Which Metallica ballad became the eighth track on The Black Album?

“Nothing Else Matters” is the ballad that became the eighth track on The Black Album.

James Hetfield wrote the song while on tour, initially treating it as a private piece rather than a Metallica release. The lyrics grew from feelings of separation and connection, and the arrangement uses clean guitar arpeggios, orchestral color, and a restrained vocal performance instead of the band’s usual aggressive attack.

The song’s inclusion demonstrated how far Metallica’s songwriting had expanded. It became one of the band’s most widely known songs and introduced the group to listeners who might not normally choose heavy metal. Its success also made it a regular feature of Metallica’s live performances.

“Nothing Else Matters” is often confused with “The Unforgiven,” another slower Black Album song. The two tracks are different compositions, and “Nothing Else Matters” occupies track eight on the original sequence.