What was Metallica's first single from the 1991 album Metallica?

“Enter Sandman” was the first single from Metallica's 1991 album Metallica, commonly called The Black Album.

Elektra Records released the single on July 29, 1991, two weeks before the album. The song became the record's opening track and its most recognizable introduction, built around a memorable guitar riff and lyrics concerning childhood nightmares.

The choice was not automatic. “Holier Than Thou” had initially been considered for the album's opening position and first single. Drummer Lars Ulrich strongly supported “Enter Sandman,” however, and eventually convinced the rest of the band that it should lead the campaign.

The single reached number 16 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Metallica later issued four more singles from the album: “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Wherever I May Roam” and “Sad but True.”