“Holier Than Thou” was originally planned as the first single before Metallica chose “Enter Sandman.”
According to the album's development history, “Holier Than Thou” was initially slated to open the record and serve as its first single. Producer Bob Rock believed the album contained several songs with broad appeal, and the band debated which one should introduce the new material.
Lars Ulrich was particularly convinced that “Enter Sandman” was the stronger choice. The decision changed the running order as well as the promotional strategy: “Enter Sandman” became the opening track and lead single, while “Holier Than Thou” remained an album track.
The choice proved influential. “Enter Sandman” was released on July 29, 1991, and its video premiered the following day. “Holier Than Thou” did appear in promotional formats, including a work-in-progress version on an international “Enter Sandman” single, but it did not replace “Enter Sandman” as the album's official lead single.