Which Metallica song was written first during the creation of The Black Album?

“Enter Sandman” was the first song written during the creation of Metallica’s The Black Album.

The song began with a guitar riff by Kirk Hammett, after which James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich helped develop the arrangement. Although it was written first, it was the last song on the album to receive its lyrics. That unusual sequence is one reason the track’s development is often discussed in accounts of the recording sessions.

“Enter Sandman” was also released as the album’s lead single, appearing on July 29, 1991. It reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Metallica’s signature songs.

The song’s lyrics use childhood bedtime imagery, including the Sandman figure, while introducing darker themes. Its concise structure and instantly recognizable opening riff helped signal the album’s move toward a more streamlined sound. The music video further expanded the song’s visibility through heavy rotation on MTV.