Which Metallica song was originally intended to be an instrumental during the making of The Black Album?

“My Friend of Misery” was originally intended to be an instrumental during the making of Metallica, commonly known as The Black Album.

Bassist Jason Newsted wrote the song's main riff, and the idea began as a possible instrumental. It became a vocal track during the writing and arranging process, giving the album a darker, more reflective closing piece rather than another wordless performance.

The song is also notable because Metallica's earlier studio albums had each included an instrumental. On the 1991 record, that tradition was considered but ultimately abandoned as the band developed the material. “My Friend of Misery” retained some of the spacious, brooding character associated with an instrumental while featuring lyrics and lead vocals.

Its writing history illustrates how the album's final form evolved in the studio. Although James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich wrote most of the songs and lyrics, ideas from Kirk Hammett and Newsted also shaped important sections of the record.