“Enter Sandman” is the lead single from Metallica's 1991 album Metallica, known as The Black Album.
The song was released on July 29, 1991, shortly before the album. Its central riff originated with Kirk Hammett, while James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich helped develop the arrangement. Hetfield wrote lyrics focused on childhood fears, nightmares, and the Sandman figure, giving the song a memorable contrast between an ominous subject and a highly accessible structure.
“Enter Sandman” became the album's best-known entry point for many new listeners. It reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received heavy radio and music-video exposure. Its Wayne Isham-directed video later won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video in 1992.
The song is often mistakenly treated as the album's title track, but Metallica contains no song called “The Black Album.” The nickname refers to the cover design, while “Enter Sandman” is the opening track and lead single.