When was Metallica's lead single, “Enter Sandman,” released before The Black Album?

Metallica's lead single, “Enter Sandman,” was released on July 29, 1991, before The Black Album.

The single served as the public introduction to Metallica's fifth studio album. Its central guitar riff, memorable chorus, and unsettling bedtime imagery made it one of the band's most recognizable songs. The full album followed on August 12, 1991, less than two weeks later.

“Enter Sandman” was the first song written for the album, although it was the last to receive its lyrics. Kirk Hammett brought an early guitar-riff idea, and James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich helped develop the arrangement. The song's subject draws on childhood fears and the rituals surrounding sleep.

The single reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a major rock-radio hit. Its music video also received heavy MTV exposure. The July release date is therefore separate from the album's August release date and from later anniversary reissues.