“Enter Sandman” was released as the lead single from Metallica, also known as The Black Album.
Elektra issued the single on July 29, 1991, shortly before the album’s August release. The song was the first album track to be written, although its lyrics were completed later than the music. Its memorable central riff and dream-related imagery made it an immediate entry point for new listeners.
“Enter Sandman” reached number 16 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. It became one of Metallica’s signature songs and a regular part of the band’s live performances.
The other major singles followed later. “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Wherever I May Roam,” and “Sad but True” all helped keep the album in the public eye. The music video for “Enter Sandman,” directed by Wayne Isham, won Best Rock Video at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards.