Which Metallica song was the first single released to promote The Black Album?

“Enter Sandman” was the first single released to promote Metallica's The Black Album.

The song was the first Black Album composition to be written, although its lyrics were completed last among the album's early demo songs. Its central imagery draws on childhood fears, sleep, dreams, and the Sandman figure, giving the track a dark theme while keeping its structure direct and memorable.

The single helped introduce Metallica's new sound to a much wider audience. Its heavy main riff, repeated vocal hook, and concise arrangement made it especially effective for radio and music television. The accompanying music video also gave many viewers their first exposure to the band.

The album produced five official commercial singles: “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Wherever I May Roam,” and “Sad but True.” “Don't Tread on Me” was sent to rock radio but was not released as a commercial single, an important distinction when counting the album's singles.