Which Metallica song was written first for the album later known as The Black Album?

“Enter Sandman” was the first song written for Metallica’s album later known as The Black Album.

The song began with a guitar riff by Kirk Hammett, inspired in part by Soundgarden’s 1989 album Louder Than Love. Lars Ulrich suggested a key rhythmic change that helped turn the initial idea into the song’s famous repeating figure. James Hetfield later wrote the lyrics and vocal melody.

Although it was written first, the lyrics came unusually late. The instrumental framework was developed quickly, but Hetfield was dissatisfied with the early words and rewrote them after discussions with Ulrich and Bob Rock. The final lyrics centered on childhood fears, nightmares, and the Sandman figure.

The track became the album’s opening song and first single. That role was not automatic: “Holier Than Thou” had initially been considered for the lead position. “Enter Sandman” ultimately defined the album’s more concise and accessible direction.