What was the release date of Metallica's The Black Album lead single?

The lead single from Metallica's The Black Album, “Enter Sandman,” was released on July 29, 1991. It arrived before the album's August 12 release date and served as the public introduction to the new record.

The single presented a more streamlined and heavily produced sound than many listeners expected from Metallica after ...And Justice for All. Its memorable guitar riff, compact arrangement, and radio-friendly structure made it an immediate centerpiece of the album campaign.

“Enter Sandman” reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. Its promotional video also became a major music-television success and won a 1992 MTV Video Music Award.

The dates of the single and album are often mixed up because they were released only about two weeks apart. The single came first; the full album followed on August 12.