“Enter Sandman” peaked at number 16 on the United States Billboard Hot 100.
The song was released as Metallica's lead single on July 29, 1991, ahead of the self-titled album. A number-16 peak on the all-genre Hot 100 was a major crossover achievement for a heavy-metal band, especially at a time when Metallica was expanding beyond its underground audience.
Its impact was not limited to the singles chart. “Enter Sandman” became a staple of rock radio and live performances, while its video received heavy rotation on music television. The song's commercial visibility helped make The Black Album a global phenomenon.
The track also earned platinum certification from the RIAA. Its chart position is sometimes confused with the results of other Black Album singles, such as “Nothing Else Matters,” which reached number six on the UK Singles Chart.