, TX – Alamodome (with Avenged Sevenfold)
6/16 – Dallas, TX – AT&T Stadium (with Avenged Sevenfold)
6/18 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field (with Avenged Sevenfold)

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