“My Friend of Misery” was originally intended to be a bass-guitar instrumental on Metallica's The Black Album.
Bassist Jason Newsted wrote the song's main riff, and the band initially considered developing it as the instrumental that had appeared on each of Metallica's previous studio albums. That tradition began with “The Call of Ktulu” on Ride the Lightning, continued with “Orion” on Master of Puppets, and included “To Live Is to Die” on ...And Justice for All.
The idea changed during the Black Album sessions. Lyrics and vocals were added, turning “My Friend of Misery” into a full song rather than a purely instrumental showcase. Newsted's musical contribution nevertheless remains central to the track's identity.
Listeners sometimes confuse this history with the album's instrumentation more generally. The record contains prominent guitar, bass, and drums throughout; the distinctive fact is that this particular composition began as a planned bass-centered instrumental.