Which Metallica song on The Black Album was originally developed from Jason Newsted’s instrumental idea?

“My Friend of Misery” was developed from Jason Newsted’s instrumental idea for Metallica’s The Black Album.

Newsted had written an instrumental bass piece that the band considered during the album’s development. The final song retained the idea’s bass-centered character while James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich helped shape the completed arrangement and lyrics. It became the penultimate track on the original album.

The song stands out for its darker, more spacious mood. Its arrangement gives the bass an especially noticeable role, although it ultimately became a full band composition rather than a standalone instrumental. This history is one reason the track is frequently discussed when fans examine Newsted’s creative contribution to Metallica.

The song should not be confused with “The God That Failed,” which also has a serious, reflective subject but arose from a different writing story. “My Friend of Misery” was not issued as one of the album’s commercial singles, yet it has remained an important deep cut from the record.