Soundgarden inspired Kirk Hammett’s main guitar riff for Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”
Hammett developed the riff after being influenced by Soundgarden’s 1989 album Louder Than Love. The idea began as a short two-bar figure, but Lars Ulrich suggested a different repetition pattern that made the riff more distinctive and memorable.
The instrumental structure came together quickly, while the lyrics took longer. James Hetfield initially resisted the song’s catchy, commercial feel and eventually wrote darker lyrics about nightmares, family fears, and the Sandman character associated with sleep.
The result became the first song written for the album and its lead single. Its massive production, repeated central riff, and accessible arrangement helped introduce Metallica to listeners who were unfamiliar with the band’s earlier thrash-metal work.