Which Metallica song began as an intended instrumental before becoming a vocal track on The Black Album?

“My Friend of Misery” began as an intended instrumental before becoming a vocal track on Metallica's The Black Album. Jason Newsted wrote its main riff, and the idea was initially connected to the instrumental tradition found on the band's earlier albums.

James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich later developed the piece into a complete song with lyrics and vocals. The final recording therefore combines Newsted's bass-oriented musical idea with the songwriting approach that dominated the album's sessions.

The track is significant because every previous Metallica studio album had included an instrumental. The Black Album broke that pattern, and “My Friend of Misery” became the closest equivalent while remaining a vocal song.

It is sometimes mistakenly described as a fully independent Newsted composition. The recorded song credits James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Jason Newsted, reflecting the way the original riff was expanded into the finished arrangement.