Which song opened Metallica’s The Black Album?

“Enter Sandman” opened Metallica’s The Black Album.

The song is both the album’s opening track and its lead single. It was released on July 29, 1991, two weeks before the album, and quickly became the record’s most recognizable introduction.

Its lyrics use childhood bedtime imagery and nightmares, while the music combines a memorable guitar riff with a steady, heavy groove. Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich wrote the music, while Hetfield wrote the lyrics.

The choice of opening track followed debate within the band. “Holier Than Thou” had initially been considered for the prominent position, but Lars Ulrich strongly supported “Enter Sandman.” The song ultimately became a defining example of the album’s accessible, groove-oriented approach and helped propel Metallica to worldwide popularity.