What was the second single released from Metallica’s 1991 album?

“The Unforgiven” was the second single released from Metallica’s 1991 album.

Elektra released the single on October 28, 1991, following “Enter Sandman.” The song is a power ballad built around a dramatic, melodic arrangement and lyrics about an individual struggling against forces that attempt to control or subjugate him.

James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Lars Ulrich composed the music, while Hetfield wrote the lyrics. The song’s broad dynamics helped demonstrate that The Black Album was not limited to fast thrash metal. It became a Top 40 hit in the United States and reached the Australian Top 10.

“The Unforgiven” later became the first entry in a trilogy. “The Unforgiven II” appeared on Reload, and “The Unforgiven III” appeared on Death Magnetic. Those titles are sequels, not alternate names for the original song, which is why the 1991 single remains specifically “The Unforgiven.”