Which Metallica song opened The Black Album and became its first single?

“Enter Sandman” opened The Black Album and became its first single.

Metallica released the single on July 29, 1991, two weeks before the album. The song became the record’s central introduction to radio audiences, combining a memorable guitar riff with lyrics about childhood fears and nightmares. It remains one of the band’s best-known songs.

The choice was not automatic. “Holier Than Thou” had initially been considered for the opening track and first single. Producer Bob Rock argued that the album contained several songs with broad appeal, while Lars Ulrich strongly favored “Enter Sandman.” The band ultimately made it both the opener and lead single.

The song reached number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Its music video was directed by Wayne Isham and received the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video in 1992.