Metallica recorded four demos on August 13, 1990, for The Black Album.
The demoed songs were “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Wherever I May Roam.” These early versions captured important ideas before the band entered the extended formal recording period.
The session is notable because it included songs that would become several of the album’s most recognizable tracks. “Enter Sandman” was especially important: its central musical idea was developed early, but its lyrics were completed later than those of the other songs.
Demos are working recordings rather than the finished album masters. Metallica’s later box-set editions included extensive demos, rough mixes, live performances, and alternate material, which can make the album’s development seem larger than this initial four-demo session.