Enter Sandman was the first track released as a single from Metallica's 1991 album Metallica.
Elektra Records issued the single on July 29, 1991, ahead of the album's August 12 release. It served as the lead single and quickly became the record's most recognizable introduction to the public.
The song was written musically by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich, with Hetfield credited for the lyrics. Its theme draws on a child's nightmares and bedtime fears, while the heavy central riff gives the subject an ominous musical setting.
Enter Sandman was followed by other singles from the album, including The Unforgiven, Nothing Else Matters, Wherever I May Roam, and Sad but True. It peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was later certified multi-platinum in the United States. Its video, directed by Wayne Isham, became an important part of the song's early exposure.