Which song opens Metallica's 1991 album Metallica, known as The Black Album?

“Enter Sandman” opens Metallica's 1991 album Metallica, widely known as The Black Album. Its instantly recognizable guitar figure introduces the record before the rest of the band enters.

The song was the first Black Album composition written, although its lyrics were completed later than the music. Metallica recorded a demo of it on August 13, 1990, along with demos of “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Wherever I May Roam.” The band ultimately selected it as the album's lead single.

The song's lyrics use childhood nightmare imagery, including the Sandman figure from folklore and popular culture. Its concise structure and huge production helped make it a gateway song for listeners unfamiliar with Metallica's earlier thrash metal work. It remains one of the band's most frequently performed and recognized songs.