Which song was released as the third commercial single from Metallica’s The Black Album?

The story behind the answer

“Nothing Else Matters” was released as the third commercial single from Metallica’s The Black Album.

The single came out on April 20, 1992, after “Enter Sandman” and “The Unforgiven.” It presented a more reflective side of Metallica, built around an arpeggiated guitar introduction, melodic singing, and orchestral arrangement. The song became one of the band’s best-known ballads and a staple of its live performances.

James Hetfield wrote the song in 1990 while Metallica was touring. He initially treated it as a personal piece and did not intend it for the band, but drummer Lars Ulrich heard it and encouraged its development. The songwriting credit went to Hetfield and Ulrich.

Kirk Hammett does not play on the studio recording, making the track unusual within Metallica’s catalog. Hetfield performed the guitar solo, while Michael Kamen wrote the orchestral arrangements. The song reached number six on the UK Singles Chart and became a major international success.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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