Metallica released “Enter Sandman,” the first single from The Black Album, on July 29, 1991.
The single arrived two weeks before the album itself, creating advance attention for the band’s new musical direction. Its heavy central riff, memorable guitar introduction, and radio-friendly structure made it an especially effective introduction to the record.
The timing is easy to mix up because August 12, 1991, is the album’s release date. September 30, 1991, is also associated with the song because it became certified gold in the United States on that date.
“Enter Sandman” became a major chart success. It reached No. 16 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and helped Metallica move beyond its established heavy-metal audience without abandoning its core guitar-driven sound.