“Enter Sandman” opens Metallica's 1991 album, The Black Album, and became its lead single.
The single was released on July 29, 1991, two weeks before the album. Its central subject is childhood nightmares, drawing on the Sandman figure from Western folklore and combining bedtime imagery with threatening scenes. The song's accessible, heavy groove made it an effective introduction to the band's new direction.
The opening-track decision followed a disagreement within the group. “Holier Than Thou” had initially been considered for both the opening position and the first single. Producer Bob Rock favored that song, while Lars Ulrich strongly supported “Enter Sandman.” The latter ultimately won out and became one of Metallica's signature songs. It reached number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and its music video won Best Hard Rock Video at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards.