On what date were four early demos for Metallica’s The Black Album recorded?

Four early demos for Metallica’s The Black Album were recorded on August 13, 1990.

The demos were “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Wherever I May Roam.” They captured important foundations of the album before the main recording sessions began at One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles.

The development of “Enter Sandman” contains a notable contrast: it was the first song written for the album but the last to receive its lyrics. A separate demo of “Sad but True” was recorded on October 4, 1990.

The songwriting period was relatively concentrated. James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich wrote much of the material together, while Kirk Hammett and Jason Newsted contributed ideas. Newsted’s main riff for “My Friend of Misery” was originally intended for an instrumental track.