Which Metallica track was promoted to rock radio but not released as a commercial single?

“Don’t Tread on Me” was promoted to rock radio but not released as a commercial single.

The song appears on Metallica between “Wherever I May Roam” and “Through the Never.” Its title refers to the Gadsden flag and its well-known rattlesnake imagery, while the lyrics express a defensive view of national independence and military strength.

The album’s commercial single campaign centered on five other songs: “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Wherever I May Roam” and “Sad but True.” Those releases received greater emphasis in the band’s mainstream promotion, and several were supported by heavily played music videos.

Because “Don’t Tread on Me” was sent to rock radio, it is sometimes incorrectly counted among Metallica’s five commercial singles. Radio promotion and a retail single release are different forms of distribution, which explains the distinction.

The song remains notable as a deep album cut from a record whose individual tracks became widely familiar. Its placement also contributes to the album’s balanced progression from major hits to less frequently promoted material.