Which song opens Metallica’s 1991 album Metallica?

“Enter Sandman” opens Metallica’s 1991 album Metallica.

The song was the first piece written for the album and became its lead single. Kirk Hammett developed the central guitar riff, while James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich helped shape the music. Hetfield wrote lyrics centered on childhood nightmares and the Sandman figure.

Although the instrumental idea came together quickly, the lyrics took much longer. An early version of the lyric concept was darker, and producer Bob Rock and Ulrich encouraged Hetfield to rethink it. The final version became one of the band’s most recognizable songs.

The single was released on July 29, 1991, shortly before the album. It reached number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and helped introduce Metallica’s new, more accessible sound to a much wider audience.