What song opens Metallica’s 1991 album and served as its lead single?

“Enter Sandman” opens Metallica’s 1991 album and served as its lead single.

The song was released as a single on July 29, 1991, shortly before the album arrived. Its heavy central riff, memorable chorus, and lyrics about childhood nightmares made it an immediate entry point for new listeners. It remains one of Metallica’s most recognizable songs.

The music was written by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich, while Hetfield wrote the lyrics. The song’s subject combines familiar bedtime imagery with darker themes, including fear, dreams, and vulnerability. That contrast helped give it broad appeal without abandoning the band’s intensity.

“Enter Sandman” reached number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its promotional video, directed by Wayne Isham, premiered on July 30, 1991, and later won a major MTV Video Music Award. The track has also remained a regular part of Metallica’s live performances.