Which song was Metallica's first composition for The Black Album?

“Enter Sandman” was the first song Metallica wrote for The Black Album.

The song developed from a guitar riff by Kirk Hammett, inspired in part by Soundgarden's 1989 album Louder Than Love. Lars Ulrich suggested a structural change to the riff, and James Hetfield later completed the vocal melody and lyrics. An instrumental demo was recorded on August 13, 1990.

Although the music came together early, the lyrics were among the last written for the album. Hetfield changed the song's direction, using childhood bedtime imagery and nightmares rather than simply matching its catchy, commercial sound. That contrast became one of the track's defining features.

“Enter Sandman” was eventually chosen as the opening track and lead single, despite “Holier Than Thou” initially being considered for that role. It was released on July 29, 1991, and became the album's most recognizable introduction.