Which Metallica song was the band's first single from The Black Album?

“Enter Sandman” was Metallica's first single from The Black Album.

Elektra Records released it on July 29, 1991, ahead of the album's August 12 arrival. The single introduced the record's more focused, accessible sound and became one of Metallica's defining songs. It reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA.

The song's writing history has an unusual sequence: the music was developed first, but it was the last Black Album song to receive its lyrics. The main riff was credited to Kirk Hammett, with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich also credited as writers. Its subject centers on nightmares and childhood fears.

The remaining commercial singles were “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Wherever I May Roam,” and “Sad but True.” “Don't Tread on Me” received rock-radio promotion but was not released as a commercial single, another reason it should not be mistaken for the album's first single.