Which Metallica song on The Black Album does not feature lead guitarist Kirk Hammett?

Nothing Else Matters is the Metallica song on The Black Album that does not feature lead guitarist Kirk Hammett.

James Hetfield wrote the song in 1990 while touring and initially treated it as a private piece rather than a Metallica composition. After Lars Ulrich heard it, the band developed it for the album. Hetfield performs the guitar solo on the studio recording, making the track unusual within Metallica's catalog.

Hammett does appear in the music video and performs the song live, which can cause confusion about the original recording. The studio version also includes orchestral work arranged by Michael Kamen and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Released as the album's third single on April 20, 1992, Nothing Else Matters became one of Metallica's signature ballads. It reached number six on the UK Singles Chart and remains a regular part of the band's live repertoire.